Yesterday Northeast neighbors and a crew from Parks and Recreation tackled the area west of the Colonnade continuing the brush removal that was begun last fall. I was booked all day... so I get zero credit for this.... but certainly can contribute before and after pictures. They even had some heavy machinery this time!!
Above, what Scarritt Spring looked like in the early part of the last century. Below, what it looks like now. This site is located directly below Cliff Drive just east of the DiCapo Fountain (the waterfall). It commemorated the site of the spring (still flowing) which the Scarritt family used for water and to keep things cool. As late as the 1950s you could still go down there and get watercress for salads. But, when the Cliff Drive Spring above was closed due to contaminated water, so was this one below.
The walls shown in the postcard view are still there and in remarkably good shape. At some point it would be fun to clear away some of the debris and brush to see if any of the walking paths still exist. There is the desire to bring this back to its 20th Century condition... but it will take some time.
The original spigot (left in the image) is still there with ample water coming forth. The spring had a mind of its own though and opened a new channel on the right.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the original stonework that made up the basin is still in place under the dirt and debris.
Above, closeup of the spigot and, below, much of the original granite is still in place lining the channel.
The pieces below "crawled" about 50 yards to the east.... probably a failed attempt at "recycling".
I'll keep you posted on any efforts toward restoration.
The 110-year-old Colonnade above familiar to all who grew up or now live in Northeast KC. It's getting some much needed TLC from neighborhood residents and KC Parks and Recreation. Below... a TINY part of the trash and brush cleared off the hill behind the structure.
Above... before the clearing... below.... after the clearing. 20 neighborhood folks helped along with a crew of 7 from Parks and Rec... 
Below... the view now from Cliff Drive.
The view up (south). Below, some branches and brush remain to be picked up by Parks and Rec Monday. Chainsaws, pruning sheers, and elbow grease used in large amounts.
All the stumps of the invasive bush honeysuckle and scrub trees were coated with a chemical which moves down to the roots so we don't have to do this again....
There's still more work to do. More brush clearing, graffiti removal and stair restoration... but a huge beginning has been made. We WILL reclaim our neighborhood.
A feast for the eyes and tummy awaited today at the 31st Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival held in Swope Park. The Festival began Friday and ran through 6pm today. Sixty cultures were represented through food, music, dance and crafts... Totally friendly groups who didn't hate a guy with a camera.
Above, fashion show.... below Indian dancer.
The entrance with a flag for every represented nation.
The bison burger was tempting but I ended up eating at the Ecuadorian booth.
Hyper had the fritada and lemonaide. Below, my line.
Above, former Mayor Richard Berkley was there.
Apparently, there really is a RoadRunner .... he was popular with the smaller humans.
Above, I don't know.
Above, siesta, below, beauty queen.
The costumes worn for the fashion show were beautiful.... I found the best place for photos is behind the pavilion just before the fashion show... all are lined up and gracious in posing.
Just so I don't hear from Meesha.... FOOD. The Ecuadorians had never heard of a Philly Cheese-steak.
Above, my neighbor Olga who was in charge of the Ecuador booth... and who made my FOOD below.
Above... the paparazzi.... below the "subject".... Croatian garb.....
You can get your hair painted green, or, in the case of fellow blogger XO painted on.
Above, the kids tent with stuff to do including making hats from grocery sacks.
Above... this poor young man was dying... despite the umbrella and fan. It was warm but in the shade plenty cool enough.
Above, siesta number 2..... below... before the Indian dance began one of the performers spotted friends in the audience... she was awesome.....
Above..... this old tree has been there for all 31 festivals.... and maybe even before the land became Swope Park.....
