Friday Fun Facts

It's Friday! The start of a long Labor Day weekend in Kansas City. There's a lot to get out there to see and do this weekend, as reported earlier. I'd like to get to the Irish Festival to hear the Elders this weekend, myself. How about you? Any big plans for this unofficial last weekend of summer? You know, I wonder when THAT designation is going to change? What with schools now starting back up in the middle of August, for many Kansas City folks, summer ended weeks ago. I won't be surprised to see some new holiday started up in early August to designate the end of summer vacation. It kind of takes the emphasis away from Labor Day. Things always change, don't they?

Well, here are some things that haven't changed.... at least not yet! I hope you enjoy these Friday fun facts about Kansas City!

Kansas City ranks second in the world in number of fountains erected in the city. Only Rome, Italy, has more. I've also read that KC is FIRST in the number of working fountains, but haven't been able to verify that claim.

Some of statues located in Kansas City's fountains are 300 years old.

Loose Park & Memorial, one of the most beautiful parks in the heart of Kansas City, located at 51st & Wornall Road, was donated by Mrs. Jacob Loose in memory of her husband, a millionaire who made his fortune selling biscuits at the Sunshine Biscuit Co. in the beginning of the 20th century.

The tallest flag in the Kansas City area stands 178 feet 6 1/4 inches above ground on the entrance to Swope Park. It was donated by Jacob Loose.

A marker at 63rd & Paseo designates the site of the decisive engagement of the Battle of Westport, the largest battle west of the Mississippi. This battle was fought October 21-23, 1864. Another Battle of Westport monument can be found in Loose Park.

(items courtesy of the Kansas City City of Fountains website)

posted by B.G. Roberts @ 7:45 AM