Train Spotting

Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday, Kansas City! Here is a summary of some of the events going on around the metro this weekend:

• MLS Playoffs: Sporting will face off in game two of a best-of-three series where KC will look to end St Louis’ season.

• Jurassic Quest: The Overland Park Convention Center will host Jurassic Quest, an interactive dino adventure for families, this weekend.

• The Sound of Music: The Lyric Opera of Kansas City will be performing the musical classic Saturday at 7:30 pm at the Kauffman Center.

• Feliz Dia De Los Muertos: This Sunday, come celebrate the Day of the Dead festival at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

• Breakfast Whiskey: Join J. Rieger and Co. for their Chiefs Germany watch party with breakfast and cocktails.

• Bricktionary: Union Station is hosting the ultimate LEGO from A-Z event this Saturday from 10-4.

Development

Finally, A Train To The Airport!

The US Department of Transportation has recently partnered with Kansas City to fund mobility and infrastructure projects with a budget of up to $15 Billion.

• Not A Blank Check: While the partnership doesn’t necessarily give KC $15B for new projects, it does offer the city the ability to access funds through federal loans and grants through the Build America Bureau.

• North, South, East, West: Different projects that the city has often considered, but struggled to fund are a public transit option between the airport and downtown and a streetcar going east-west. Both of those projects are now on the table thanks to this partnership.

• Connecting Communities: Ultimately. several other projects could be available thanks to this preferential treatment in funding like bridge repair and improved transit across the metro. Mayor Lucas announced his vision to make public transit a metro-wide initiative instead of just south of the river.

In the coming months, Kansas City will create a “think tank” which will come with proposals for funding from the government.

Entertainment

A Thrilling Marriage

Worlds of Fun’s parent company, Cedar Fair, announced this week that it is merging with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

• That’s A Lot Of Lines: Cedar Fair not only owns Worlds of Fun but also 11 other amusement parks, several water parks, and resorts. The merger comes to a total of $2 Billion and brings the total evaluation of the new company to $8B.

• Titans Of Industry And Rollercoasters: Together, the two companies will become a clear giant in the industry with 42 parks and nine resort properties in 17 states, Canada, and Mexico.

• Come Together: The two companies will carry on the name Six Flags but will assume the Cedar Fair ticker symbol of FUN while leadership duties will be divided up between the two companies.

Barring any anti-trust suits from the regulatory committee(fingers crossed), the merger is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Opening

Providential Power

After Closing during Covid, Providence New American Kitchen is reopening inside the Hilton President Hotel.

• Flag On The Plate: In March 2020, Providence New American Kitchen was forced to shut its doors. After a few “false starts” due to staffing, the restaurant is finally ready to reopen.

• Mixing Flavors: The 2000-square-foot restaurant will lean on its executive chef’s expanded pallet coming from Mexico. The menu features entrees like Chicken Dirty Rice and Beef Bolognese Pasta.

• Grab A Drink: The new(kinda) restaurant will be accompanied by The Drum Room Lounge, a cocktail bar and lounge.

Providence serves food 7 days a week with hours 4-9 pm with the Drum Room Operating until 11.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News

• 🐰 Down We Go: Memberships for The Rabbit HOle Children’s Museum are officially available!

• 🏢 Home Is Where The Heart Is: Heartland LLC is the most recent group winner for the coolest office in KC and if you look for yourself you’ll see why.

• 🍽️ Retro Restaurant: The Savoy, inside the 21C hotel, was named Best Historic Restaurant in America by the Hotel Association.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cities Are Filling Up: A recent study found that Lee’s Summit and other KC suburbs were among the fastest-growing populations in the US.

• 🥔 Air Spud: TC’s Fully Loaded is a local food truck making waves for fully loaded potatoes.

• 🎁 Advertise for the Holidays: It’s almost that time of year! Share your product or service with thousands of Kansas Citians by checking out our advertising opportunities.

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