Kirksville Connection for June 2024
Kirksville’s Red, White and Blue Festival!
Mark your calendars because Kirksville’s annual Red, White and Blue Festival is just around the corner, taking place on Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, 2024.
The fun begins Friday night with the Summer on the Square Concert Series and United Way Pie Sale and Auction.
Saturday morning is full of familiar favorites in downtown Kirksville with the Kiwanis Farmers’ Market, Pancake Breakfast, Classic Car Show, FLATS Uncle Sam 5K and Red, White and Blue Parade. Then head to North Park later that evening for food, games, live music and much more before fireworks light up the sky.
Find the parade entry form at VisitKirksville.com. Get those parade registrations in by the deadline of June 28.
Great summer events in parks
Weekends this summer will be busy with the Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department! Join us for Dollar Swim Nights at the Kirksville Aquatic Center on June 1, June 15, June 29 and July 27. There will be Movies in the Park on June 8 (Wonka) and June 22 (Migration) at the Ray Klinginsmith Amphitheater in Rotary Park.
There are also four neighborhood block parties, which run from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Those are at PC Mills Park on June 23, Memorial Park on July 14, Jaycee Park on July 21 and Brashear Park on August 4.
New demolition grant program created
The City of Kirksville is excited to announce a new Demolition Grant Program to help reduce blight and increase affordable housing.
This program will grant a max of $10,000 toward demolishing a building that is in such disrepair that rehabilitation is not viable, with a plan to build new housing at that location. The program offers an incentive to property owners to demolish blighted or condemned structures and create new infill residential development.
This program was created after talks with local contractors, who said demolishing existing structures can often be a hurdle to development. The Demolition Grant Program eliminates an obstacle to housing development in Kirksville.
Funds for this program were allocated by community input during last year’s Kirk’s Capital Improvement Plan.
For more information or to view an application for the program, visit KirksvilleCity.com, or call the Community and Economic Development Department at 660.627.1272.
Updates made to Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
The City of Kirksville is excited to announce changes to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program to increase participation in the program.
The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program is designed for low- and moderate-income homeowners to address safety and public health code violations, as well as provide funds for necessary house repairs.
New with that program is a sliding scale based on income that determines how much the applicant must pay back.
• Applicants at or below 80% of the area median income are responsible for reimbursing 75% of the total housing rehabilitation project costs.
• Applicants at or below 50% of the area median income are responsible for reimbursing 65% of the total housing rehabilitation project costs.
• Applicants at or below 30% of the area median income are responsible for reimbursing 50% of the total housing rehabilitation project costs.
The scale used is the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Income Guidelines, as has been the case since the program’s inception in the late 1990s.
To view the list of eligibility criteria or complete an application form, visit KrksvilleCity.com/p/incentives. For more information, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 660.627.1272.
Permits needed for motorized vessels on Forest Lake
The City of Kirksville would like to remind residents that motorized vessels must be registered with the City to operate on Forest Lake.
Permits can be purchased at the Marina Store, City Hall, or online at parks.kirksvillecity.com. Annual permits are available for $45. Daily permits are available for $5 per consecutive day.
For any questions, contact the Finance Department at 660.627.1251.
Summer on the Square Concert Series
The annual tradition from the Kirksville Arts Association returns this summer, bringing live music to Downtown Kirksville each Friday. Each performance starts at 7:00 pm. See the schedule below!
June 7: Fully Loaded; June 14: Renewed; June 21: Mercy’s Bridge; June 28: Deadwood; July 5: Aaron Russell Band; July 12: KV Community Band; July 19: No Apology; July 26: Little Known Fact; August 2: Blue Velvet; August 9: Shakey Ground; August 16: Hootin’ Annies; August 23: Keota; August 30: Pumptown.
Keep sidewalks open
It's warming up and more people are walking around Kirksville, so please remember to not block sidewalks.
Whether it's parking your car or placing your trash tote, don't do so in a way that blocks the sidewalk. Help keep pedestrian paths open and accessible for use.
June events schedule
Kirksville City Wide Garage Sale, June 7 and 8
10th annual Downtown Art Walk, June 7, 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Meet local artists, support downtown businesses and enjoy great art and performances at this year’s Art Walk. Event wristbands are $2 each or $5 for a family. Downtown businesses are offering special discounts and deals for wristband holders during the event. Learn more at https://fb.me/e/3AjwLDi1O.
NEMO Toy and Collectible Car Show, June 7 and 8 @ Days Inn
Toys and collectibles of all sorts will be at the show. See more info at https://fb.me/e/21AJ5Knys.
Women in Nature, June 8, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm @ Thousand Hills State Park
Unleash your inner adventurer for Thousand Hills’ Women in Nature event. Activities include archery, kayaking, hiking, knot-tying and more, all in a fun and supportive environment. Learn more and register at https://mostateparks.com/event/104421/win-women-nature.
Heartland BBQ Society Barbecue Cookoff, June 8, 11:00 am @ NEMO Fairgrounds (2700 E. Illinois St.)
Sample some of the area's finest barbecue and vote for a fan favorite. There’s a $10 cover to get in and eat some great food and enjoy some music. Learn more at https://fb.me/e/4ukVfheR9.
Sunset on the Lake Painting Class, June 14, 6:00 pm, @ the Special Use Area at Thousand Hills State Park
Enjoy a great night right along the lake by learning to paint a sunset. Supplies will be provided for up to 40 people but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Learn more at https://fb.me/e/5i4b9sVUD.
Hope for Heroes 5k, June 15, 7:00 am @ Thousand Hills State Park
Hosted by The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, Hope for Heroes benefits veteran programs, including the VIP Veteran Pack Program. VIP Packs provide additional nutrition to food-insecure veterans, including ready-to-eat entrees, soup and fruit and vegetables in easy-to-open cans. They also provide toiletries such as razors, body wash and deodorant. See more info and register at https://sharefoodbringhope.org/hope5k.
Stay up to date on events going on in Kirksville by checking the calendar on the City’s website, or by following the Tourism Department on Facebook and Instagram.
June meeting schedule
June 3: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
June 4: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Brashear Park
June 5: Tourism Advisory Board, 8:00 am @ Economic Development Alliance Building
June 10: Council Study Session, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
June 11: Airport and Transportation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
June 12: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
June 17: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall