Feeling 'the buzz' after 'incredible turnout' for KCPS SummerFest

LINC’s blue balloons rustled like wild flowers in a field of thousands of children and adults who enjoyed the Kansas City Public Schools’ SummerFest Aug. 3.

“All of us are amazed and thrilled by the incredible turnout,” KCPS Superintendent Mark Bedell wrote on his blog. “I can still feel the buzz in the crowd.”

LINC was there early, preparing its table, while site coordinators joined their principals at each of the individual booths for the district’s schools.

“We’re set up with LINC balloons to give away,” said LINC Caring Communities Administrator Sean Akridge, “ LINC Frisbees to give away — LINC excitement.”

By the end of the four-hour event, more than 7,200 people had passed through the park next to KCPS’s headquarters, the district reported.

Many attractions drew the crowd on the sunny, not-too-hot, summer day, said Nicole Collier White, the director of the KCPS Education Foundation.

“Today you can get a free backpack, school supplies, uniforms, immunizations, sports physicals — everything you need and more to get ready for the first day of school,” she said.

“We’re super-excited to have tons of partners helping us have a fun day of experiences.”

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, left, laughs with KCPS Superintendent Mark Bedell. Photo by The Kansas City Public Schools.

The day included bounce houses, field sports, arts, crafts, cheerleader and dance team performances — as well as an appearance by newly elected Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

The turnout — and the community support — was heartening, Bedell said.

“Everybody was excited, positive and full of hope,” he said. “This is the level of investment, effort and engagement our community deserves. This is the spirit that will drive our entire school year.”

School starts Aug. 12 for KCPS. Families still needing to enroll in the district can go to https://www.kcpublicschools.org/enroll.

Families can learn about enrolling in LINC programs by going to www.kclinc.org.