Autumn Garrett
Editorial Assistant

The fall season brings forth the second… no, first – no, second – annual October PHest hosted by the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association (PHNA). Come experience the fun and festivities shared between the community on October 16 between noon and 6 p.m. at the corner of 2119 Lexington and Brooklyn Ave.

This fall festival can be a way to spend time with family, friends and all your neighbors of Northeast Kansas City. There will be several activities to enjoy including live music, food – picnic tables and seating being available to all – and games for the entire community.

“The third component [of the association] is to foster a strong sense of community in Northeast,” said Chris Binkley, President of the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association.

Come for the music – JC the New King of Funk, Forrest Mccurren and Pendleton Heights resident Matt Hamer – and stay for the food, a crocodile slide for the kids, Art Garden with multiple Northeast makers, and even a 70-foot adult obstacle course.

Better yet, stop for a drink at J. Rieger Distillery’s pop-up bar and watch your friends scramble across the course, and create hilarious memories that could last a lifetime.

The best part? There is no charge for entry. There will; however, be fundraisers such as the purchase of t-shirts, bags, stickers and even a raffle for some Pendleton Heights merchandise to help support and fund the association.

The PHNA decided to forgo applying for Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) dollars, choosing to pay and fund the entire festival themselves.

“All of this is out of pocket to build community,” Binkley said.

After COVID caused most events to be cancelled in an increased attempt at safety – even causing the original festival to be pushed to this year – October PHest will be the autumn the shindig to attend. Get in touch with the community again and experience the first actual October PHest in Northeast Kansas City.

“Because of COVID and recent events, bonds [in the community and neighborhood] have been weakened,” Binkley said. “This festival gives a reason to rub shoulders again with their neighbors nearby, to build and have this really big connection.”

Something residents should note is that the festival will close the section of Lexington Ave. for most of that Saturday, bus routes will be rerouted around the event and several detours for streets will be shared ahead of the event.