Kansas City Offers Dining, Sports, Entertainment as IAFC’s 106th Host
A projected 6000 registrants of the International Association of Fire Chiefs will be gathering this year in the “Heart of America,” Kansas City, for the association’s 106th annual conference, Sept. 16-19.
As the nation’s most centrally located major city, Kansas City is within 250 miles of the geographic and population centers of the continental United States, sprawling over the hillocks, bluffs and rich bottom lands along the banks of the Kansas and Missouri rivers.
You’ll be able to take in many of the sites in the “City of Fountains” along the 22.2 mile Scenic Tour. Over 90 signs will direct you at your own pace through cultural, architectural and historic points of interest. The route may be driven in close to 65 minutes, however, there are also brochures for walking tours available.
You might also want to take one of the Gray Line tours, a l 1/2-hour excursion down the Missouri, or a moonlight supper cruise.
The Kansas City Convention Center Complex will house the activities of the conference. Located right in the center of town, it is surrounded bya wealth of first class restaurants and entertainment spots.
Entertainment costs are low
Conventioneers will be happy to learn that dining and entertainment costs are less expensive than in most major cities, as a matter of fact, substantially below the national average. And, although at one time reputed solely for its steaks (which are still a four-star menu item), Kansas City boasts countless dining spots which range from exquisite French and American to varied ethnic and international cuisines.
Many of the good restaurants are located in the Country Club Plaza, the Crown Center, Westport, and the downtown sections of the city.
The Plaza is billed as the country’s first major shopping center. Spanishstyled buildings, complete with russettiled roofs and wrought iron balustrades stand along the colorful hand-painted tiled and tree lined avenues of the 14 block area. In September, you’ll be able to enjoy the Plaza’s annual Art Festival which will feature the works of more than 1000 artists from the U.S. and Canada.
History revisited
Just a few blocks north of the Plaza you can visit Westport Square and take a trip back into Kansas City history. You’ll be visiting one of the most picturesque sections of the town, once the jumping off spot for wagon trains and frontier action. The area still retains much of its pioneer flavor with many of the original 19th century buildings still standing as restored shops, art galleries and restaurants.
If you’re a sports fan, you certainly won’t be neglected during your visit to Kansas City. The twin stadiums at the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex serve as the home of the Chiefs football and Royals baseball teams. The Royals will begin a home stand against the Seattle Mariners Sept. 14-16 and then go on to face the California Angels on Sept. 1720.
Many city parks
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are city parks, zoos and golf and tennis facilities everywhere. Swope Park is among the largest with its open meadows, lakes and outdoor theatre.
The premier park, however, has to be Worlds of Fun, the internationally themed family recreation center of amusements, shows and entertainment cafes.
Among the museums and exhibits you might want to visit are the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, the Nelson Gallery and Atkins Museum, the Liberty Memorial and Museum, the Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Line Creek Archeology Museum.
Transportation easy
Kansas City is accessible through highways 70 and 35 and is not more than two days driving time from practically anywhere in the country.
The Kansas City International Airport is about 17 miles out of town, but getting there should be no problem. There are car rental agencies, taxi, bus and limousine service. Limited passenger service is provided between Kansas City and some cities by Amtrack.
Once in town, the Metro, the city’s transportation system will take you almost anywhere you want to go for a basic fare of 40 cents. The dime-a-time shuttle provides a quick trip to and from the convention center and the downtown area.
