A&E
(Photo by Ana Pendergast)
Plaza Art Fair Brings Together Music, Art and Food BY ANA PENDERGAST WEB MANAGING EDITOR
The Plaza Art Fair represented local food and music, and artist from around the nation. The Plaza Art fair took over the streets of the Plaza for the 87th time from Sept. 21-23. Featuring over 20 local restaurants, three stages for live music and 240 artists from all around the country. Restaurant tents lined the streets with foods ranging from Bravo to Bo Ling’s to Jack Stack and Chuy’s Mexican Food. There was something to eat for everyone’s taste, as well as snacks like kettle corn, hot dogs and
funnel cakes. However, like most fairs, the food was good but way overpriced for what was received. Though adults had multiple options for beverages, for those under the age of 21 drinks were quite limited. Even though there was an abundance of alcohol, the event was labeled as a family and dog-friendly occasion for a wide range of ages. Even for those who do not regularly attend art fairs, visit museums and can’t tell a Claude Monet painting from one by Pablo Picasso, the plaza art fair offered a wide range of mediums for people to observe and admire. Artists featured their paintings, drawings, sculptures
and jewelry to be purchased by the attendees. Artists came from all across the country, even hailing from as far away as Canada to be featured at the fair. During the day, people could bid on the featured art, but after bidding halted the artwork was displayed solely for viewing. Though the musicians were not well known, the music added a pleasant background track to the evening. The music played by these artists ranged from jazz to pop and more. Just like the artwork, there was music playing for all ages and walks of life. Chairs were set out to allow people to eat and listen to music. Since artists featured their original
songs not many people sang along, but every once in a while there was a well known cover that added a little more excitement to the evening. Though no part of the fair was without music, the volume was well controlled and it was easy to talk to people about the art and music. The art fair added to the chaotic traffic of the plaza and surrounding areas. Parking garages filled up fast, but the weather was perfect for walking around. Police were present to help control traffic and control the crowd. However, once in the art fair itself, it was easy to move around and enjoy the beautiful pieces brought to be admired.
A Fabulous New Way to Donut: Duck Donuts BY KATIE FITZGERALD REPORTER
Duck Donuts brings its first Kansas City location to Leawood, Kansas and we wish it came sooner. Stepping into the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, customers are immediately greeted by the friendly workers and the smell of the fresh made-to-order donuts. Duck Donuts, located off 95th in Mission, is a unique donut shop with their fascinating origin, bright and relaxing interior and creative menu. The store originated in Duck, North Carolina, in 2007 where it has taken off ever since. In June, they introduced their first Kansas location to Leawood. The yellow chairs and blue ceilings offer a beachy vibe contrasted by the wood-lined walls making it the perfect spot to relax for a morning donut and coffee. Lining the right wall, workers are hard at work glazing and decorating each donut to perfection. Duck Donut’s customizable approach makes this donut shop different than any other. Duck Donuts offers numerous donut options, each made warm and fresh for only $1.20. Customers designing start with a warm vanilla donut, then choose from various flavored icings, toppings and finally a drizzle. The toppings include
sprinkles, Oreos, coconut and bacon pieces. Can’t decide? Choose from one of the 12 signature or classic assortments or check “random assortment” ($15.25). Through November, Duck Donuts is also promoting their seasonal fall assortment. This includes fall featured flavors such as pumpkin or maple icing and apple or streusel toppings. Special to Halloween, they are also advertising their new “Spooky assortment” including the “Werewolf,” “Boo-berry,” “Spider Web” and “Full Moon” donuts. Each store has opportunities to partner with non-profit organizations or other local fundraisers. Duck Donuts has also committed themselves to helping children undergoing treatment for cancer by partnering with Gabe’s Chemo Duck Program, an educational resource program to support children and families living with cancer. They have raised over $75,000 to provide the children with their very own stuffed “Chemo Duck.” The yellow ducks wear blue scrubs with a bandana and has a chemotherapy port on its chest.
The owners knew Kansas City’s love for breakfast and decided that it was the perfect place to open a new location. Unlike other donut shops, Duck Donuts stays opened well after breakfast hours. Monday and Tuesday they are open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday they stay open until 7 p.m. (Photo by Katie Fitzgerald)
OCTOBER 2018
25
