A circus show, dinosaurs and plenty of bubbles flying through the air kept festivalgoers busy at Merriam’s 39th annual Turkey Creek Festival at Antioch Park on Saturday.
Renee Jenkins, Merriam’s recreation manager, said there were three new food trucks this year, offering cotton candy, dirty sodas and Vietnamese food cooked on a hibachi. She was expecting between 6,000 and 7,000 people at the festival in such sunny weather.
“There’s so much work that goes in behind the scenes, and I love seeing the hard work we all do and that families (are) enjoying it,” Jenkins said.
Visitors to the park could also participate in a pie-eating contest, go fishing and play numerous inflatable games.
Nine-year-old Miles Hessing of Lenexa got a little surprise while competing in the pie-eating contest.
Miles lost a wiggly tooth while eating his pie, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. He said he’s already planning to compete again next year.
Wafa Saden of Overland Park said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the festival — and the tacos.
“Someone is cleaning all the time” so that the park stays nice, Saden said.
With music, food and numerous free activities, there was something for everyone.
“To be able to come out and enjoy some sun and free activities — you can’t beat that,” said
Whitnii Jenkins of Belton, Missouri.
See our images from the Turkey Creek Festival:
Illie Tamani, 5, and Melissa Larbicherif, 4, enjoy playing with their heart-shaped balloon wings at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam on Saturday, May 16. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Five-year-old Ava Jenkins of Belton makes large bubbles using a string at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Merriam residents Michael Schepcoff and 4-year-old Sophia Schepcoff dance to the music of EZ Street at the Turkey Creek Festival on Saturday, May 16. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Luke Fitz, 10, competes in the kids’ division of the annual pie-eating contest at the Turkey Creek Festival. Participants had a choice between apple or cherry pie. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Merriam resident Ashley Uzcanga takes part in the adult division of the annual pie-eating contest at the Turkey Creek Festival. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Olathe residents Forest Dawson, 3, Ivy Dawson, 5, and Jared Dawson participate in a drum safari at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Merriam residents Destiny Ford, 7, and Rvon Ford pour flavors on their snow cones at the Turkey Creek Festival. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Colby Ruth-Holden uses a puppet to teach kids about dinosaurs during a Dinosaur Takeover show at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Six-year-old Killian Kuzila of Kansas City, Kan., attempts to get a hole-in-one at the miniature golf area during the Turkey Creek Festival. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Maya Perez, 7, plays a game of darts at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.
Overland Park resident Izzy Tollie, 5, gets her face painted at the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Photo credit Beth Lipoff.