Upcoming Johnson County events offer free trees, safety tips, concerts & more
The first hints of autumn are starting to creep in, despite the still-sweltering temperatures.
While your rake and leaf blowers might be in your garage for several more weeks, the cities of Mission and Merriam are among the Johnson County cities now offering fall deals on trees and tree planting.
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. And sign up for the weekly newsletter to get more JoCo news delivered right to your inbox.
Johnson County: Healthy living tips
The 50 Plus Live Well Age Well Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park. The event will include vendors, presentations demonstrations, and games.
Gardner: Cornhole registration
Ready to toss some bags? Teams of two adults can join cornhole competitions on Wednesday nights at Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., starting Sept. 10. Over six weeks, each team plays two to three matches per evening, with 12 matches guaranteed. The season wraps up with a tournament and awards. $50 a team.
Registration deadline is Sept. 1
Lenexa: Family fun with first responders
Meet the community heroes from the Lenexa Police and Fire departments at Family Fun Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume while touring the inside of a police car or fire truck, watch demos and play yard games.
Mission: Get discounted trees
Various species of trees are available for purchase at a discount to residents. Species choice will be first come, first served by reservation. Also, residents can give a donation to the city to cover the cost of installing and maintaining a tree in a park. Donors will receive a certificate and a map of the tree’s location within the park.
Merriam: Pick your free tree
The City of Merriam is planting up to 160 new trees this year in partnership with Heartland Tree Alliance. The trees and planting of trees are free to residents.
Residents may choose from Yellowwood, American Linden, River Birch, Red Oak, or Bald Cypress. Options are first come, first served. Planting begins in mid-September.
Olathe: Homeschool Days at Mahaffie
Fall Homeschool Days will take place at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Road, on Aug. 28 and 29. Registration is available online and this year’s theme is House Construction in honor of the Mahaffie home’s 160th anniversary. The cost is $7 per student; one adult is admitted free with each paid child. Information:
Overland Park: Safety day at farmstead
Saturday, Aug 23, will be Safety Day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road. The free event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can interact and learn from members of emergency services, hospitals and safety organizations. Kids can hop aboard a fire truck, check out a police cruiser and meet local emergency heroes. There will be information on various subjects including poison control and water safety. There also will be a drive-thru child car seat check. Information:
Roeland Park: Free concert
A free summer concert by Miss Major & Her Minor Mood Swings will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday Aug. 23 at R Park, 5535 Juniper Drive. Refreshments will be available at 6 p.m. and will include beer, grilled hot dogs, chips, sno-cones and a bake sale. Donations by cash or Venmo preferred. Proceeds benefit Holiday Kindness Project.
Shawnee: Get your BBQ tongs ready
Registration is open for Shawnee Town 1929’s Great Grillers Barbecue competition on Sept. 26 and 27.