What began as a simple “trashion show”—turning discarded materials into wearable art—quickly blossomed into Spring Fling, a vibrant, half-day celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community. Hosted by Kansas City Parks & Recreation, the event grew to include exhibitors, vendors, puppet shows, and the debut of the Green Carpet Fashion Show.
The spark? A conversation about how KC Parks could participate in Remake Learning Days, an international festival that encourages youth and families to explore hands-on learning. With the festival aligning perfectly with Earth Day Week, a sustainability-themed event was a natural fit.
With less than four months to plan, the race was on to secure exhibitors, entertainment, and coordinate the department’s very first fashion show. It took community partners—and a lot of creative collaboration—to make it happen.
Through a connection with the Kansas City Art Institute, a featured artist for the fashion show and a talented graphic designer were brought on board. Strong, eye-catching branding was essential to make the event stand out—and the results delivered.
At the heart of Spring Fling was a simple goal: empower attendees of all ages with small, actionable steps toward sustainability. Community educators and experts were essential to this mission. KC Parks’ relationships made it easy to connect with organizations focused on recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
Despite the classic unpredictability of Midwest spring weather, the Swope Park Bandstand provided just enough shelter to keep spirits high. While the chilly forecast may have deterred some, a dedicated crowd still turned out for performances by StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the much-anticipated Green Carpet Fashion Show, which featured 30 stunning looks from nine designers.
Interactive exhibits invited guests to explore everything from worm composting and animal habitats to glass recycling and sustainable food practices. Vendors offered unique eco-friendly goods and experiences: dyeing old garments with indigo, customizing clothes with patches and stitching, shopping for curated thrift finds, and savoring delicious vegan fare.
Like any first-time event, Spring Fling came with its lessons—but the response was clear: there’s a strong appetite in Kansas City for fun, family-friendly sustainability experiences. Next year promises an even bigger (and hopefully warmer) celebration, with more fashion, more learning, and more ways to make a difference—one small step at a time.
