We share what makes Manhattan’s Juneteenth weekend feel like a true community homecoming, from live music and barbecue to a walk that helps strangers become friends. We also connect the celebration to the history of Yuma Street and close the weekend with a free screening of 42 at the Douglas Activity Center.
• Party Train concert details and why the show is free
• Fellowship focus through food sports and music
• Barbecue contest format including $5 sampler kits and audience voting
• How to register a barbecue team at JuneteenthMHK.org
• Community walk plans and the updated route highlighting historic churches
• Local history ties including Jackie Robinson and the Yuma district
• Movie night logistics for 42 with lawn chairs and free popcorn
• Sponsors partners and volunteers who make the weekend possible

Please put the word out that it's happening on June 19th from 5 to about 9:30 or 10 on June 20th. All day, please come out

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We talk with Jennifer Elliott about how the Midwest Dream Car Collection has become one of the top car museums in the country by pairing world-class vehicles with real storytelling and up-close access. We also dig into the Route 66 centennial exhibit, hands-on family activities, and the member events that make a return visit feel like a tradition.
• Travel + Leisure recognition and what sets the museum apart
• Storytelling behind the cars and why it matters
• Route 66 100th anniversary exhibit with Pixar Cars characters
• Rotating displays and what’s kept in the vault
• Family features like scavenger hunts, activity sheets, and a kids audio tour
• Larry’s car and other hands-on moments for kids and adults
• Dream Cars Club membership benefits and member reveals
• Amphicar picnic at Tuttle Creek with rides
• Summer calendar highlights including Start Your Engine kickoff and community programs
The website is Midwest Dream Car Collection.org if you'd like to find out more. But stop by, take a look around.

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We talk with Gary Lloyd and Gene Clausen about a practical way to remove a major barrier to music education: getting real instruments into kids’ hands. We also hear how the Manhattan Optimist Club funds youth programs, builds community partnerships, and keeps the work fun and welcoming.

• the story behind the Manhattan Optimist Instrument Recovery Program and why it started as a pilot project
• how donated band and orchestra instruments can help students who cannot afford rentals or purchases
• where to drop off gently used instruments across Manhattan through local bank partners
• the partnership with the Kansas State University Instrumental Repair Program to help restore instruments
• how GMCF grant funding helps cover repair parts and outreach costs
• what Optimist Club membership looks like, including meetings, service projects, and fundraisers like the Chili Crawl
• a quick thank you to the community for support during Grow Green Match and how that strengthens youth programs

You can go online to ManhattanOptimistClub.com

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