Troost Avenue celebrates community at first-ever Troost United Fest

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City residents gathered along Troost Avenue on Saturday for the first-ever Troost United Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration focused on community, culture and connection. 

Hosted by Reconciliation Services, the festival transformed a stretch of Troost Avenue into a community gathering space featuring face painting, live music, games, crafts, and local vendors. 

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Organizers said the event's theme, "The Power of Community," reflected their mission to create a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds could connect, access resources and support local businesses. 

"We want people to know that we are here, and they are supported and that there is a community here," said Jane Manis, who serves on the board for Reconciliation Services.

Attendees and vendors said the festival highlighted the strength and unity of the surrounding neighborhoods. 

"It's exciting to see because it's new for us," said Babs O'Halloran, director of operations for KC Artists Coalition. "I've been in Kansas City for five years now, and this is the first time an event like this has happened on Troost. It's exciting to see that people are willing to put in the effort to make something like this happen here." 

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Organizers hope the inaugural festival will become an annual tradition, creating more opportunities for neighbors to connect and celebrate the community along Troost Avenue. 

"I hope it happens more, and I think it can from seeing all the people who came out today," said O'Halloran. 

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