06/10/2026
The fact that it's no longer safe for a community to gather and have fun is downright sad and angers me on a multitude of levels. This is happening more and more, with the teen takeovers and the community suffers. The loss of income for local vendors who count on this event every year to make a living is also very frustrating. Many of you know my business was started years ago support my children in the competitive sports they love. This has been my largest event every year and is a huge loss to so many vendors and their families, myself included; all because people can'tact like decent human beings.
From the Board of Directors of Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street
With heavy hearts, we have made the decision that the 2026 Downtown Days festival will be our last. The safety of our community, small businesses, partners, volunteers, and attendees comes first.
Over the last few years, we implemented a number of security and safety changes with the hope that this community tradition could continue. Even with those changes, it was not enough to prevent what happened Saturday evening at Downtown Days.
Downtown Days began in 1989 as Old Tyme Days. This nearly 40-year tradition was created by a group of business owners who came together to transform a declining downtown. They dreamed of a place where the community gathered to celebrate, with sidewalks full of families. The event was both a reason to come downtown and a way to raise funds for those early efforts, and it helped make possible hundreds of other community traditions, from Christmas tree lightings to holiday children's parades. Those visionary business owners' dream became the catalyst for transforming Downtown Lee's Summit into the downtown we all love and cherish today.
Though the time has come to say goodbye to Downtown Days, our dedication to that early dream does not waver. We will continue to look for ways to bring our community together and to celebrate what makes us special.
We are grateful for everyone who has supported us and this event in countless ways over the years. You are part of our story, and none of this would have been possible without you. We cherish each and every one of you.
As we say goodbye to this tradition, we look forward to bringing our community together to build new events and write the next chapter of our downtown.
Sincerely, The Board of Directors of Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street
