Plunge into a summer packed with sizzling events in, Independence, a true America original conveniently located on the eastern border of Kansas City. The season of fun explodes during Memorial Day Weekend, with the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Adventure Oasis Water Park, May 29-30. The six million dollar family-friendly water park offers a sparkling 900 foot lazy river, water slides, water spray features, lap pool, sun deck and zero-depth beach.

Several long-running annual favorite events are scheduled for Saturday, June 4. Begin with the Trails Breakfast at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific. Enjoy a hearty feast on the lush grounds of the historic home, (which adjoins the Santa Fe Trail ) while listening to live period music. Several blocks away on the historic Independence square, restored antique cars of the 1940s and earlier will be on exhibit during the free Missouri Show-Me-Rods Auto Show. Don�t miss the Strawberry Festival at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty. Stroll through booths and tents of almost one hundred vendors. Antiques, crafts, plants and flowering baskets, food and kettle corn will be available, as will strawberry treats and crafts and activities for kids.

The only city-wide Flag Day celebration in the greater Kansas City Metro area runs from June 11 to July 4 and includes a free patriotic review, �Wave the Flag for America� on the evening of June 14 in the Englewood Theater, free live music, entertainment and children�s games and activities on Saturday June 11, a fireworks spectacular on July 4, with plenty of activities in the three week period.

The Antique and Craft Fair, an antique lover�s fantasy, is slated for July 9 at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Hundreds of dealers from a five state area will display their unique wares under the shady trees of this historic home. Food, door prizes, quilting and live music and entertainment are bonuses.

Corvette fanciers are always fascinated by the over 200 late model and classic Corvettes displayed around historic Independence Square and Jackson County Courthouse at the annual Corvette show on the Square, set for August 13 this year.

Wind down the summer at the 33rd annual four day Santa Cali-Gon Days celebration over Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5. This blockbuster festival, celebrating the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, is a nonstop showcase of the Midwest�s largest arts and crafts show, Nashville country recording artists, encampments by fur traders, trappers, mountain men and Indians, a new hot poker tournament, plus midway rides and concessions.

Other long running summer events include an original historical puppet show, �Ole, Santa Fe,� at the National Frontier Trails Museum (through June) and free daily organ concerts at the Community of Christ headquarters. Fourteen heritage sites, must-see Truman legacy sites, unique shops and restaurants on historic Independence Square, wagon ride historical tours, premier golf and charming bed and breakfast lodgings are added draws.

For a complete list of summer events, or information on lodging, call 800-748-7323 or to go www.visitindependence.com .

Press Contact: Janeen Aggen Ph: +1 913-599-2080 janeena@msn.com