http://www.opcvb.org
We are featuring an exhibit of works of fine art by local Artist Steve Defenbaugh and jewelry designer Diana Abitz. Meet our artists for the opening reception on Friday evening from 5:00-9:00 and on Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00 pm.

There will be all sizes of Steve’s contemporary abstract art including many large scale mixed media art paintings. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a $1500.00 painting from Steve.

Diana Abitz is a geologist and designer who uses natural elements and freshwater pearls in her creative designs of jewelry.

Leawood Fine Art Gallery is lo']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=307
The festival is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 138th and Switzer. It will have games, a raffle with prizes from Bass Pro Shop and more.

There is a $20 registration fee per two-person team. Go online and register today.

The tournament is limited to 60 teams.

Teams will fish with two old-fashioned cane poles and a bucket of worms provided by the Farmstead.

Each team receives two gift bags, fishing tournament T-shirts, child-size tackle box and other prizes.

Trophies will be awarded to winners in each category.

Breakfast will be provided by Anderson Erickson Dairy and Mimi's Café.

# # #']]> http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=306
This marks the 17th year of the Star Spangled Spectacular at Founders' Park in Corporate Woods.

You can purchase food and refreshment at several booths and enjoy free entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m.

Weather forecasters are calling for extremely pleasant July weather with comfortable, if not a little cool, temperatures that day.

This year's event will honor veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The Overland Park Rotary Club, Corporate Woods and the city are sponsoring this event.']]> http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=304
Attending from Kansas were Mick and Colleen Allen, Russell, Jim AuBuchon, Overland Park, Chuck Bredahl, Dick Taylor and Ted Hischke, Topeka, James Higgins, Burlington, Rick Storm, Augusta, and Arden Payer, Garnett.

The mission of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support by employers, increasing awareness of the reemployment law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.

Color guard and national anthem were provided by soldiers from Missouri contingents of the National Guard and Army Reserve. Trainings and dis']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=305
The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is sponsoring this multicultural celebration of drinks and food, arts and entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

It is a fund-raiser that will help support public art projects and expansions at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 138th and Switzer, and the Arboretum, 8909 W. 179th St.

Areas at the Arboretum will be decorated based on particular themes like Rock 'n' Roll Never Dies; Art of Being Green; Wunderbar!; Hog Wild (motorcycles); Noche de Estrellas and more.

Tickets are going fast. As of today, more than 900 tickets have been sold for this first-ever Stems event at the Arboretum.

Tickets are $75 per person and are limited to the first 1,000 buyers. A portion of the ticket price may be tax-deductible. Consult y']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=303
Kids, ages 9-14, will be competing in the annual Hershey Kansas State Track Meet tonight and Saturday at Shawnee Mission South High School, 5800 W. 107th St.

This is the first time Overland Park has hosted the state meet.

Events begin at 5:30 p.m. tonight and are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Events include the 50 meter sprint; 1,600 meter run, 4 x 100 relay, standing long jump, softball throw and more.

Mary Frances Donnelly, Prairie Village, who has competed in the national Hershey Track Meet, is expected to compete on Saturday and hopes to set a state record in the 800 meter run.

She holds the record in the 400 meter run.

The Overland Park Lions Club will be providing lunch for more than 400 Kansas athletes and 50 volunteers.

# # #']]> http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=301
Beginning July 1, the city will begin accepting reservations for tournaments, camps and clinics at the new Overland Park Soccer Complex, 135th and Switzer.

This unrivaled and unique facility, just north of the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, will feature 12 tournament-quality synthetic turf fields, with lights and an irrigation system to cool the turf on hot days.

It will open for play in September 2009.

Rental fees for practices, camps and clinics will range from $30 to $50 per hour per field, and $300 to $400 per field for league games and tournaments. Half field practice rates, from $20 to $50 per hour, also are available.

"Based on initial conversations with local, regional and national soccer officials, we know there is going to be a huge demand for the fields, especially on weekends," said Mike Laplante, manager ']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=299
"Unfolding Tradition" will highlight the work of weavers Irvin and Lisa Trujillo of Chimayo, N.M. Irvin Trujillo, a seventh generation weaver, was the recipient of a 2007 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. He began weaving at the age of 10 under the tutelage of his father, renowned weaver Jacobo Ortega Trujillo. As both a steward of tradition and an innovator, Irvin has been awarded three Grand Prizes and the Master's Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Spani']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=297
The schedule of events for the Nationals is as follows:

Sunday, June 15:
USHA Board of Directors' Meeting 8 a.m. at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Overland Park. Registration 3-7 p.m. and Refs Clinic 6 p.m. at the Athletic Club.

Monday, June 16:
Matches Start.

Tuesday, June 17:
Reserved seating starts on Exhibition Court.
Ambassadors Meeting 6 p.m. at the Athletic Club.

Wednesday, June 18:
Teachers' Certification Clinic, 11 a.m. at the Athletic Club.
Contributors' Reception 7-8:30 p.m']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=295
The 500 pound, 9 foot tall "Eyes" sculpture made of laminated plywood with inlaid walnut is one of 13 new sculptures on display in the annual Arboretum Sculpture Exhibit, now through Oct. 1 at 8909 W. 179th St.

In total, there are 21 sculptures at the Arboretum; eight are permanent.

"The pieces featured in this year's exhibition are both beautiful and thought-provoking," said Julie Bilyea, the city's arts coordinator.

This is the fourth year for the rotating sculpture exhibit. Previously, it was a juried show; now it is invitational, resulting in an increase in ceramics and involvement from four regional galleries: The Dolphin Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri; The Leopold Gallery of Brookside in Kansas City, Missouri; Eva Reynolds Fine Arts in Overland Park; and The Moberg Gallery in Des Moines, Iowa.
']]> ... http://www.opcvb.org/dynamic/news_detailed.html?id=294