The Kansas City metro area is showing its heart this spring with a parade of art installations across Kansas and Missouri.
The hearts symbolize Kansas City’s place as the heartland of America and will raise funds for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through donations to the University of Kansas Health System, the Mid-America Regional Council, AltCap and the Visit KC Foundation. Workers in the healthcare, tourism and service industries were highly affected by COVID closures, staffing issues and other challenges. More than 150 of the five foot tall hearts were transformed into art pieces, which are currently being installed across the area.
In Platte County, hearts can be found in Riverside, Parkville, Kansas City North, Platte City and Weston, with a full list of hearts at theparadeofhearts.com.
Weston’s Holladay Distillery is one of the largest sponsors of the parade.
“As the oldest business in the Kansas City area, we are proud to participate as a Grand Marshal sponsor of the Parade of Hearts celebration.
We appreciate the initiative to showcase the entire region, and value being a part of a group that prioritizes giving back to the community,” said Patrick Fee, vice president of marketing at Holladay Distillery.
An app available on the App Store and Google Play also provides information about the artists behind each heart as well as an interactive map and a feature allowing users to design their own heart.