(Blog Sunday 5/30/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: It’s been sort of a lazy weekend around the Kennedy household. On Saturday, Liz and I didn’t do much of anything other than yard work. Sunday’s major activity was a treat for the dogs. We took them to the recently opened dog park that is located at Wichita’s Chaplin Park. This facility consists of two areas, one for large dogs (25 lbs and above) and one for small dogs. This is the one public place in Wichita where dogs are allowed to play off-leash. The two areas are large enough so that you can easily play fetch with your dogs. It’s hard to tell, because our dogs like any trip in the car, but they seemed to have a good time using up some of their excess energy. Certainly, they both fell asleep as soon as we got back home.

Remember that tomorrow is Memorial Day. This holiday, observed on the last Monday of May commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, the holiday was expanded after World War I. Whether or not you agree with our current military involvements, please remember that service members are where they are due to political forces beyond their control. They enlisted to serve the country and they are doing so, many at the risk of life and limb. Those of you on Facebook might want to check out this page.

May 31-June 6, 2010: There are a number of events of interest this week.

First, given that I totally forgot last week was May’s Final Friday, let it be known that Friday of this week is First Friday. A schedule of this Friday’s performances can be found on the First Friday website.

On Thursday (7 pm), Friday (7 pm), Saturday (11 am, 3 pm, & 7 pm), and Sunday (1 pm & 5 pm) the Intrust Bank Arena is hosting Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Zing Zang Zoom. Circus goers will watch in amazement as the high flying circus is literally turned upside down. They will witness apprentice illusionists from the audience mysteriously levitate their parents, and they won’t believe it, as a four-ton elephant disappears before their very own eyes. Spectators’ jaws will drop wide open when they behold Mr. Gravity transform from a human into ferocious tiger. Illusions and magic won’t be the only acts to excite and astound audience members. This all-new circus has some of the most incredible thrill acts ever seen. Families will be breathless as they watch fearless human cannonballs blasting through the air in a dramatic display of daring bravery. Moms, Dads, and kids will teeter on the edge of their seats as they watch the Qi Qi Har Chinese Swinging Log Trapeze act making its debut in North America. A treacherous never before seen quadruple Russian fire-swing sends acrobats crisscrossing two stories in the air and the renowned dangerous dueling wheels of steel defy gravity and logic. Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat.

Wichita Community Theatre‘s upcoming production, Rumors begins this week. Performances of this Neil Simon farcical comedy are this and next week Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are available by calling (316) 686-1282.

Just a last minute reminder that Botanica is offering a free Memorial Day concert by the Wichita Community Band which will be playing a series of marches and other patriotic music between 2:00 and 2:45 pm.

There are more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar for additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.