Wyandotte County, KS– KC Farm School at Gibbs Road is excited to announce the return of Farm Fest for a fourth year, taking place on Saturday, September 7, 2-6 p.m. This free community event will be held at the farm’s 77.5-acre property, known as Common Ground, at 2443 S. 42nd Street, Kansas City, Kansas, 66706.
Farm Fest has become a cherished event that brings together over 700 attendees, celebrating the vibrant and diverse community of Wyandotte County, and provides an opportunity for individuals and families to engage in a day of fun, learning, and community building.
This event is made possible by the generosity of our community sponsors and partners, including Sustaining Sponsors, Beaver Creative Environments Inc., Evergy and Populous, as well as Pollinating Sponsors, Ann and Mac Farm, Hy-Vee, Inc., It’s A Party KC, The Mere Co+op, and Signco Inc. It is also powered by many hard-working volunteers, community partners, and staff.
Farm Fest Happenings
Main Stage:
Enjoy live music all day by the Pepper Sprouts! Special guests will also appear throughout the afternoon to discuss community, food, and farm topics. And don’t miss the “Farm Olympics” from the main stage for a unique and entertaining experience.
Farm Fest Makers & Growers Market:
Connect with local growers, makers, dreamers, and doers as they share their food, resources, goods, and art. Vendors include Alba Laredo Ceramics LLC, Arise and Arise LLC / The Righteous Roots Community Garden, Rebecca Baker-Givens, Big Muddy Gear Exchange, Bewk.bb, CBD American Shaman, Chiro One Wellness Center, Fire Roasters, Grasshopper Urban Farm, Hoagie Woolf’s Rubs & Spices, Johnson County Extension Master Naturalist, King of Chutney, LikeableSewingThreads, Marais des Cygnes NWR, Melt Box Ice Cream, Mirror Mirror Books KC, Mother Lovers Eco Market, Nature Made Me, One Of A Kind Jewelry by Alesia, Pantry Goods, R&R Paseo Grill, Smooth September, Suds Refillery, Sweet Life Spa, The Pastry Cottage, The Tamale Kitchen, The Tie-dye Lady, Transient Tarot, USA Duck Team, Youthful Expression, Zerama Tea, and others.
Free Community Meal:
Chef Erin Bassett returns this year to prepare a delicious free community meal featuring vegan chili, caramel apples, and cornbread. Water and hot drinks will also be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own plates and utensils to help reduce waste and can use our dishwashing station after their meal.
Interactive Workshops & Activities:
Throughout the day, participants can try hands-on workshops and activities for all ages, learning about local food, art, and farming. Some of our featured workshops include tie-dying t-shirts with the Tie-Dye Lady and mindful opportunities for yoga and ecstatic dance with Rhythm and Rootz, sponsored by Populous and Evergy.
Fun & Games:
Enjoy the south field of Common Ground, filled with fun and games for the whole family. Activities include a Bouncy House, free face painting, free pumpkins, a Cardboard Village, corn shucking fun, a bike maze, an obstacle course, and more surprises. Special thanks to It’s a Party KC for sponsoring these activities.
Farm Tours:
Join us at the welcome booth at 3:75 and 4:30 p.m. to tour our 74.5 acres featuring Common Ground and Gibbs Road Farm. Discover the beauty and innovation of our urban farm and learn how we empower individuals through on-farm, hands-on experiences and vocational education.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are seeking volunteers to help make Farm Fest a success. Pre-event volunteers are needed to help prepare for the event. Volunteers will work during the event to assist in various areas. As a token of appreciation, volunteers working Friday night can enjoy a complimentary dinner and drinks.
Farm Fest is a community block party, so the road between Gibbs and Dodson will be closed from 7 p.m. until 7 p.m. on September 7. Attendees are encouraged to use Shawnee Drive and South 42nd St., where signs will direct them to park. It’s a short walk up the hill to the entrance, and shuttles will be available for assistance. Please refer to the map on our website for guidance to the festival.
Farm Fest at Common Ground is more than just an event; it celebrates community, education, and action. The festival embodies the spirit of collaboration and empowerment, inviting everyone to be part of positive change. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information about Farm Fest at Common Ground, please visit kcfarmschool.org/farm-fest-2024.
About KC Farm School
KC Farm School at Gibbs Road is a 507 (c)(3) nonprofit organization empowering individuals through on-farm, hands-on experiences and vocational education connecting them to the land and soil, food, community, and opportunity.
Media Contact:
Alicia Ellingsworth
Executive Director, KC Farm School
alicia@kcfarmschool.org
(973) 373-8456 (please text before calling)
www.kcfarmschool.org
