(The story has been updated to reflect a correction on the parade start time.)
By Kathy Feist
Grandview celebrates Harry Truman’s birthday with disco, fireworks and a good old fashioned parade down Main Street. The celebration runs Friday night, May 2nd, to Saturday, May 3rd.
On Friday starting at 6 pm, the band Boogie Nights KC revives the 1970s disco era at The View Amphitheater, 13601 Byars Rd.
Spectators will enjoy the new paved parking lot (no more gravel) at the Amphitheater in addition to 71 newly planted trees in the area.
Fireworks follow the performance at 9 pm. The event is free. Concessions and beer are available for purchase.
On Saturday starting at 10 am, Harry’s Hay Days parade begins on Main Street.
Harry Truman will make an appearance (and pose for selfies). Throughout the day, over 80 vendors, food trucks, artists, and live music will fill the street. Children can enjoy a petting zoo, balloon artist, bounce house and face painting.
The Grandview Arts Council will feature artist Raymond Phillips will be free painting in front of the Lions Club as well as exhibit short dance classes.
The Depot Museum (behind City Hall) will be open for tours from 10am to 2 pm.
This year the parade marshal is Don Armacost. Every year, winner of the Civic Leadership Award gets to be grand marshal of the parade. Mayor and Board of Aldermen selected Armacost, and his late wife Wendy, as winners of the 2024 Civic Leadership Award. Armacost owns Peterson Manufacturing and the Armacost Car Museum, home to many not-for-profit fundraisers.
Unfortunately, this year the Truman farm house is closed. In years past, the Grandview Historical Society and National Parks Service have partnered to make sure the home is open for tours during Harry’s Hay Days (his birthday is May 8th); however, this year National Parks Service is doing a number of needed repairs to the foundation of the home. Visitors can still visit the outside of the property, but there is construction fencing surrounding the home.
Learn more at www.grandviewharryshaydays.com.
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