Mission celebrates 75 years with street dance, decades costume contest and live music
City officials said the event hearkened back to earlier street dances that used to occur along Johnson Drive in downtown Mission.
From left, Joanna Marin and Kirsten Dyson show off their trophies from the costume contest at Mission's 75th anniversary celebration. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Saturday evening was a look back through decades for the city of Mission, as it celebrated its 75th anniversary with dancing, costumes and friendly neighbors.
City Administrator Laura Smith emceed the costume contest but credited City Clerk Robin Fulks with putting the event together.
Smith said the idea of having a street dance came from actual street dances that used to happen in the area near the pool and police station.
This weekend’s celebration attracted people new to the city as well as those with long family histories there.
“I love Mission. My great-great-grandpa lived here. I grew up here. It’s not every day it’s the 75th anniversary,” said Kirsten Dyson of Kansas City, Kansas.
Matt and Emily Serafin moved to Mission from Atlanta a few years ago and were happy to
celebrate their adopted town.
“It really feels like a close community,” Emily said.
Mission resident Anne O’Leary entered the “Mission through the decades” costume contest
dressed as a member of new wave band Devo.
Mission resident Anne O’Leary embodies new wave band Devo during the through-the-decades costume contest at Mission’s 75th anniversary event. O’Leary won the award for the most creative costume. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
“I like getting in the spirit of the event. I am very much an ‘80s kid at heart and the older I get, the more I look back fondly at those years,” O’Leary said.
For Mission resident Janelle Bachand, the choice to attend the event was clear.
“Where else are you going to be able to wear a hot pink mullet wig?” she said.
Traci Hernandez and her daughter, Dulcinea, of neighboring Roeland Park didn’t mind the rain falling on the outdoor portion of the event.
“I know it’s raining, but we usually come to the Holiday Lights and Sights even if it’s cold and horrible (outside),” Traci said.
From left, Roeland Park residents Dulcinea Hernandez and Traci Hernandez brave the rain while enjoying the outdoor portion of Mission’s 75th anniversary celebration. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Many felt that having a community-building event to celebrate the community’s 75 years was apt.
“We absolutely love that Mission has all of these fun festivals. It’s a great way to build
community, and it’s always a great time,” said Mission resident Caitlin Robins.
See more of our pictures of the event:
City Administrator Laura Smith shows off her ’60s-themed costume at Mission’s 75th anniversary celebration Sept. 26. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.From left, Laura Smith emcees the costume contest as Gladstone residents Kenzie Smith and her dad, Jason Smith, laugh while presenting their costumes at the 75th anniversary celebration for Mission. They won an award for the best costume representing the 2010s. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.Mission resident Janelle Bachand takes a look at the party inside Mission Theater for the 75th anniversary celebration. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.From left, Mission residents Matt Serafin, Celli Serafin, Emily Serafin and Harriet Robins take a novelty photo to commemorate the party for the 75th anniversary of the city. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.Claire Fulks sings along to the music as she takes part in the dance party during Mission’s 75th anniversary celebration. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.Cham Newhouse sings with the rest of the Suburbans band during Mission’s 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.From left, Keith Sauro, Shenon Bone, Aaron Hetherington and Cham Newhouse of the Suburbans entertain the crowd during Mission’s 75th anniversary event. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.Costume contest entrants wait their turn to show off their outfits to the judges at Mission’s 75th anniversary celebration Sept. 26. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.Heart-shaped stickers were available as party favors to those who came to Mission’s 75th anniversary event. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
