Gladfest 44 — “Festival Fun Galore!” will be held Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 1, at Linden Square in Gladstone, Missouri. In addition to the carnival, there will be many other activities for adults and kids to participate in this year.
Local artists and crafters will have their items for sale in the Arts and Crafts booths. Marketplace vendors will also be available for festival goers to browse and shop. BBQ, funnel cakes and turkey legs are just a few of the foods that will be included for everyone to enjoy. Local bands take the stage after 7 p.m. at Linden Square both Friday and Saturday nights.
The Little Mr. and Miss Gladfest will start the festival on Friday night, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will compete for the titles of Gladfest Prince and Princess, and the older kids (6 to 8) will compete for Little Mr. and Miss Gladfest. Contestants are encouraged to dress according to the Gladfest theme, so all fairies, flying superheroes and other fun characters are welcome.
The second annual Gladfest pep rally will bring the community together to celebrate our schools, organizations and citizens of all ages, as well as the coming fall. The pep rally will be on Saturday morning, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at Linden Square.
Featured in the pep rally will be bands from each of our district high schools helping to lead a patriotic tribute in partnership with local veterans and military organizations. Each high school band will also highlight portions of their field show, so plan to cheer for your alma mater or your children’s future high school as they play their fight song! Also featured will be favorite dance studios and karate kids, and many other local favorites, who will have an opportunity to be showcased during Gladfest.
Throughout Saturday afternoon, on the Linden Square stage, there will be entertainment. This can include animals, magicians or cakewalks!
Kids Corner and Train Show Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and 30. Oakhill Day School will be hosting Kids Corner this year. They have fun activities for the kids to do. Every year a miniature train show for all ages has been in the Gladstone Community Center. There’s even a smaller version for little kids to play with
on the floor.
For more information about the Gladstone Area Chamber, Gladfest and their other events go to www.gladstonechamber.com.
–Jeana Tetzlaff
