On what ended up being a contrversial war between the Kansas City paper of record and KMBC (who first reported that the Star had refused a gay couples wedding announcement), they publish first gay wedding annoucement today. Via Bottom Line.

There is a bit of nostalgia when you buy fireworks. The hot tents, the hunt for your old faves (mine: buzzing bees with report of course), the anticipation of shooting them off and destroying your driveway.

When I was a kid, Platte County was covered with family owned fireworks stands but not as much anymore. Riverside Red X has one of the largest fireworks spots in the metro and it's fun to wander the isles and see all the crazy and cool things to blow up. It's also fun to head over to Red X if you haven't ever been (it's something to see!).

Where do you buy fireworks? Post it here!

One thing is for sure--Kansas City knows how to do it up right when it comes to fireworks. With the 4th of July holiday right around the corner, it's time to start figuring out which fireworks display to go and see. With everything from super extravaganzas to festivals, family fun and parades, show your patriotic spirit and head to one of our Top Kansas City Fireworks Displays and watch the metro sky light up.

About Kansas City's Top Kansas City Fireworks Displays

Parkville 4th of July Fireworks and Festival

Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular

Independence Fireworks Display at the Mormon Visitor Center

Riverfest

For complete info on these and many other great fireworks displays in the Kansas City Metro-- read our Top Kansas City Fireworks Displays Guide for 4th of July, 2009!

With temps nearing the 100's this weekend, I don't know how much going outside is going to happen...but there are a lot of fun things to do in cowtown this weekend.

Top Picks for the KC Weekend Guide:

• Northland Vintage Market, Summer Porches at Zona Rosa
• KCK Street Blues Festival, State Avenue.
• Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'
• Kansas City Power and Light District Art Annual, through Sunday
• Great Lenexa BBQ Battle
• Stevie Wonder at Starlight
• Buck O'Neil Negro Leagues Baseball Classic, various venues around the metro

  For these and all other things to do in the metro this weekend, check out the KC Weekend Guide.

Looking for a great way to beat the heat? Quench your summer tastebuds with a Fresher Than Fresh Snowcone, the amazing, natural and organically-friendly conconctions by local Lindsay Laricks. The Fresher Than Fresh, which Laricks sells out of her fabulous vintage blue and white trailer, are made from fresh fruit and herbs without any artificial colors or flavors and served over superfine shaved ice which is light, refreshing and a little slice of heaven.

Fresher Than Fresh come in a variety of cool flavors like watermelon basil, lemon prickly pear, blackberry lavender, espresso and Mexican cane sugar which are an economically friendly $3.

Laricks and her cones may be found from 2-9pm at the garden across from Blue Bird Bistro (at 17th and Summit).

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Soaring temps and high humidity has reared the ugly beast of summer a little early this summer and it is no doubt Kansas City is feeling the heat. With a Heat Advisory Warnings issued all week, look to these resources to cool off, stay safe, and help those in need during these blustering summer days.

• Salvation Army Cool Off Centers, 8 local centers open until at least 5pm.
  
• Roger T. Sermon Community Center, Independence.
  
• The Channel 9 Fan Club, donates free fans to low income families or those in need.
  
• Neigbors4Neighbor, delivers free sandwiches and bottled water to residents in need in the NKC, River Market, and Plaza areas.

  For more information on these programs and Kansas City heat safety, read our KC Heat Safety Guide.

Not only is it Father's Day, but there are a ton of cool things to do in KC this weekend.

• 14th Annual Parkville River Jam, Parkville
• Opening of The Jones Ultra Pool at the KCP&L
• Ballet North presents, 'The Wayward Daughter', Music Hall.
• Quixotic presents, 'Lux Esalare', UMKC Spencer Performing Arts Theater
• Mozart Festival, Unity Temple
• Family Day at the Farm, Shatto Milk Farm
• KCI Cruise Night
• Mix 93's 'Red, White and Boom'
• Metro Wide Father's Day Events

  Read the KC Weekend Guide for all things big and small to do in KC this weekend.

Ahhhh the middle of June...rising temps, lots of humidity, and Father's Day! Time to show the special men in your life how much they mean to you with these great KC Father's Day Events.

Father's Day 2009

• KC Royals take on the Cards
• Father's Day Fun at the KC Zoo (dad's get in free from 10-3)
• Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
• Festival de Dia de los Padres at World's of Fun
• KC Blues Society Sunday Blues Concert @ P&L
• Dino O'Dell Father's Day Performance at Powell Gardens

  For more details, read our article here.

*This event has sold out according to Bacchus sources, 6/17/09* The story broke early in 2009--that the Power and Light District would be adding a new element to downtown's bar, restaurant and entertainment district--a rooftop pool. Perched high above Main on top of Cosentino's Market, and in clear view of many an office cubicle (yes, that could get interesting), the newest addition to the Power and Light District, The Jones, is set to open on June 20th.

The Bacchus Foundation will be hosting the pre-grand opening event, 'Jonesing For the Jones' on Friday, June 19th from 7-10pm. Tickets are $30, and are available in advance at www.bacchuskc.org. Proceeds benefit The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City and Child Protection Center of Kansas City.

The Jones Profile | The Jones Website | Power and Light District

It's almost Friday, time to get out and do something exciting.

Check Out..

• Diary Day at Deanna Rose
• KidZone at Zona Rosa
• Dragon Races on the roaring river known as Brush Creek
• Taste of the Crossroads
• Opening of Powell Gardens 'Heartland Harvest Garden'
• Heartland Men's Chorus take on 'best of the boy bands'
• Samantha Ronson at Mosaic
• Buzz Under the Stars with 311, Ziggy Marley at City Market

For all other things cool to do in town this weekend, read the KC Weekend Guide.