Some towns really know how to put together a parade. You can count Weston as one of those towns.
Case in point: the parade that was held in historic downtown Weston as part of the first-ever Ben Holladay Festival. Historians will tell you Ben Holladay, who came to be known as the Stagecoach King, at one time was the largest individual employer in the country and is regarded as one of the most influential and notable figures to come from Weston. Saturday’s event was celebrated in the form of an 1800s nod to Missouri’s Bicentennial. If you’re not aware, Aug. 10, 2021, will mark the 200th anniversary of Missouri’s entry as the 24th state to join the United States.
Anyway, I headed over to Weston Saturday morning not really expecting much of a parade or a crowd, but I’m happy to say my expectations were wildly exceeded. Great crowd, good-sized and fun parade, with many more entries than I expected.
Weston really knows hot to put together a festival and a parade, you guys. Kudos to everyone involved.
Buckle up for an unpaid, unsolicited endorsement.
Guys, have you tried the relatively new brand of body wash called Harry’s? Maybe you should. After hearing Harry’s advertised on the Las Vegas-based radio station I listen to every morning, I noticed a three-pack for sale on a trip to Sam’s Club. Every trip to Sam’s Club must include a random purchase of something you don’t really need–it’s in the Constitution, check it–so I grabbed the three-pack.
My favorite fragrance in the pack is one called Stone. Definitely an eye-opening aroma. Harry’s describes it as “invigorating minerals and citrus.” I’d describe it as a combination of sunshine and kick-assery.
I can confirm it’ll have you feeling–and smelling–like a million bucks as you head out the door early on a Saturday morning to take pictures at a Ben Holladay Festival.
Welcome to Dreamtown, everybody.
Platte City has been named to a list of America’s best small towns by the author of a new book entitled “Dreamtowns.” The book, written by G. Scott Thomas, is available on Amazon and through other outlets. An online description of the book says this:
“Millions of Americans feel trapped in big cities, since that’s where most of the good-paying jobs are. But the Covid-19 pandemic has tipped the balance, revealing that many jobs can be done remotely. Disaffected city dwellers are now free to follow their dreams and flee from urban grime and congestion. But where to go? G. Scott Thomas has written an essential guide for anybody seeking to escape a big city, Dreamtowns: The 209 Small Towns Where You Can Live Your Best Life.”
So there you go. The book puts Platte City somewhere in the top 209 small towns where you can live your best life. Where exactly is Platte City within the top 209? Apparently if we want to know exactly where, we’ll have to buy the paperback, which is listed for $27.99 on Amazon.
The book rates the quality of life in 2,084 small towns across the nation, subjecting them to “12 rigorous tests,” we’re told. The 209 places with the highest scores–the top 10 percent–have been designated as Dreamtowns. Categories measured in the author’s rankings include education levels, economic growth, job opportunities, and housing options.
The major interchange improvement project going at Interstate 29 and Exit 18 (Hwy. 92) in Platte City is about to get real.
I mean, sure, the project is already real but soon the traffic challenges will get real impactful, if you know what I’m saying. Construction is currently focused on the westbound lanes of Hwy. 92 and the exit ramp from southbound I-29 onto Hwy. 92. That portion of the work will conclude in late June/early July. And then the real fun will begin. That’s when construction on the eastbound lanes will bring the closure of the I-29 southbound onramp from Hwy. 92. In other words, starting in late June/early July you won’t be able to head south on I-29 from that major Platte City intersection on Hwy. 92.
“This will have significant impact on Platte City residents,” officials at the City of Platte City acknowledge.
Yes. Yes, it will.
Imagine the southbound interstate traffic that exits into Platte City to get fuel or patronize the fast food options at the intersection, then when they’re done conducting their business and want to head south on I-29 they find that oops, they can’t. So there could be some backtracking through Platte City to get to the other southbound I-29 option. Or maybe they’ll head south on Running Horse down to I-435, then take I-435 north to pick up I-29 south.
And it’s not just the out of town traffic that will be affected. The locals accustomed to heading south on I-29 from that area will also get frustrated by the necessity of using an alternate route.
This has the potential to cause some significant local traffic congestion, confusion, and inconvenience. I think the technical term is fustercluck.
The big picture view to keep in mind is that the short term pain will be worth the long term gain. The new interchange at I-29 and Hwy. 92, when completed, will be a major improvement.
For now the city, of course, is hoping the southbound I-29 ramp at Hwy. 92 is not closed for what may feel like an eternity.
“City staff has emphasized (to MoDOT) the benefits of completing the ramp work as soon as possible,” says DJ Gehrt, city administrator.
Amen.
(You can find Ivan Foley worshiping his favorite body wash fragrance. Email him at ivan@plattecountylandmark.com)
