93rd Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony

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The Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony returns on Thursday, Nov. 24, celebrating 93 years as a beloved holiday tradition in the community. Following an extraordinary year for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), President Bob Kendrick will “flip the switch” to illuminate Country Club Plaza with thousands of sparkling lights. Local television station KMBC 9 News will again host the live broadcast, with Coca-Cola joining as an additional event partner.

“I’m tremendously honored and humbled to represent the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the indelible spirit of Buck O’Neil at this annual celebration,” said NLBM president, Bob Kendrick. “This is not only an opportunity to help usher in the holiday season but to also illuminate our great museum and cap off our Thanks A Million, Buck Hall of Fame festivities.” 

“The Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony is one of Kansas City’s most beloved traditions,” said Breana Grosz, general manager of Country Club Plaza. “We are grateful for the continued enthusiasm and support from our partner organizations and look forward to kicking off another great holiday season with the community.”

In addition to the time-honored flipping of the switch, the event will feature performances by Quixotic  and other live groups, family-friendly photo opportunities with Santa Claus presented by Heartland Coca-Cola, and a fireworks show. Following the ceremony will be a live performance by The Elders. Evergy returns this year as the presenting sponsor.

“Evergy is thrilled to again bring this time-honored lighting tradition to the community and draw so many to the Kansas City region during the holiday season,” said Chuck Caisley, chief customer officer of Evergy. “As a longtime supporter of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Evergy is happy to share the stage with Bob Kendrick and honor the contributions of this important historical institution.”

Event Details

Schedule

5–6 p.m.             Pre-lighting performances and giveaways from the main stage

5–8 p.m.             Photo opportunity with Santa, presented by Heartland Coca-Cola

6–7 p.m.             93rd Annual Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony, broadcast LIVE on KMBC featuring news anchor Lara Moritz

6:55 p.m.           Flip of the switch by Bob Kendrick, followed by fireworks

7–8 p.m.             Post-ceremony show with The Elders

Special Guest Bob Kendrick

Country Club Plaza is proud to announce NLBM President Bob Kendrick as the 2022 Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony flip switcher. Since being named president in 2011, Kendrick has spearheaded several successful efforts to elevate the interest and awareness of the Negro Leagues and their role in baseball and social justice, making an impact both on a national level and in the Kansas City community.

Just this year, under Kendrick’s leadership, the NLBM achieved a long-time goal of inducting the late Buck O’Neil into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. O’Neil spent much of his playing career with the Kansas City Monarchs and even “flipped the switch” for Evergy’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony in 1996.

In honor of this significant achievement, the NLBM and Country Club Plaza have partnered to fly Kansas City Monarch flags on the Plaza starting Nov. 10, leading up to Kendrick’s guest appearance at the Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24.

Entertainment

The Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony also adds an additional partner this year. Coca-Cola is bringing their Holiday Caravan with thousands of sparkling lights and Santa to the Plaza from 5-8 p.m. Families are encouraged to stop by to take a free holiday photo and enjoy a complimentary Coca-Cola. Santa will be stationed at the intersection of Nichols and Broadway.

“Coca-Cola is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Coca-Cola Caravan, and we are thrilled to include Kansas City as a stop in our North American tour and to be part of such a beloved Kansas City tradition,” said Angela Owen, Coca-Cola senior zone marketing manager. “Since lighting up the small screen in a TV ad that first aired in the mid-1990s, the Coke Caravan has signaled the start of the festive season for nearly three decades; inviting everyone to spread holiday joy and celebrate shared experiences and moments of magic.”

In addition to the Holiday Caravan, other family-friendly entertainment will take place before and after the lighting, including live musical performances from Quixotic, The Elders and more.

Best Views and Parking

The stage will be located at the intersection of Nichols Road and Pennsylvania, with the best views along Nichols Road between Pennsylvania and Broadway. Free parking will also be offered at several nearby garages, including: 

• Valencia Garage (by H&M) on the north side of 47th Street and Pennsylvania
• Balcony Garage on Wornall near 46th Street
• Seville Garage, entrance on 47th Street between Jefferson and Summit
• Time Building Garage north of True Food Kitchen on Pennsylvania

The Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. In honor of Country Club Plaza’s 100^th anniversary, the Evergy Plaza Lights will stay on through mid-January.

Holiday Information

Stay up to date with all things Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony, store hours, sales and festive pop-up shops throughout the holiday season by following the Country Club Plaza on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visiting the Plaza’s website.