Yelp Community Blog: Yelp Kansas City's Electric Park

Thursday night saw the revival of Electric Park, a Kansas City Amusement Park from 100 years ago, thanks to Yelp KC's very first open party at the River Market Event Place!

Over 300 of Kansas City's finest yelpers came out decked in their finest carny chique. As they awaited admission, they admired the lovely floral ferris wheel, courtesy of Village Gardens Florists and learned about our evening's beneficiary, Midwest Music Foundation.

Once past the admission gates, they were encouraged to imbibe curious cocktail creations courtesy of those invited by the Kansas City Bartender's Alliance. The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange, Manifesto, Westport Café & Bar whipped up drinks made with Tito's Handmade Vodka and High Plains Distillery/Most Wanted spirits. Those guests who wanted a more chill ride appreciated Crispin Cider, Weston Brewing Company, America's Outlaw Beer and PBR. Members of the Kansas City Elite Squad experienced a wine tasting provided by Ionia Atlantic Imports in the Elite lounge overlooking the magical midway.

Yelpers relished a variety of carny-inspired cuisine from The Magical Meatball Tour, (a circusy mobile meatball contraption coming soon), vegetarian frito pie from The Brick, chili from Knuckleheads Saloon (located on the hallowed grounds the the original Electric Park once thrived), chicken wings good enough for the Man Eating Chicken and all kinds of flavored popcorn from Shining Stars Catering. Sweet treats worthy of the finest concession stand in dreamland came from Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Little Lulu's Confections. Those wishing for the rush of a roller coaster visited the CoffeeCakeKC truck parked outside the venue for espresso drinks and yet more desserts, for what trip to the amusement park is complete without maximum indulgence?

Yelpers were able to also partake in a variety of amusements and oddities: tunes from The Threes, Emily Frost and Erin Murmadame, The Latenight Callers, along with an aerial spectacle by Voler, Thieves of Flight throughout their set. DJ Sheppa cranked out the tunes all night. There were all kinds of souvenir photo experiences from three different photo booths, including Shutter Booth. Who didn't want a stack of one hundred bills with their picture on it from Star Based Projects? For those who preferred a more old school approach, M/E studios revived the antique photo booth with a variety of accoutrements for that vintage bling. There were real, live Mermaid sightings as well thanks to Carolyn Turgeon and her mysterious finned assistant.

Thanks to you, we were able to raise $1,000 for Midwest Music Foundation! Raffle prizes included copies of jewelry from Scarlett Garnet, gift certificate to Retro Vixen, tickets to the Coterie Theater, tickets to the VIP dinner and balloon rides at Smokin' On Big Creek, Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon, fireworks from Big Mac Fireworks, tickets to Planet Comicon, and flowers from Village Gardens. 100 lucky yelpers received gift bags that included gift cards from Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen.

Be sure and read the reviews. Here's an excerpt from one of our favorites from Nancy K: "Fun does not even describe the times that were had that night. It was kind of like what it must feel like to make a touch down at the super bowl and win an Oscar at the same time." Check out more photos by Monica Cole on the official flickr page, as well as on the following pages: David Huston, DnHu827. The photo booth shots you took can be found at: Shutter Booth, M/E Photography and Star Based Projects.

Thank you to Innovative Lighting & Design for helping to put the electric into Electric Park! Thank you to All Seasons Rentals. Special thanks to Recycled Rockstar for printing our amazing banner and invites. Major thank yous to all of the aforementioned food, drink and talent sponsors. Most of all, thank you to Rebekah, Chad and Morgan of River Market Event Place for being such gracious hosts to our event! Without them, not to mention all of you, Kansas City yelpers, this event could not have been what it was.

Until next time, keep it electric and SYOY (See You On Yelp!)

Joi B