Flags for Freedom
It is an annual family tradition to visit Flags for Freedom to celebrate Independence. The display shows over 2,000 American Flags! My daughters look forward to visiting each year, trying to count the flags, run through the fields, listen to music and take photos. The display is unparalleled in Kansas City and it is a magnificent tribute to our freedom as Americans.
A group of local volunteers organize the events each year featuring an unbelievable display of patriotism and community pride. Carol Eubank, President of the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Foundation and Chair of the 2012 Flags 4 Freedom Steering Committee: "We are pleased to host our 7th annual event. Please support your community as a volunteer, sponsor, and/or attendee by joining us between June 30th and July 7th at the Merriam Marketplace for an evening band concert, the patriotic program and military band concert on July 4th, and/or your own time of quiet reflection in the flag field."
Flags for Freedom
June 30 thru July 7: 5740 Merriam Drive (west of I-35 on Johnson Dr., then north on Merriam Dr.).
Tips:
- Wear patriotic attire and bring a camera to capture great photos.
- Pack a picnic and explore other Merriam Attractions while you're there. Two of our favorite attractions are: KC Strings. Call the Merriam Visitor's Bureau to schedule a tour of KC Strings and watch as stringed instruments are made. And, The Doll Cradle.The Doll Cradle is a wonderful doll store that will capture every doll lover’s heart! Their collection ranges from American Girl to Madame Alexander to classic paper dolls, Raggedy Ann, and much more. Doll clothes, furniture, and accessories are also available. Our family loves Huggums dolls and the store includes a collection of Huggums dolls and clothes. It is also home to the Doll Hospital where “extra loved” dolls can come visit the Doll Doctor for special repairs. The Doll Cradle hosts special events throughout the year. The Doll Cradle (10910 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS) 913.631.1900
- Watch the Event Schedule (below) to attend an event at Flags for Freedom. If you are concerned about event cancellations due to weather, call (913) 322-5591 for information.
Saturday, June 30
- 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. -- Merriam Farmers' Market. Vine-ripened tomatoes, just-picked juicy melons, flowering baskets, herbs, annuals and perennials, home-baked cookies and breads, and hand-crafted artwork. You'll find all these and more from the vendors at the Farmers' Market at Merriam Marketplace every Saturday in season. Featured entertainment: "Ronni Ward" (singer/songwriter)
- 9:30 a.m. -- Opening Ceremony. John Freeman, MC. Reading by Mayor Ken Sissom. Invocation by Councilmember Chad Rowe. The National Anthem played by Joseph Toma, KC Strings violinist. Presentation of the Flag Sgt. Nick Young. Merriam Fire Department Honor Guard
- 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Volunteers available at Information Table.
Sunday, July 1
- DAY OF REFLECTION. We invite you to walk through the fields remembering all those who have served and those who are currently serving our country. Please remember their families as well.
- 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. -- Volunteers available at Information Table.
Tuesday, July 3
- 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -- Volunteers available at Information Table.
Wednesday, July 4
- 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- Volunteers available at Information Table.
- 11:30 a.m. Picnic in the park. Hurricane Allie's, Merriam -- will sell pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, trimmings, and drinks. OR you're welcome to bring your own picnic fixin's.
- 12:30 p.m. PATRIOTIC CONCERT (in the shade of the Marketplace, surrounded by waving red, white and blue FLAGS)** Introductions & Remarks by Ken Sissom, Mayor of Merriam Members of Merriam Police Department will present colors. 35th Infantry Division Band, Kansas Army National Guard. Bring your own lawn chairs -- we'll have some chairs, but we're expecting this concert to be so well attended, we may run out!
Friday, July 6
- 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. -- Volunteers available at Information Table.
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. -- FREE Concert** with ToeJam (Classic rock) Bring your own chairs! Music at the Marketplace Friday Night Series; sponsored by the Merriam Parks, Recreation and Community Center Foundation
Saturday, July 7
- 7:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. -- Merriam Farmers' Market. Vine-ripened tomatoes, just-picked juicy melons, flowering baskets, herbs, annuals and perennials, home-baked cookies and breads, and hand-crafted artwork. You'll find all these and more from the vendors at the Farmers' Market at Merriam Marketplace every Saturday in season. Featured entertainment: "Saxophones Plus" (swing & standards)
- 9:00 a.m. -- Flag display take-down -- flags taken down and stored by volunteers. (Volunteers --please park in southwest section of the lot to allow space for vendors & shoppers; work gloves and sturdy shoes highly recommended.)