From First Fridays to Freeky Fridays

So the KC Explorer's last post described our adventures at First Fridays, a monthly event at the Crossroads Arts District in KC.  Shamelessly using coincidental alliteration, we are now smoothly transitioning from First Fridays to Freeky Fridays.  This is something a bit different from out typical exploration-style of blogging, but we believe--in it's own way--today's post fits with our goal of discovering the identity behind Kansas City.  

Freeky Fridays is a new initiative from fellow bloggers Dr. Princess and Concrete Jane.  These two sister-bloggers are raising awareness of Freekware, a line of clothing designed by their cousin Mark.  While battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, Mark--a Kansas City native--designed Freekware as a way to inspire positivity and self-acceptance. After he passed away in 2005, his sisters took over the company; all proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It's a great cause, and support for Freekware has continued to grow.

P-nut from 311 wearing Freekware; photo courtesy of Dr. Princess via Shipliketheboat Photography

Mark's blog-crazed cousins are hosting "Freeky Fridays" and, each week, they pose a question to fellow bloggers in an effort to raise awareness of Freekware and to spread its theme of positivity throughout the blogosphere.  

Mark has an amazing story.  As you may know, the goal behind the KC Explorer is to discover the things that make up Kansas City's identity.  As we participate in Freeky Fridays to help spread Mark's story, we're also showing that a city is defined by more than festivals, sports teams, restaurants, and nightlife.  Often, a city is defined by its people, and the legacy they leave behind. 

So without further ado, Freeky Fridays at the KC Explorer begins with this week's Freeky Question, as posed by Dr. Princess and Concrete Jane:

We're all getting psyched for summer. What plans are you most looking forward to?

Summer opens up some amazing potential here at the KC Explorer.  We're getting psyched for some awesome summer-related explorations, i.e. trips to the K, discovering some great outdoor parks in the City, and -- the focus of today's Freeky Answer -- competing in some recreational sand volleyball.

photo courtesy of the Shawnee Convention and Visitors Bureau

Being a land-locked city, one might think most beach-related activities aren't easy to come by in Kansas City.  However, thanks to the Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball Facility, locals can enjoy the warm weather, a few beers, and some friendly competition in various sand volleyball leagues.  Rec leagues are relaxed but still have enough competition to make it fun.  Good music played through loudspeakers accents the beachy atmosphere.  And if you're not up for a weekly league, open court play is available on Saturdays.

The KC Explorer just formed a team competing on Wednesday nights, and so far, it's been a blast.  We may not be the most competitive -- or even the scrappiest -- team in the sand, but we can sure put away a few buckets of Bud Light.  Continued nights of volleyball in the Shawnee Mission sand ranks high on our list of summer explorations we're looking forward to.  We'd highly recommend it to other Freeky Kansas Citians looking to enjoy some summer weather!

TEASER FOR UPCOMING POST:  Stay tuned, The Battle of the BBQ-Round 2 is coming soon!