By David Slater, Executive Director
Fun Weekend: There is so much happening in Clay County this weekend and your EDC wants you to consider taking a little time and exploring our County. Concerts, movies and BBQs are happening in most of our cities this week. You can even run or walk a 5K or visit a farmers’ market. We encourage you to take a trip to someplace new. If school has not started, it will soon. As always, event listings are listed below. Enjoy.
The Royals: Your EDC and other Northland and regional leaders were invited by the Royals to the Urban Youth Academy near the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Wednesday. Royals majority owner John Sherman invited Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to have a discussion with him moderated by Bob Kendrick, President of the NLBM. While the discussion was lively, it did not touch much on the decision for the new stadium location. The large contingent from the Northland spoke volumes to those in the room.
County Commission Meetings Moved: The Clay County Commission has moved their meetings to Thursday evenings at 6:00PM. You can always find their agendas and the ability to watch the meetings live right here.
Attention Seniors: Not the class of 2024 but those of us with a little history. North Kansas City Hospital-Meritas Health has a free class for us. Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Elders is a five-month resource for Clay and Platte seniors that allows us to stay in our homes longer. Read more information here.
Weekend Day Trips in Clay: This week lets visit the Historic Pharis Farmlocated just east of Liberty at 20611 EE Hwy Liberty, MO. Learn about the history of the farm, its establishment in 1842 by Daniel Bell, construction of the home, purchase of the land by Donald Pharis in 1927, Mr. Pharis’ efforts to raise awareness about soil and water conservation, his reconstruction of a log cabin, and its use by Donald and his wife Laura in educating children about farming practices of the past. He was the first farmer in Clay County to terrace his fields. He was a founding member of the Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District and assisted farmers throughout the Midwest. Only open during events, special occasions and scheduled tours. Call 816-736-8500 for more information.
Coffee Connect: This Wednesday we are going to see Amy and Don Jalbert of Exhibit Associates who want to help you build your brand through trade shows and other corporate functions. We’ll be meeting at their shop at 1540 Atlantic in North Kansas City. Networking begins at 7:45 with the presentation at 8.
Things To Do in Clay: Your EDC’s Friday Facts is your go-to read to see what is happening in our County.
Tonight: North Kansas City’s Movie in the Park Aug 18th 8:30PM featuring The Super Mario Brothers
Tonight: Gladstone’s Linden Square presents Boogie Nights August 18th 7PM
This Weekend: Excelsior Springs BBQ Fly-In on the River Aug 18 4-11PM & 19th 8AM-4PM downtown
Tomorrow: Kearney Amphitheater presents The Phil Collins Experience Aug 19th at 7:30PM
Tomorrow: Excelsior Springs Chamber’s Third Saturday Wine Tours August 19th 10:30-5
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson’sRestoration Run Aug 19th 8AM
Tomorrow: Smithville’s Hot Summer Nights Aug 19th – Chris Cagle, Dolewhite & Hudson Drive at Courtyard Park
Tomorrow: Gladstone’s Linden Square presents The Elders August 19th 7PM
Tomorrow: Screenland Armour Theatre’s outdoor movie this Saturday is School of Rock
Smithville’s Hot Summer Nights Aug 26th featuring Casi Joy at Courtyard Park
Gladstone’s Linden Square presents Vigil AnnieAugust 25th 7PM
Smithville Education Foundation’s presents the Green Tie Gala Aug 26th 7-10PM at The First Creek Farm
Briarcliff Business Partner Alliance’s Briarfest Sept 8-9 At Macken Park with music, food, brews and fun
Smithville’s Community in Action 5K Sep 9th at 8:30AM in Downtown Smithville
Gladstone’s Linden Square presents Fiesta on the Square Sep 9th
Gladstone’s Big Shoal Farm’s Pumpkin Field Festival Sep 16th 10AM-3PM
Gladstone’s Atkins-Johnson’s Farm presents Pickin’ On the Front Porch Bluegrass Concert Aug 19th 7PM
Liberty’s Fall Festival Sep 22-24 on the Historic Downtown Liberty Square
Smithville’s Backyard BBQ Bash Sep 23 9AM-5PM in downtown Smithville
Kearney’s Harvest Gala Sep 28th 6-9PM at the Tobacco Barn Farm
Visit Clay New Website: Clay County’s Tourism and Marketing Coordinator Megan Sahlfeld has updated the Visit Clay website. Find things to do, places to stay and what’s new. If your event is not listed contact Megan at msahlfeld@claycountymo.gov. You can also follow on Facebook.
Click on the high school of your choice to see their calendar of events. Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Smithville, Liberty,Liberty North, North Kansas City, Winnetonka, Oak Park, Staley, St. Pius, Northland Christian and Platte County R-3 (yes, part of their district is in Clay County).
Farmers’ Markets: It’s that time of the year when the farmers’ markets start popping up. Here are the ones your EDC found in Clay County. Kearney, Lawson, Smithville, Gladstone, Liberty, Downtown Liberty and Excelsior Springs. Simply click on the location for more information.
Clay County Visitors’ Guide: Our friends at the Courier Tribune created a Guide to Clay County for visitors and locals alike. If you are a subscriber and already got this then great. If not, here is a linkto some super cool things to do right here.
Our Mid-Continent Public Libraries offer many classes including the Square Onecourses on how to operate a business. The website offers many opportunities, both virtual and in-person.
Did you know that your EDC provides small business loans through our partnership with Midwest Small Business Financing? We want to put your business into buildings and purchase the required fixed assets. Our rates include the Small Business Administration fees and are currently 6.506% for ten years, 6.410% for 20 years and 6.320% for 25 years. Please contact us with any questions. You can read about upcoming SBA trainings and get more information about the SBA’s Resource Partner Training here.
The Northland Education and Business Alliance now has its own YouTube channel. This organization just continues to grow and get things right and your EDC is proud to be a part of it. Feel free to view the dozens of videos of various career opportunities right here in Clay County.
Your CCEDC is on the move. Click to join a committee, or to invest with us.
David Slater, Executive Director davids@clayedc.com
7001 N. Locust, Suite B101 – Gladstone MO 64118 – (816)468-4989
