Today kicks off the second annual KC Local Week, a celebration of all things locally based and created in our metro area. Because this is a simple grass roots effort to promote the event, you won’t see a media blitz of advertising about it. However, it’s a wonderful idea, brought about by a  KC resident. It’s very simple to participate, and the more support it generates,  the more word spreads about all of the excellent, locally based entrepueners bringing goods and services to the KC marketplace.

KC Local Week was started by Karie Farenholz. A couple of years ago, she came across a news story about a group in Austrailia that was hosting a challenge: for one week, try to consume/buy/support locally based events and foods from within a 100 mile radius.  She and her Dane Johnson husband did it –and both were surprised at just how many people in our area are doing their own local thing. They found larger companies, such as The Roasterie, to support as well as smaller businesses with a web presence only. For example, did you know there was a food truck that sells locally made dog treats?? Last year, Karie launced the first KC Local Week, picking August as the best month due to the bounty of foods available at local farmers’ markets. This year there are several more events the public can participate in, as well as just supporting local businesses with a quick drop in to make a purchase of locally made candy or check out a class at a locally owned yoga studio.

Karie has used her own money to get this event off and running—she commissioned the website and does promotion herself. Eventually, she would like to have some sponsorship money to print flyers, create t-shirts to sell, and improve the website with a more data-based focus. Any financial ‘profit’ after expenses would be given to a local charity.

So how can you participate in KC Local Week? Visit their website for full details. It displays a very extensive list of local vendors from the metro area.  Plus, there are some great events planned for the week: wear your favorite teeshirt from a local business or festival on Tuesday; try a new place to eat on Bucket List Thursday; listen to local, live music on Saturday at the Spirit of KC Fest at the Crossroads. Many Brookside/Waldo businesses are participating in this celebration of all things local, so when you stop in a shop—be sure to tell them you are also supporting this event. A partial list of Brookside/Waldo vendors include: McGonigles, Garza’s Goodies, District Pour House+Kitchen, The Roasterie, Classic Cookie, Bella Napoli, Heirloom Bakery, Carmen’s Café, Waldo’s Farmers’ Market, Waldo Pizza, Season+Square and many, many more.

KC Local Week-August 17-23, 2015: support local businesses, it’s what gives our city it’s own personal flavor and character!