Feel the Love . . .
Hey Merriam Fam! Amidst the excitement of receiving two hearts from the Parade of Hearts, we couldn't think of a more fitting moment to unveil our latest endeavor: the I ❤ Merriam campaign! Get ready to celebrate all the things that make our community shine bright. 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!
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!
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)
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)
5 Things We Love is brought to you by exploremerriam.com.