The Meadowbrook Park Festival, organized by The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, returns for its fifth year on June 5. This free event in Prairie Village highlights the growth of the JCPRD Public Art Program, showcasing new initiatives such as Celebration Flags, the Passport to Public Art, and the Public Art Coloring Book.
Art and Community
Festival attendees can explore the park’s Great Lawn at 9101 Nall Ave., where artists, makers, and food trucks will gather. The festival began in 2022 to celebrate the JCPRD Public Art Program, which enhances the beauty of local parks. The iconic 12-foot sunflower-inspired sculpture, ‘Gateway’ by Amie Jacobsen, remains a focal point of the event.
Lisa Eagle, a representative of the Foundation, expressed excitement over the program’s expansion since its inception in 2019. The new Celebration Flag collection, designed by ten regional artists, will be partially displayed at the festival, with the remainder at the Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park during the Johnson County Watch Party.
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival offers numerous activities for families, including a kids’ tent sponsored by Academy Bank, featuring a Mad Science presentation and a musical performance by Mr. Stinky Feet & the Hi-Tops. Local business vendors will provide additional family activities, and the popular KC Bubble Parties will return, sponsored by Honey Bee Pediatric Dental.
Music lovers can enjoy performances by acoustic artist Kurt Caldwell and headliner The Vincents, a high-energy band known for their acrobatic stage antics. The Fine Arts program will host an art activity, encouraging festival-goers to create butterfly puppets and take selfies with the ‘Gateway’ sculpture.
Supporting Public Art
Funds raised during the festival will support JCPRD’s Public Art Program. Visitors can contribute by purchasing items such as the Public Art Coloring Book, available for a $5 donation. The festival also features about 40 artists and makers, local food trucks, and a variety of refreshments.
Parking is available at Meadowbrook Park and nearby churches, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. For more information, visit JCPRD.com/1934/Meadowbrook-Park-Festival.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
