In the absence of volunteers, it's a bleak environment.
After a few years' hiatus, the Kansas City Festival made a triumphant return during the city's recent celebration. The event, organised by the volunteer-led Initiative Circle K, showcased the importance of volunteering in Kansas City, with numerous associations and organisations participating.
One of the highlights of the festival was the presentation of the newly founded association, Bananenflanke Kansas City total. Located at a football court opposite the town hall, the association provided an opportunity for children with intellectual disabilities to play together. The association was initiated by Sascha Hermans, former spokesperson of the Initiative Circle K, who also ensured the presence of the Bananenflanke-Mobile as a donation box at the festival.
Entertainment was in abundance at the festival. The BTV Vorst brought numerous children onto the stage for excerpts from the musicals "Mamma Mia" and "Wednesday Jumpers", while the Kansas City fire department's Florianis drew a crowd with their fire truck. The Kansas City Sailing Club also brought a boat to Maubisstraße, adding a nautical touch to the festivities.
The Evangelical Church's StreamTeam provided images on the large screen at the Sparkassen stage, and the Johanniter took care of the little and big injuries of the guests. The gymnasts of the SG Kansas City and the judoka of the SG Kansas City performed impressive routines, with 13-year-old judoka Emil Schubert being honoured on stage for his state vice-championship title, despite being on crutches.
A new rally route was created for classic cars by Marcus Pastor, adding a vintage flavour to the festival Sunday. Associations like "Kansas City is colorful" and the Tomasz - Children and Youth Hospice Kansas City presented themselves at stands during the festival.
The Licht.Kirche project, which had many Kansas City residents involved, was also reported on by Dr. Ulrike Nienhaus. One of the three candles that are to shine in the future in the Licht.Kirche was decorated with flowers as a visible sign from Kansas City during the city festival.
Moslem Ataman Yilidirim and Zaheer Ahmad, members of the working group for interreligious encounters in Kansas City, co-designed the ecumenical open-air service at the festival. The Crash Eagles provided a wheel of fortune and a goal-shooting game for visitors, adding a fun and interactive element to the event.
The festival also served as a platform for engaged citizens to present their work and seek support. It is hoped that this tradition will continue in the coming years, providing a stage for the community to come together and celebrate Kansas City's vibrant spirit.
Further information about the new association can be obtained from Brigitte Albrecht, the honorary managing director of the integrative art café EinBlick. The Kansas City total Friends' Circle, a forum for supporters of the event, is also a valuable resource for those interested in staying involved.
The festival was a testament to the power of community and volunteerism in Kansas City, and a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another.
