Thank you to everyone who donated to the cause last week!
I know that is not feasible for everyone, so thank you but we also accept constructive cristicism, bitcoin, or referrals!
Let's get to it!
- Landon Huslig
TOGETHER WITH HUMANKIND
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Have you dreamed of seeing the Big Game live? HumanKind wants to make that dream come true for one lucky fan.
βHumanKind's Big Game Raffle tickets are available for only $25 and each entry is a chance to win two premium, lower-level tickets to the game in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, February 9, 2025 plus a celebration with thousands of fans in the French Quarter, and a three-night stay in a luxury hotel.
The more raffle tickets you buy, the more chances you have to win. There are a limited number of tickets available, so get yours today!
The raffle winner will be announced in October 2024.
Each raffle ticket purchased sponsors one night for someone at The Inn, HumanKindβs shelter for individuals, families and their pets.
One of the best traditions (and one of my favorite events) in Wichita is Open Streets ICT.
Whether it be Douglas, WSU Neighborhood or Nomar, it is great to see people out enjoying beautiful weather and our beautiful city.
What is Open Streets ICT?
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A few times a year, a stretch of a street around town is shut down for citizens to walk and enjoy the wide-open streets of Wichita. This event is 100% free to attend and is a community-building event?
One time a year, a street in Nomar shuts down. Another time, 17th along WSU closes.
This Sunday, Douglas will be shut down for four miles.
What to expect:
4.1 miles of Douglas Avenue is closed from College Hill at Bluff St to Glenn St in the historic Delano District
Street Food
Bikes and skateboards (no motorized vehicles of any kind)
All kinds of other vendors
Lots of fun
Let's break it down.
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The History of Open Streets
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βBack in 2017, Wichita Park & Recreation and the Wichita Park Foundation created a brand new event in Wichita called Open Streets ICT that would close down Douglas from Clifton Square on the east end to the west end of Delano.
The idea was to promote our community and promote healthy living where people could safely walk, ride, dance down an open street.
The inspiration began when the then Park & Rec director Troy Houtman learned about other cities all over the country (and internationally) who did just that while he was attending a conference.
Cities like LA, SF and Portland where they would shut down 10 mile stretches up to 8 times a year and in some cities like Bogota, Colombia, they happen weekly.
LA Open Streets
The Wichita Community Foundation put up $20k as a grant to fund the project and off they went.
It is essentially a giant block party with multiple βhubsβ along the street that anyone can attend for free.
Needless to say, the first one was a hit with 18,000-20,000 people showing up. It quickly became an annual event.
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Activity Hubs
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The idea of βactivityβ hubs along the way also stuck.
You can stop at any of the 5 hubs and find something fun to do:
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Some have concerts and music going. Others have games and activities.
Vendors are also located up and down Douglas, including the hubs.
Open Streets ICT began as a collaboration between the Wichita Park & Recreation and the Wichita Park Foundation and continues to expand on that.
Other collabs this year include:
βShop & Grub - Monthly outdoor market with over 40 vendors at Century II on Kennedy Plaza from 12 - 5pm
βPrairie Fire Marathon - this fall race has a 5k, friendly 5k, Half-Marathon, and Full Marathon. It starts and ends at Riverfront Stadium for the first time (new route)
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Open Streets is for Everyone
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The beauty of events like these are they are truly for everyone, no matter age, physical ability, ethnicity, etc.
Straight from the website:
"Open Streets ICT provides more than just opportunities for physical exercise - it's an exercise in building community, cultural identity, and social engagement. By temporarily removing the danger of motor vehicles, Open Streets provides a novel type of public space that helps people make social connections and lets them view their city through a new lens.
Along the route there will be many restaurants, businesses, and organizations participating with food, activities, and fun for all ages and physical levels to enjoy."
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That's all folks!
Have you ever been to Open Streets ICT?
What other events have you been to in other cities that we should adopt here in Wichita?
TOGETHER WITH TRUSSELL MEDIA
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You might see that podcast above and think -
"WOW, I'm not sure about that host, but the quality looks AND sounds incredible! I wonder where they record the Wichita Life Podcast?!"
October 10, 2024 | Sign Up | Support Us TOGETHER WITH Good morning, Wichita! Happy birthday to Jason and Sharon! Interested in getting a birthday shoutout? Just share our update with a friend: [RH_REFLINK GOES HERE] Let's get to it! - Landon TOGETHER WITH THE CITY OF WICHITA Open Streets ICT on Douglas is THIS SUNDAY! This is one of the best traditions in Wichita. What to expect: 4.1 miles of Douglas Avenue is closed from College Hill at Bluff St to Glenn St in the historic Delano District...
October 7, 2024 | Sign Up | Support Us TOGETHER WITH Good morning, Wichita! We were out of town in Colorado for a wedding over the weekend and someone came up to me to tell me they now live in NW Arkansas, but still read the Wichita Life Update. Pretty cool! It also had me wondering, who reads the Update that lives the furthest from Wichita? Let us know if you can beat NW Arkansas! Let's get to it! - Landon Huslig NEWS Michelin Man-napped Pumphouse / Facebook If youβve been to the Pumphouse...
October 3, 2024 | Sign Up | Support Us Good morning, Wichita! Happy early birthday to Kisten! Let's get to it! - Landon p.s. no email tomorrow, see you all on Monday! Wichita Life Insiders The Wichita Life Update is, and always will be, free. I dedicate countless hours each week to bring you the latest news, events, and happenings around town, so you can stay informed in just 5 minutes. If you've ever enjoyed an event, discovered a hidden gem, or impressed your friends with your Wichita...