How to get involved in your Johnson County community: Tours, tastings, chalk art

From Olathe to Prairie Village, there are many ways to get involved in your Johnson County community as the summer winds down.

You can take on a challenge course, learn about your city government, draw some Olathe-inspired chalk art or even take on waste patrol during an upcoming event. And we’ve got the details on all of those upcoming opportunities.

Each week, as part of our Johnson County News coverage and weekly newsletter, we share news, tips, events and community resources for several cities across Johnson County.

Have an event in your community you want to share? Submit it for free to our community calendar.

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Johnson County

Go behind the scenes of county operations

Wanting to learn more about Johnson County? Applications are being accepted through Aug. 15 for the JoCo Academy. The academy offers county residents and employees behind the scene tours, presentations and conversations with county staff and elected officials. Space is limited.

JoCo Academy will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays., with dinner included, starting Aug. 26. The session will last 10 weeks, which includes graduation on Oct. 28.

Mental health fundraiser coming up

Tickets are available for The Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center’s fourth annual Shine a Light fundraiser. Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets are available for the event, which will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at The Lodge at Ironwoods, 14701 Mission Road.

Leawood

Climbing course registration open

Sign up for the Ironwoods Challenge Course to be held Aug. 16 and 17 at 14701 Mission Road. Summit Saturday will be open for friends, families and solo adventurers on Aug. 16. Beginners start between 10 a.m. and noon. Experienced climbers noon to 2 p.m.

Silver Summits will be held in conjunction with National Senior Citizens Day for climbs on a 50-foot climbing tower between 10 a.m. and noon Aug. 17.

Local tasting experience tickets go on sale

Tickets are available for the Taste of Leawood, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 13 at Park Place, 11549 Ash St. A variety of restaurants will be participating.

General admission is $100 and includes access to a live band, a photo bus, unlimited street food tastings, three street drinks, and a souvenir wine glass. VIP tickets are $150 and includes all the general admission perks plus valet parking, a wine and chocolate tasting at Panache Chocolatier, and a signature cocktail at Outta the Blue Cafe.

Merriam

Free car show this weekend

Classic cars will be featured at Cruise Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive. All show-quality models are welcome at this free event. There will be live music and food available for purchase.

Mission

Back to school event at farmers market

Mission Market will hold a Back-to-School Bash from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, during the farmers market at 5635 Johnson Drive. There will be kids’ activities and a special book giveaway.

Olathe

Free waste drop off open to all

There will be a household hazardous waste drop-off event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Household Hazardous Waste facility, 1420 S. Robinson Drive. No appointment is needed.

Overland Park

‘Shape Your City’ in chalk

Chalk the Walk, a citywide art contest, is being held this month. This year’s theme is “Shape Your City,” with residents being encouraged to illustrate the city’s new brand essence. Chalk in front of your home, in your neighborhood or school.

Submit your artwork for best use of the theme or in two different youth age groups. Winners in each category win a set of passes to an Overland Park attraction of their choice. Submit photos of chalk creation through Aug. 11. Voting opens Aug. 12 and runs through noon on Aug. 15.

Prairie Village

Environmental volunteers needed at JazzFest

The city’s Environmental Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with event composting at JazzFest on Sept. 9. Volunteers will be posted near each of the sanitation stations to help attendees determine what goes into the compost bin and what should be recycled or discarded.

Roeland Park

City collecting school supplies

Donations of school supplies are being collected through Aug. 31 at City Hall, 4600 W. 51st St., and the Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive. Among the needed items: Notebooks, pencils and crayons, backpacks, glue and markers.

This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM.