Northeast News
May 12, 2011

Area residents will have a chance to travel the world this Saturday in their own backyard.

It’s all part of the Tour the World Business Crawl, sponsored by the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Historic Northeast Events.

Tourists will receive a map and passport to be stamped at each of the 40 participating businesses and prizes will be awarded to those who “traveled” the most. Passports and maps can be picked up at the hospitality tent next to Speedy Cash at Independence Boulevard and Prospect.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, a shuttle will be available to transport tourists from one walking section to the next. Walking tour sections will include Vietnamese, Latino and African businesses featuring authentic goods on Independence Boulevard between Park and Gladstone.

Look for exotic scarves and rich international spices at shops along Lexington and Brooklyn, along with thrift bargains. Gates Plaza shops at 12th and Brooklyn offer soul food, Chinese and American Barbecue, computers, cleaners and florists. Other points of interest will include the Kansas City Museum, Cliff Drive, area parks and memorials, 18th and Vine District, the American Jazz Museum and Gem Theater.

A reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Independence Boulevard and Prospect.

The event is free of charge and all are encouraged to attend. Parking is available behind Snyders Grocery on the north side of Independence Boulevard and around Dairy Queen on the south side of Independence Boulevard. For more information, contact Rebecca Koop of Northeast Chamber, 816-231-3312 or e-mail nekcchamber@aol.com.