SantaCaliGon Days Starts With Kansas City Metro Fear & Loathing

Labor Day weekend begins with the tragic realization that locals are quickly losing control over shared public spaces as the Kansas City metro seems ready to retreat behind strict rules, paywalls and the tragic realization that safety is far more important than socialization. 

Don't get it twisted, we don't have a problem with security precautions in the aftermath of the disastrous Downtown Days in Lee's Summit earlier this summer that was ultimately cancelled after 40 years.  

However . . . 

Let's read between the lines . . . 

New rules for SantaCaliGon Days seem designed out of fear that's manufactured to more easily control the populace amid a worsening inability for neighbors to calmly resolve minor disputes with one another. 

Again . . . 

We'll stipulate the big events need security and for EVERYONE to be on their best behavior. Sadly, the reality is that culture war politics and so many people hoping that aggrievement will garner social media riches that navigating the public space is becoming impossible, impractical and not at all worth it. 

There's got to be a better way to get some of that tasty funnel cake. 

And allow us a second thought . . .

Maybe we aren't losing much by giving into draconian rules in order to walk outdoors on a hot summer night. 

We only advise that locals should be clear what we're giving up . . . 

100 years ago most of the Kansas City metro was still rural and out of the way . . . Most people still "did their business" outdoors and there were few limits on freedom of movement. 

Now, clearly that's not that case as many Americans seem so terrified and disdainful of one another that even a summer festival comes with warning of police crackdowns, stricter rules and an overall "vibe" that seems so tense that it might be worth skipping in order to garner more time to play video games and hopefully see if delivery drivers can snag some of that SantaCaliGon funnel cake to go. 

Check-it . . .  

From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., if you are under 18-years-old and not accompanied by an adult in the Independence Square area, then you will be asked to leave.

The curfew has been put into effect to help enhance public safety during the popular festival. While the city plans for thousands of people to attend, Councilmember At-Large Cody Atkinson says safety issues at other festivals is what sparked their concerns.

“Seeing some things that have happened across the country, and to our neighbors in the south in Lee’s Summit, we wanted to make sure that this festival experience is as nice for everybody as possible,” Atkinson said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Businesses welcome unaccompanied minor curfew as Independence's annual SantaCaliGon Days returns

SantaCaliGon Days, an annual festival at Historic Independence Square, has imposed a 6 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors in an effort to keep families safe this Labor Day weekend.

City leaders implement curfew during SantaCaliGon Days Festival in Independence

From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., if you are under 18-years-old and not accompanied by an adult in the Independence Square area, then you will be asked to leave during the SantaCaliGon Days Festival.

SantaCaliGon Days returns for 54th year -- changes you need to know about

SantaCaliGon Days returns to the historic Independence Square with changes like a youth curfew and adjusted festival layout.