New Eagle Scouts honored in KCK

Recent Troop 5 Eagle Scout honorees posed together after the ceremony. (Photo courtesy Boy Scout Troop 5) left to right: Lewis Spangler, Brett Nichols, Jared Turrel, Blake Best, Max Schumaker

by Brian Turrel

Brett Nichols and Lewis Spangler, of Edwardsville, and Maxwell Schumaker, of Kansas City, Kan., received the Eagle Scout award at a ceremony at Trinity Community Church on Monday night. A crowd of parents, friends, and other Scouts attended the ceremony and reception that followed.

The Eagle Scout award is Boy Scouts’ highest award. It is given upon completion of extensive requirements of skills, service, and leadership, and takes dedicated work over a period of years.

As part of earning the award, each Scout planned and led a service project to benefit the community.

Brett Nichols led a project to improve the landscaping in the training area at Paws for Freedom, located in Tonganoxie, Kan. Paws for Freedom trains puppies to become service dogs to assist the disabled.

Lewis Spangler organized a campaign to collect toiletry supplies for Giving the Basics, an organization that provides assistance for children and families in need. Lewis’s campaign collected over seven thousand toiletry items.

Maxwell Schumaker led a team that repaired a retaining wall, planted flowers, and improved other landscaping at Trinity Community Church, Troop 5’s sponsoring organization.

Boy Scout Troop 5 meets at Trinity Community Church at 5010 Parallel Parkway, and is one of the oldest Scouting units in the Kansas City area.

Eagle Scout award recipient Max Schumaker received congratulations from his parents, Ronald and Janie Schumaker. (Photo courtesy Boy Scout Troop 5)
Lewis Spangler received his Eagle award ribbon from his mother, Mary Spangler. (Photo courtesy Boy Scout Troop 5)
After the ceremony, Eagle Scout award recipient Brett Nichols posed with his parents Paul and Pauline Nichols and sister Morgan Nichols. (Photo courtesy Boy Scout Troop 5)

Renaissance Festival continues through next week

Knights participated in a joust Sunday at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. The festival continues today, Columbus Day, in Bonner Springs. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival took place this weekend on the grounds near the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, 126th and State Avenue, in Bonner Springs, Kan. The festival continues Monday, Oct. 9.

The festival is held on weekends. Next weekend will be the finale for the year. For more information about hours, visit http://www.kcrenfest.com/.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Tricks of the Light performed a fire show outside the gates as the festival closed for the day. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bob the Incredible Juggler juggled four clubs in response to a request from an old friend in the audience. (Photo copyright 2017 by Peter R. Turrel)
Stephanie Williams, drummer for rock group Katy Guillen & The Girls, winced as Bob used a whip to snap a stick she held in her teeth. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Knights showed off their jousting skills before the contest. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Knights showed off their jousting skills before the contest. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Knights participated in a joust. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
This contestant rang the bell in the test of strength. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Silver City Day celebrated in Argentine

Taqueria 7 Leguas sponsored a float and a group of riders on horseback with traditional Mexican apparel. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Argentine area of Kansas City, Kan., celebrated Silver City Day Saturday, with a parade and festival.

The parade started at 42nd and Strong Avenue and proceeded east to 28th Street, near Emerson Park. The park was also the site of several booths selling traditional Mexican food, along with others selling crafts and toys. A stage was set up at the north end of the park, and musical acts played throughout the afternoon.

Marching bands from all five Kansas City, Kansas, district high schools participated in the parade, and they stayed at the park after the parade to play a round of songs in what was called a “Showcase of the Bands.” Schlagle High School won the trophy for best marching band.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Members of the Schlagle Auxiliary posed with the trophy awarded to the best marching band. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Schlagle cheerleaders marched in the parade. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Sumner Academy marching band played. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Sumner Academy marching band played. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Harmon High School marching band played. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Harmon High School drill team performed along with the band. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Washington High School marching band and dance team performed. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Wyandotte High School cheerleaders marched in the parade. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Wyandotte High School marching band performed. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Wyandotte High School dance team performed with band in Emerson Park. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Taqueria 7 Leguas sponsored several riders on horseback, many with traditional Mexican apparel. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Taqueria 7 Leguas sponsored several riders on horseback, many with traditional Mexican apparel. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Taqueria 7 Leguas sponsored several riders on horseback, many with traditional Mexican apparel. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The tacos asada were one of many traditional Mexican favorites available at the food booths. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The KCK schools’ Mariachi Ensemble performed on stage at Emerson Park. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The KCK schools’ Mariachi Ensemble performed on stage at Emerson Park. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Schlagle marching band director Reginald May held the trophy awarded for the best marching band in the parade. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)