Blue Moose Truck.jpg — Blue Moose will introduce the community to their menu items at the South KC Block Party on Saturday.

Party at Red Bridge Shopping Center is longtime coming

By Kathy Feist

Much excitement is being generated for the upcoming South KC Block Party at the Red Bridge Shopping Center. Afterall, only two years ago the surrounding community was in despair over the dilapidated shopping strip with only 40% occupancy. But with its stunning revival constructed by Lane4 Properties and the announcement of new tenants, a celebration has been a long time coming.

The Block Party will be Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local entertainment, a carnival, crafts, vendors, food trucks, and even a children’s parade will be featured.

KCMO Tactical Force.jpg — KCMO Tactical Force Team will be on hand from

There will be special appearances by the Kansas City Zoomobile, Fire Department, and Police Tactical Force Team.

Wonderscope, a children’s museum that will soon be relocating to Red Bridge Shopping Center, will provide scheduled activities for the children.

The Red Bridge Mid-Continent Library will sponsor chocolate ganache classes with Chef Tito.

Minor Park Golf Course will give beginners golf demonstrations.

Crafts will include leather work, face painting, pumpkin painting and more. Tenants will also host activities outside their stores.

“We’ve had a great response from the community,” says Vickie Wolgast, President of the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce which is organizing the event. “Everybody is really excited about a festival at Red Bridge. It adds to the excitement of all the new businesses coming here.”

Smokin Gringo.jpg — Food will be everywhere, outdoors and indoors. This is from Smokin’ Gringo’s BBQ.

The food trucks include a local business Smokin’ Gringo’s BBQ and Blue Moose, a local restaurant franchise that will be moving into the shopping center. Because both waived crowd guarantee fees, Wolgast says she feels an obligation to their generosity. Nevertheless, other food demonstrations will be conducted by the library’s chocolate mobile and Euston Hardware’s grill master. Smoked sausages and hot dogs will be grilled outside Sun Fresh Market.

Fox 4’s John Holt and Melissa Stern will host the the Premier Mazda Entertainment stage that will be set up at the northeast side of the center. The fire and police appearances will be on the northwest side. A carnival sponsored by the Martin City Telegraph will run the stretch of the west end of the center. Food trucks and various demonstrations will be on the south end. And craft and vendor booths will be strung around the entire strip’s sidewalks.