e-Merriam Udates...Your Source for Civic News!

May 8, 2009

In this issue:		Click here for a printable copy of this issue.
-	Merriam Farmers' Market is OPEN for the Season
-	Turkey Creek Festival Returns to Antioch Park on May 16th!
-	Jump in to Summertime Fun - Merriam Aquatic Center Opens May 24th

The Merriam Parks and Recreation Department Farmers' Market is open for the 2009 season! Join us Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive).

Currently 29 of the 36 stalls at the marketplace are sold and products for sale early in the season include fresh eggs, radishes, onions and lettuce, herbs and plants, flowers, jams and jellies, honey, and home-made baked goods.

For more information on the Merriam Marketplace or the 2009 Farmers' Market, contact the Merriam Parks and Recreation Department at 913-322-5550 or visit our web site at www.merriam.org/park/Marketplace/farmers-market.htm.

Summertime fun returns...Saturday, May 16, 2009! Mark your calendars for this annual Merriam event! All activities (except 5K Run) take place at Antioch Park (6501 Antioch Road). The day is filled with fun events for everyone to enjoy. Choose from the many activities listed below:

Schedule of Events:
7:00 - noon	Pancake Feed at Antioch Park (Shelter #1) sponsored by Merriam-Shawnee Noon Lions Club - tickets available at the door: Adults $5; Children 12 & under $3
8:00 AM	5K "One Less Hill of a Run" - Sanctioned by Mid-America Running Association, as a Grand Prix Race, proceeds benefit Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation. Runners and walkers receive T-shirt, post race refreshments, goody bag. Register at Irene B. French Community Center, online at www.active.com or call (913) 322-5550 to request an application. For details visit our website.
11:00 AM - noon	Festival Parade - "Celebrate Volunteers -- The Spirit of Community!" - traveling north on Antioch Road from 69th to 64th Terrace, featuring: fly over by the Commemorative Air Force (heart of America Wing), 2009 Grand Marshal Pauline Smith, floats, drill teams, dancers, clowns, antique cars, and a host of the ever popular Abdallah Shrine parade units. Great viewing spots along Antioch Road.
10:00 AM - 5:00pm	Activities in Antioch Park - The ARTS ZONE- “Summertime Arts and Crafts Sale” regional artisans displaying their original creations including: stained glass, baskets, pottery, photography, jewelry, woodworking, wearable art, and garden art. Kansas City Kite Club will be displaying some static kite displays. The KIDS ZONE- On-going CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (most are FREE) “Build a birdhouse" clinic sponsored by Merriam’s Home Depot store, little red train ride, pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables roving entertainers, and pedal boat rides sponsored by the Merriam Kiwanis Club.

FREE CONCERTS! From noon to 5:00pm enjoy the sounds of these local artists at various locations in the park:
noon	"Mr. Stinky Feet & the Hickcups"
1:00 PM	"The Duovers"
3:00 PM	"Pompous Jack"
The Food Zone - Good things to eat... Concession booths featuring new and different delectable treats, such as gyros, pitas, quesadillas, brats, kettle corn, strawberry shortcake, and old favorites such as: turkey legs, lemonade, hot dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes. You won’t go away hungry!

THE TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL IS PRODUCED BY THE CITY OF MERRIAM, KS.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 913-322-5550 or visit their website at www.merriam.org/park.

Looking for some healthy and affordable family fun this summer? Look no further than your hometown aquatic center. Summer fun officially begins in Merriam on Sunday, May 24th when the Merriam Aquatic Center opens for the season with a free swim for Merriam residents (with proof of Merriam residency).

Merriam Aquatic Center is located at 6040 Slater in Vavra Park and features a 50-meter pool with diving boards, a 25-meter lap lane, a zero depth pool with play features and slides, and two large water slides with plunge pool. Shade structures and concession areas are also provided.

Popular aquatic center programs include swim lessons, Merriam Dolphins Swim and Dive Team, Aqua Aerobics, and specials events such as Dive-in-Theater and Pooch Paddle. Having a party this summer? The facility is also available for rental for after-hours private parties.

Season passes are now on sale at the Irene B. French Community Center (5701 Merriam Drive). If you had a pass last year, you can renew it by phone or fax, in addition to the option tot walk-in and purchase at the Community Center.

Want some variety in your summer swim experience? Merriam has joined forces with the Northeast Johnson County cities of Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Mission, and Fairway to provide our residents with reciprocal access to area city pools. Take advantage of the NE Super Pass add-on option when purchasing your season pass, and we will affix a special sticker to your membership card that will allow you to swim at any of the participating pools at no extra charge.

To purchase your season pass, register for swim lessons, or book your pool rental visit Irene B. French Community Center, 5701 Merriam Drive. Visit www.merriam.org/park for additional information on the aquatic center or call Merriam Parks and Recreation at 913-322-5550.