Adrianne DeWeese: So much to do in Independence this weekend

I love this time of year.

Yes, the weather is predictably unpredictable, the Royals are struggling badly, and the busy graduation season is around the corner. But, this also is the time of year when something is taking place every weekend, and that limited $10 entertainment budget will actually get you in somewhere.

Like, this Saturday and Sunday. Maybe it’s because Harry Truman’s birthday celebration is this weekend or perhaps it’s because this marks one of the last weekends until graduation madness sets in. Regardless, if you don’t already have plans, it seems as though every group and organization across Eastern Jackson County has something planned.

The weather will be mixed, though: With sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s on Saturday, bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. On Sunday, opt for indoor activities, as the day is calling for isolated thunderstorms.

Besides Independence, Jackson County and Blue Springs also have many family-friendly, inexpensive events taking place this weekend. Check out The Examiner’s daily calendar listings for more details.

I’ll be out and about Saturday and Sunday with my notepad and camera, capturing stories surrounding the Square. Here’s a snapshot – but by no means an all-inclusive one – of where I’ll be.

n Truman Days on the Square: Oh, where to begin? The farmers market is opening, the city of Independence is receiving recognition again as a Tree City USA, and the Shriners are having a parade at 10 a.m.

Let’s not forget that Saturday’s fun on the historic Square is all in honor of the 128th anniversary of Harry Truman’s birth. And one of Harry’s most famous sayings – “The Buck Stops Here” – certainly couldn’t be more appropriate.   

Here’s a challenge for Saturday’s outing: Try leaving the house with just 10, $1 bills in your pocket. That’s it. The fun is seeing in how far it’ll stretch and what all you can get for it.

You can ride the Truman Trolley for just a buck per person. Attractions like the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion, 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home, Truman Museum and Library, National Frontier Trails Museum, Truman Home and Leila’s Hair Museum are just $1 each to get in the door.

Hungry? Enjoy free cake and punch at the Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot and celebrate Harry’s love of trains as part of the  National Train Day festivities.

Still looking for a tiny treasure to take home? The Bingham-Waggoner Estate is hosting a large yard sale on its grounds at 313 W. Pacific Ave. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tired yet? Head home, rest up – and be sure to save $2 of your $10 because you still have Sunday’s activities ahead of you.

n 24th annual Cherry Blossom Festival: I’ll be able to cross another “to-do” off of my Independence reporter bucket list after this special day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Roger T. Sermon Community Center. Two bucks is all it takes to get into the doors, and that money goes toward summer student exchanges with our Japanese sister city, Higashimurayama.

Following the extra community support received in 2011 because of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, the 2012 festival will be bigger and better than ever, including dancing, martial arts, food, local businesses – and the very first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, Carolyn Weeks.

Consul General OKAMURA Yoshifumi also is traveling from Chicago to present an official commendation to Independence Mayor Don Reimal and the Japanese Sister City Committee from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Get in your car – or, better yet – hop on your bicycle or take off by foot, and just wander across Independence and Eastern Jackson County. Check out whatever activities you stumble upon at your local church, park or shopping district.

Wherever you go, I hope to see you being a tourist in your own backyard, too.