Get into the holiday spirit with JoCo events: Wreath-making, tree-lighting & more
It’s beginning to get festive in Johnson County this week. Holiday trees are being lit in Leawood and Shawnee, sipping and shopping is happening in Merriam, wreath-making is on the docket in Mission and the All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum is getting decked out for the holidays.
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.
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Cook on a campfire
An Outdoor Cooking — Over the Fire class will be hosted in Leawood from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Prairie Oak Nature Center, 14701 Mission Road. In the hands-on class, participants will master the art of fire safety, fire building and campfire cooking basics. It’s for ages 10 and up, and the cost is $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents.
Kick off the holiday season
The Mayor’s Holiday Lighting in Leawood is at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive. Kick off the holiday season with Mayor Marc Elkins and Leawood’s City Council. Light refreshments and caroling will be provided.
Go to storytime with a librarian
Storytime with a Lenexa City Center librarian at Family Night is being held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane.
See art from veterans
The Places of Peace exhibit is on display through Nov. 30 at the Lenexa City Hall Art Gallery, 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway. Featuring the work of several military veterans, the show celebrates the unique journeys of each artist. Their work spans a wide range of media — from wood sculptures and found-object art to painting, photography, colored pencil and drawing.
Sip & shop for the holidays
Sip, Shop, and Be Merry in Merriam: Sip drinks while shopping handmade wares from local artisans from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St. Attendees who are 21 and older can purchase two drink tickets for $5.
Read to a pet
R.E.A.D. to a Pet from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at the Merriam Plaza Library, 6120 Slater. Kids can read to a registered therapy dog or cat alongside their owner/handlers.
Make a winter wreath
There’s a Winter Wreath hands-on floral arranging class from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Powell Community Center. Guided by farmer-florist Kara Macy, the class costs $63.
Buy cheap books & DVDs
Friends of the Library Book Sale is offering adult, teen, and children’s books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl albums and audiobooks for $1 or less at the Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135th St. The sale in Olathe will be available to browse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 ; and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. There is a sack sale on Sunday: Purchase one sack to fill for $6, or purchase two sacks for $12 and get four sacks free.
Meet live owls
Registration is open for the TimberRidge Owl Prowl from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the TimberRidge Adventure Center, 12300 S. Homestead Lane. The family-friendly event includes a live owl presentation, followed by a guided hike to call for wild owls like the great horned, barred and screech owls. Hot cider will be served afterward. The event costs $14 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.
See a new Christmas exhibit
Home for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas is opening Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Johnson County Museum in Overland Park, 8788 Metcalf Ave. The All-Electric House will be decked out for the holidays from the museum’s collection. Visitors can stop by the Museum Store to purchase a miniature tinsel tree, mid-century inspired ornaments and retro holiday gifts. The exhibit on display through Jan. 3. Entrance to the special exhibit is included with regular admission to the museum, which is $6 for adults; $5 seniors, students, and military; $4 for children; and free for museum members.
Learn how to care for your bike
Maintain Your Ride, a free class from the Johnson County Library and BikeWalkKC, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. in Overland Park. Instructors will teach how to keep bikes in good working order with a few basic tools and some practical know-how.
Attend a night market
It’s Christkindl at the Moonlight Market in downtown Shawnee from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. Live performances, local vendors, a visit from Santa and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting are all on the docket.
Learn about WWI
Their Footsteps: A Lantern Walking Tour will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Shawnee Town, 11501 W. 57th St. Experience life in 1927 as townspeople share powerful stories about World War I veterans and their return home. After the tours, there will be hot cider and live music by a bonfire.