Put the Fun in Funnel Cake

If you've ever been to Santa-Cali-Gon Days, you have a pretty good idea what Strotherfest is all about: turkey legs, local bands, cheerleaders, snow cones, dance groups and people-watching. Also on the menu are "extreme funnel cakes," which probably cause arteries to explode on contact. This weekend's third-annual Strother­fest, at Paradise Park in Lee's Summit (1021 Northeast Colbern Road, 816-246-5224), also promises plenty of "edutainment" activities for kiddos — cooking classes and dress-up games, for instance. The older kids and the kids at heart can get their kicks with bumper cars, batting cages, putting the miniature-golf course, attempting the rock-climbing wall and hitting the foam factory. Tickets cost $20 for the do-anything Max Pak or $5 for access to the entertainment and food area. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. today and Saturday.— Richard Gintowt
Fri., July 31, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m., 2009