Up North Dispatch: A mini-Netherlands in the Northland and Bookstore’s new home
Good afternoon, Northland!
I’m Jenna Ebbers, back with your roundup of the biggest Northland stories from the past week.
Today, we’re diving into how even thousands of miles from the Netherlands, a native found a slice of home in the orange wave that’s taken over a Northland bar.
Sitting inside the American Legion-run Alley Bar decked out in Dutch orange and watching a FIFA World Cup match on the big screen, Frank Everink was more than 4,500 miles from home.
But he didn’t feel as if he was in downtown Parkville; It felt as if he was back in the Netherlands.
From the orange tarps covering the outside of the bar to the orange flags hanging across the ceiling and even the patrons donning orange outfits, everything perfectly replicated how they celebrate big soccer matches back home.
“It’s amazing, really. Just being in another country and having a bar like this is crazy,” he told me. See it for yourself here.
📣 Spread the word! If you enjoy this newsletter, forward it to another Northlander in your life. If it was forwarded to you, here’s where to sign up for this free newsletter.
What’s new in the Northland?
📖 Specializing in vintage and hard-to-find books, a family-owned bookstore that has been operating in Kansas City for decades has moved farther north.
⚽ From his signature facial hair to the Argentina kit, the animatronic version of star forward Lionel Messi built by NKC students was hilariously — and impressively — accurate.
🏚️ A proposed housing development in Platte County has stirred up controversy, with residents raising concerns about wildlife and trees, and a commissioner’s potential conflict of interest.
🍎 World Fresh Market is headed up north, bringing in a wide variety of global flavors, from jumbo squid to frozen pizzas. Check out what Northlanders can expect to find while strolling the aisles.
🎉 Kansas Citians can start the Fourth of July fun early at the Morton Amphitheater on Friday, packing four events, including a World Cup watch party, into one free, family-friendly night.
My favorite reads
✈️ Before the World Cup, concessions officials at KCI worried they wouldn’t see the anticipated traffic. Now, they say KC is the “soccer capital of the USA.” Eric Adler has the details.
🥔 Union Station got a visit from a 4-ton piece of produce Friday: A “tater-ly awesome” giant spud intended to raise awareness, food and funds for local charities. Zuri Primos has the story.
Looking for more?
• Explore our full newsletter lineup for updates on your favorite topics, including Chiefs news, restaurant happenings and political analysis.
• To see what we’re up to, follow The Star on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Threads and Bluesky.
• Download the Star app on iOS or Android to get breaking news alerts.
• Support our local journalists with a subscription.
That’s all for now. See you next week!
