Zona Rosa hosts annual Easter parade

Some ride, glide, float, walk, stroll, strut or waddle. However this year's Kansas City Easter Parade participants choose to take part, the entire city is invited to attend this free community event at Zona Rosa.The Kansas City Easter Parade continues the city's longstanding tradition of the community walking parade at 11 a.m. April 19. As always, participants can win $1,000 just by dressing in their Sunday best. "As we celebrate our 10th year at Zona Rosa, the Easter parade is only one of several special Kansas City traditions that have been revived and now have become cherished events at Zona Rosa,” said Rosemary Salerno, general manager of Zona Rosa. “We're proud that these events have created special memories for local families and we know we'll be here for many more." The Kansas City Easter Parade awards are based on parade participants who are dressed in their Easter finery and/or have gone "above-and-beyond" to coordinate a theme or create an outstanding outfit. Local celebrity judges will present awards immediately following the parade at Town Square, crowning the most outstanding woman, gentleman, girl, boy, pet, family and float. These newly crowned winners will receive Zona Rosa gift cards and prizes, including a $1,000 gift certificate to Zona Rosa. The annual Easter parade was a tradition on the Country Club Plaza for almost 40 years and now it lives on at Zona Rosa. The three-block walking parade will feature local politicians, marching bands and hundreds of local community members — all escorted by the Easter Bunny himself. Businesses, politicians, schools, organizations and others are invited to register a float or vehicle with Zona Rosa's Guest Services to add to the festive ambiance of the annual parade.

Following the parade, families can visit a free petting zoo featuring a variety of exotic animals, meet the Easter Bunny, (bring your own camera and sit for Easter photos in front of a themed backdrop), and participate in “bunny sack” races, an egg carrying contest and many more old-fashioned games. Kansas City’s own Mr. Stinky Feet will take the stage at Town Square immediately following the parade.