By Guy Gardner

As a way to say thank you to our community for its amazing support of our programs, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is hosting an inaugural Fun Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14.

This free event for all ages will be at Theatre in the Park, a program of JCPRD.

Come early to the event for a free 5K or Family Fun Run! The 5K will kick off at 9 a.m., and the Family Fun Run (a shorter course) will begin at 9:30 a.m. These paths take you through Shawnee Mission Park with opportunities for photos on the way! The final photo-op stop will be on stage at Theatre in the Park, where a professional photographer will be ready to snap your pic!

After your run/walk/stroll (you choose your pace!), stop by the JCPRD Fine Arts booth to decorate your commemorative race bib! Pre-registration is encouraged at theatreinthepark.org.

Next up, you can visit the Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Faire in the TIP parking. Shop local handmade goods from top artisans in our area. After that, head into the theatre bowl of Theatre in the Park for a packed performance schedule you won’t want to miss! Performances will include Funky Mama, KC FLO and a special performance from Johnson County’s own Kate Cosentino, who recently competed on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Face painting and hayrides will be available throughout the day as well as concessions and dessert food trucks!

A special show at 3:45 p.m. will announce Theatre in the Park’s 2024 season.

The entire event is pet friendly, so bring your leashed pets to join you for anything from the 5K/Family Fun Run to shopping or to simply hanging out with you in the theatre bowl as you watch performances on stage.

Also bring chairs, blankets, frisbees and whatever your heart desires (except for outside alcoholic beverages, which – sorry – are not permitted)! This day is all about you and fun!

More information can be found at theatreinthepark.org or send any questions you may have to funfest@theatreinthepark.org.

We can’t wait to see our whole community celebrating together at Fun Fest!

Guy Gardner is associate artistic director at the Theatre in the Park.