Rice-Tremonti Lawn party

Rice-Tremonti Lawn party: Ice cream, live music, Buffalo Soldiers and crafts

The Friends of the Rice-Tremonti Home will hold an old-fashioned lawn party on the grounds of the Rice-Tremonti Home on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2-6 p.m. The 1844 era farmhouse is located at 8801 E. 66^st St. in Raytown. Admission is free for the afternoon event and ice cream will be served and homemade jams and bread will be for sale.

Three Americana/Folk music acts are on the schedule. The Shortleaf Band will play at 2 p.m.; the duo of Betse & Clarke will perform at 3:30 p.m. and Kelly Hunt will play at 4:30 p.m. Each group will evoke the sounds of yesteryear in contemporary stylings. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the entertainment.

In addition, historic re-enactors of the Kansas City-Leavenworth area chapter of the National 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, or Buffalo Soldiers, will be present to explain how African-American cavalry soldiers played a big role in “taming the West” in the 19^th century. The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the 10th Cavalry formed at Fort Leavenworth in 1866. They protected settlers during the westward expansion. Members of the group will be present throughout the afternoon and will give a talk at 3:30 p.m.

A talented group of crafters will sell their hand-made wares to attendees. Participating crafters include: Beyond Scentsations, soy candles and wax melts; Serendipity Dish, unique towel sets for kids; Revamp By Lady Dunn, one of a kind jewelry; Hum-A-Long Ranch, alpaca wool goods; Cassie’s K-9 Bakery, homemade dog treats; Designs By Downing, quilts, children’s bibs and aprons; Soapnotica, handmade soaps and lotions made to pamper you and your skin and Ailina Jewelry, handmade jewelry of stones, crystal, glass and metal beads. More are expected to sign up. No fees for crafters!

Of course, the Friends of Rice-Tremonti will serve homemade ice cream to cap off a fun afternoon outdoors. Yes, it’s all  free, but donations are always welcome as the not-for-profit group is responsible for all upkeep and preservation costs of maintaining this 172-year-old westward trails and Civil War landmark. Tours of the house and Aunt Sophie’s cabin will be held during the afternoon.

For more information contact Leigh Elmore, president of the Friends of the Rice-Tremonti Home Assn., 816-510-8179.