Denise Perkins, Ivanhoe Resident & Board Member, representing Kansas City Community Gardens at the Ivanhoe Seed Swap. 

As the days get longer and warmer, the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council is gearing up for a season full of connection, celebration, and community care. This month, we’re excited to share what’s ahead — from our annual Easter Egg Hunt to Earth Day events that bring us together to clean up, give back, and celebrate the place we call home. Farmers Market season is also right around the corner, and we’ve got a full lineup of events you won’t want to miss.

We’re also taking time to shine a light on a few of the people who make Ivanhoe special — 0ur star volunteers and supporters who show up, pitch in, and help move this work forward in many ways. 

Whether you’re looking to get involved, partner on one of our big upcoming events, or just stay in the loop, there are plenty of ways step in and show up for Ivanhoe this spring. 

Upcoming Events 

Easter Egg Hunt

Join us tomorrow evening  Thursday, April 2nd at 5:00 PM for the Ivanhoe Easter Egg Hunt! Children ages 0–12 are invited to participate in a fun evening of hunting for free eggs and taking photos with the Easter Bunny. Parents and guardians must attend the celebration with the children. 

Thank you to all the individual donors who provided eggs and candy, as well as, The Salvation Army Prospect Church who donated over 1200 filled Easter eggs! Also, Lead to Read who donated Easter themed books to our free library. 

After the egg hunt, families are invited to stay for a Family Financial Workshop at 6:00 PM, where you can learn helpful tips and resources for managing household finances. Dinner included. 

There  will be refreshments and a kids zone inside featuring the movie "The Lorax".  

The annual Ivanhoe Neighborhood Cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 8:30–10:30 AM. Meet at 3700 Woodland Ave and join the group in helping keep Ivanhoe clean and beautiful. Gardening and trash pick-up opportunities will also be available! Please wear closed toe shoes and long sleeves. All ages welcome to participate. 

Earth Day Festival 

Keep the momentum going after the cleanup at the Ivanhoe Earth Day Festival! Bring the whole family out for live entertainment, hands-on learning, and fun activities featuring partners like the Kansas City Public Library Bookmobile, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Lakeside Nature Center, Bridging The Gap, The Pilgraham Center KC and the Kansas City Fire Department.

The Prospect KC will be serving hot meals to the first 200 participants. Free shirts and water bottles will also be available for those who attend both the cleanup and festival, while supplies last.

Special thanks to our sponsors Remake Learning Days, Evergy, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, 4 Imprint and Jackson County Combat. 

Get ready, the 2026 Ivanhoe Farmers Market season is almost here! Opening day is May 9th. 

Every 2nd Saturday | May–October | 9 AM–1 PM

Join us for a season full of fresh food, local vendors, and exciting community events.

Calling all vendors!

Ivanhoe Farmers Market Applications are now open.
Whether you're a farmer, food maker, artisan, small business, or community group, we invite you to be part of this growing and vibrant market in the heart of Ivanhoe.

KC Farmers Market Passport Launch Party 

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 2nd at 1pm as we kick off the 2026 KC Farmers Market Passport at Kansas City Community Gardens. Be among the first to grab your passport, hear from inspiring local change makers, and also celebrate the season with urban agriculture bus tours. 

Every Tuesday from 9am–12pm, the Ivanhoe Learning Farm hosts a free produce giveaway. Stop by to pick up fresh produce grown right here in Ivanhoe, along with additional offerings provided by Kanbe’s Markets. Volunteers are always needed to help make it happen - click the button below to get involved.

“Accessible and affordable transportation options can be a challenge for many individuals and their families. We are ecstatic to offer an additional resource onsite at our campus that addresses a key need for our community members. Partnership with BikeWalkKC on this important initiative to increase mobility and bike access will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on the more than 6000 households in Ivanhoe.”

- Ivanhoe Executive Director, Alana Henry

The THRIVE Monthly Health Challenge is a simple way to build healthy habits over time. Each month highlights a new focus, from staying active and hydrated to eating more veggies and improving overall wellness. Call 816-921-6611 every Friday to left us know how many times you completed the monthly activity. Bonus challenges and prizes to be announced soon.

T = Take a Walk/Exercise (APRIL)
H = Hydrate (MAY)
R = Reach for Veggies (JUNE)
I = Improve Your Health (JULY)
V = Value Healthy Habits (BONUS)
E = Engage Your Care Team (BONUS)

People Powering Ivanhoe 

Eileen Eliss is a longtime Ivanhoe resident and dedicated member who truly embodies the spirit of our neighborhood. She’s often the first to raise her hand when volunteers are needed, and her joyful energy brings a special sparkle to every Ivanhoe event. Most recently, Eileen has been hard at work helping prepare for our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt.

We’re so grateful for Eileen’s continued commitment, positivity, and love for this community. Ivanhoe is brighter because of her!

Reshida Rone is a wonderful supporter of Ivanhoe, always showing up through her volunteering and participation. Her warm smile and natural people skills make her a perfect fit for the welcome table or the kind of person you hope to sit next to at one of our potlucks.

It’s people like Reshida who truly are the backbone of Ivanhoe, helping create the welcoming, connected community we all value.

Mr. Miller is a newer contributor to Ivanhoe, showing his support through our weekly Thursday Food Distribution. His generous donations of meats and organic eggs help ensure that participants have access to nourishing, high-quality foods to feed their families. We’re grateful for Mr. Miller’s growing commitment to the Ivanhoe community and the care he shows through his contributions.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and get involved, consider becoming a volunteer with the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council! 

Upcoming Opportunities: 

Easter Eggs Hunt 4/2 1-6pm

Earth Day Clean Up 4/18 8:30-10:30

Ivanhoe Earth Day Festival (2 shifts) 4/18 9:30-12pm & 12pm -2:30

Community Food Distribution - Every Thursday 2-6:30pm

Ivanhoe Farmers Market & Pancake Breakfast - May 9th @ 7:30am

Become a member of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council and play an active role in strengthening our community. Membership is a great way to stay informed about neighborhood projects, events, and resources while having a voice in decisions that impact Ivanhoe.

• Individual (Residential): $2/month ($24/year)

• Individual (Non-Residential): $4/month ($48/year)

• Business/Organization/Institution (Residential): $10/month ($120/year)

• Business/Organization/Institution (Non-Residential): $15/month ($180/year)

Members raffle tickets include: Royals, KC Current and Zoo Tickets 

We are looking for dedicated members of the community to join our Ivanhoe Committees. We are also looking for Block Leaders to represent their quadrants and host block parties this summer. 

Paid canvassing opportunities coming soon! 

Upcoming Committee Meetings: 

INC Housing Committee: Tuesday, April 8th @ 11:30am-12:30pm 

Youth/Family/Committee Meeting: Wednesday, April 23rd @ 6pm-7pm

Ivanhoe Monthly Meeting Saturday, April 23rd @ 2-3:30pm

We are looking for organizations to partner with us for some of our largest,  most impactful events:

- Back to School Backpack Giveaway August 8th 

-Winter Coat Drive - November 7th 

-Thanksgiving Food Shop - November 21st 

 Together we can reach more people and make an even bigger difference.