Feel the Love . . .
Get ready to celebrate all the things that make our community shine bright with our I ❤ Merriam campaign! From cozy seasonal favorites to buzzing events, rich history, vibrant art, mouthwatering dining spots, charming local shops, stellar people, and so much more – we're here to showcase it all!
At the heart of this campaign is our unwavering commitment to spreading joy and inclusivity. In Merriam, we believe that everyone deserves to "feel the love” of our community, and this campaign is our way of amplifying that!
Join us on this adventure as we share the love for our amazing city. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, there's something special here for everyone. Stay tuned for updates, surprises, and plenty of love-filled moments coming your way!
Hearts Across Merriam
To celebrate Merriam's 75th birthday, local artist Dierk Van Keppel with Rock Cottage Glassworks has crafted 75 beautiful, custom-blown glass hearts, each unique and full of character. From January through October, we’ll hide these hearts in various public spaces across Merriam, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the city’s parks, landmarks, and trails in a fun and engaging way.
Each month, a new batch of hearts will be tucked away, waiting to be found. If you stumble upon one of these treasures, take a moment to snap a photo and share it on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tag @exploremerriam and use the hashtag #HeartsAcrossMerriam to show off your discovery and share what you love about Merriam. Then, you’re welcome to take the heart with you as a keepsake.
This initiative not only highlights the creativity of local talent but also inspires people to discover the beauty and charm of Merriam. From hidden corners of parks to unexpected city landmarks, the hunt for these handcrafted hearts will take you on a journey to appreciate Merriam’s landscape, history, and artistic spirit.
Join the heart-hunt adventure, share your finds, and be a part of Merriam’s 75th birthday activities year-round!
This program is sponsored by Merriam's Public Art Committee.
Check out our “5 things we love” series for each season as we unravel the threads of what makes Merriam truly special, showcasing the unique charm and spirit that captures our hearts every day.
If you see a “5 things We Love” post on social media, share the post with someone you love, and drop us a comment on what you love MOST about Merriam!
Winter Things We Love
1. Homes A Glow, Holiday Lighting Contest
Make the season shine and sparkle in your neighborhood by joining Merriam’s Holiday Lights Contest! Whether showcasing your own winter wonderland or simply taking in the festive lights across town, this event is perfect for families and friends. Submit your house for the contest by Dec. 18, or vote for your favorites as you view the most dazzling displays in Merriam. Learn more at facebook.com/MerriamKansas.
2. Winter Events
Celebrate the magic of winter with Merriam’s lineup of family-friendly events! Send letters to Santa, enjoy breakfast with the jolly man himself, and experience the festive charm of Christmas in the Courtyard. Don’t forget to ring in 2025 a little early with our Noon Year’s Eve party for all ages. These festive events are sure to bring holiday cheer and make Merriam memories!
3. Merriam Community Center Indoor Pool
Dive into winter fun at the Merriam Community Center’s indoor pool! With warm waters, exciting water features, and a relaxing whirlpool, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a splash of summer even during the cold months. Whether you’re looking to swim some laps or simply unwind in the lazy river, the indoor pool offers a refreshing retreat all season long.
4. Hot Chocolate Pop-up
Warm up this winter and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with us! Join our special Hot Chocolate Pop-up on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Merriam Community Center, from 1-4 p.m. This cozy event features classic hot cocoa with plenty of toppings to personalize your cup. Come share some warm smiles and treats one delicious sip at a time.
5. Snowplow Crew Appreciation 
A big shoutout to Merriam’s Public Works crews and our beloved snowplows! Keeping our roads clear and safe through winter storms is no easy task. So, to have fun, we’re naming our snowplows! Last year, you met Catch My Drift, and this year we’re asking for your vote on naming our newest plow! Cast your vote starting Dec. 23 on Facebook. Thank you, Public Works, for helping us travel safely through the winter season!
Spring Things We Love
1. Turkey Creek Festival
This annual tradition is a full day of family fun featuring free kids' activities, live music, arts and crafts, a 5K walk/run, food trucks, and more!
Don't miss out on the laughter, joy, and memories in the making! Join us for a day of pure festival bliss on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Antioch Park. Learn more at merriam.org/tcf.
2. Merriam Farmers’ Market
There are few things as refreshing as a sunny Saturday morning surrounded by fresh produce, colorful flowers, and local treats at the Merriam Farmers’ Market.
Support local growers, bakers, and makers as you enjoy the downtown Merriam historic district. The Merriam Farmers’ Market, now celebrating its 25th year, offers a beautiful park environment with access to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail and Werner Park. The farmers’ market season opens on Saturday, May 4. Learn more at merriam.org/famersmarket.
3. Patio time
We believe food always tastes better when eaten with friends or family on a patio. Whether sipping cocktails at a local restaurant (Hurricane Allie’s and Strips Chicken comes to mind) or enjoying a sunset dinner in your backyard, springtime weather makes for the perfect patio dining experience.
4. Take a heART tour
Spread some love and visit the Parade of Heart sculptures at Merriam Historic Plaza (6304 E. Frontage Road) and Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive). Get ready to be captivated by these beautiful heart installations scattered across the Kansas City metro region. Discover the heartwarming stories behind each sculpture as you explore this delightful showcase of community spirit and creativity.
5. Love Who You Love
June is Pride Month, and Merriam is all about inclusivity and love! Check out the special edition Pride Candle at local merchant Mixture! This 8-ounce candle offers a fresh lime scent with notes of bergamot, tarragon, and fresh ozone, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the It Gets Better Project and local charities. Find this candle at madebymixture.com.
5 Things We Love about Spring in Merriam(PDF, 969KB)
Summer Things We Love
1. Fun, Family Events
Experience the joy of community and family fun at Merriam's events this summer! From the sweet indulgence of the Merriam Community Center’s 4th Birthday Party (We Scream FOUR Ice-Cream) to the live tunes thumping at Concert in The Courtyard, there's something for everyone. Dive into Family Fun Fridays at local parks and rev your engines at Cruise Night! Join us for unforgettable moments and cherished memories in the heart of Merriam! Visit merriam.org/events for all the details!
2. Sweet Treats
Indulge your sweet tooth with an array of delectable treats. Cool off with creamy scoops of ice cream and frozen delights from beloved local stops like Russell Stover, Sonic, and Freddy's, or anticipate the opening of Betty Rae's in Merriam Town Center for more tantalizing options. Savor the nostalgia with Merriam's Valomilk Candy Cups, a delicious chocolate and marshmallow delight. For a taste of tradition, head to Merriam's Strawberry Hill Bakery for their renowned Povitica or decadent cheesecakes.
3. Survey Says! We love Merriam, and YOU DO, TOO!
According to the 2024 Community Survey, our Merriam residents love their hometown. From public safety to parks, amenities, communications, and more, your recent ratings about the City of Merriam’s services warm our Just Right hearts! We cherish your feedback and are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community. Take a moment to explore the results and feel the love that unites us all in Merriam.
4. Nurturing Nature
In Merriam, there’s ample opportunity to embrace the great outdoors. We’ve got buzzing pollinator gardens, the serene Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, colorful hanging flower baskets on every corner, and abundant parks and green spaces with plentiful amenities. Each natural setting invites residents and guests to connect with the beauty around them. Learn more about all the ways you can explore nature in Merriam at merriam.org/parks.
5. Downtown Merriam
Downtown Merriam buzzes with energy and excitement, boasting a charming historic district packed with activities, events, and cultural offerings. Explore events, including a visit to Flags 4 Freedom from June 29 to July 6. Indulge your taste buds at Strip’s Chicken, where mouthwatering chicken and a selection of beers await. Need a unique souvenir? Stop by Sunflower Market for a custom-made t-shirt while you browse. For a quick bite, grab some delicious tamales to-go from Anita's or El Pulgarcito. And, for a moment of relaxation, immerse yourself in the rejuvenating atmosphere of the Salt Spa in Gemini. With so much to see and do, downtown Merriam promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
5 Things We Love for Summer in Merriam(PDF, 550KB)
Fall Things We Love
1. Fall in Love with Parks
Embrace the beauty of autumn with our "Fall in Love with Parks" campaign. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or a family picnic, our parks offer the perfect backdrop for your fall adventures. Visit each of Merriam's 10 scenic parks and trails, find the Fall in Love with Parks sign, and scan the QR code to enter to win a $100 Visa gift card. Visit merriam.org/fallinlovewithparks for all the details!
2. Merriam Drive Live
Experience the heartbeat of our "Just Right" city at Merriam Drive Live on Oct. 5, in downtown Merriam. Enjoy this showcase of music with a classic rock lineup that includes tribute bands Surfin USA, The Original Silver Bullet, Revelation (A Tribute to Journey), and Four Fried Chickens and a Coke. Food trucks will keep your taste buds happy, the cornhole tournament will take your game to the next level, and don't miss the free whiskey tasting with Sounds and Spirits!
3. Shop Merriam
Support local businesses and save a little cash with our Shop Merriam program. Find a wellness coach, get a haircut, tune up your car, or find your new favorite shirts. The Shop Merriam program connects you to charming boutiques, home and auto services, lodging, dining, and more. Discover the warmth and hospitality of Merriam's local merchants!
4. Campbellton Founder's Day (1864)![Merriam-Train-T-Shirt-proof[1].png](/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/admin/i-heart-merriam/merriam-train-t-shirt-proof[1].png?w=200&h=220)
Discover Merriam's journey from the small township of Campbellton to the thriving city it is today. Commemorating our founding as Campbellton in 1864 (named after founder David Gee Campbell), Founder’s Day honors our heritage. The railroad played a major role in the settlement of the community, and the town name was changed to Merriam during the 1880s in honor of Charles Merriam, the railroad secretary. Explore our history and visit the signs at Merriam Historic Plaza or via the Merriam Historic Tour on the free Otocast app. Celebrate with us by purchasing a limited-edition historic train t-shirt at the Merriam Community Center for $15 while supplies last.
5. Pumpkin Spice 
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with the mouthwatering pumpkin spice povitica at Strawberry Hill Povitica. Order online or stop by the bakery at 7226 W. Frontage Road to sample all the flavors. Craving more pumpkin spice? Stop by one of the newest businesses to open in Merriam - Starbucks, located at 8719 Shawnee Mission Parkway - for a pumpkin spice latte!
5 Things We Love is brought to you by exploremerriam.com.