Waldo Area Business Association Pivots the 28th Annual Fall Festival to “Waldo Walk,” a Virtual Race Experience to Explore Everything Waldo, September 19 – 26
Experience a 6-mile race you can walk, run, bike or stroll through Waldo using an app that features unique specials at local businesses to highlight the neighborhood and offerings
Show your local love at a social distance and experience all that the Waldo neighborhood can offer during Waldo Walk, September 19 – 26. In lieu of the 28th annual Fall Festival, the Waldo Area Business Association has made a shift to create a new type of experience to keep their community safe and businesses thriving with a “virtual” race that features different businesses within the neighborhood via an app.
With Waldo bringing in several new businesses during COVID-19 and wanting to continue to support the long-time businesses that make the community so diverse, Waldo Walk will encourage people to explore the area and find new favorites, all while supporting the neighborhood from a safe distance. Participants can register for the 6-mile walk for $10, which includes access to the app that showcases the route and special offers featured at participating businesses that are both new and neighborhood favorites such as, Bier Station, Crows Coffee Geo’s Cheese, Mike’s Wine & Spirits, Pilates 1901, Reece and Nichols, The Collar Club, Waldo Pizza, and more. Participants can walk, run, bike, stroll or track their movement of choice either in-person or from home, which allows for everyone to participate and feel comfortable.
“Waldo is home to over 300 businesses, so you can truly find something for everyone,” said Natalie Nelson, Director of Operations. “COVID has been challenging and we strive to support our local businesses while keeping our community safe. Participating in Waldo Walk is a great opportunity for people to explore the area either in-person while abiding by social distance guidelines or virtually, and feeling good about supporting local businesses.”
For generations, people have been shopping and dining in Waldo, supporting local businesses, friends and neighbors. In fact, Waldo Walk was previously held in the neighborhood in the late 90s, which Waldo Pizza participated in then and will again this year.
The area, stretching along Wornall Road from Gregory to around 85th St., is home to some of Kansas City’s favorite restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and services. Waldo Walk is perfect for those that love to walk, run, bike or leisurely stroll, and to find a great spot to enjoy outdoor dining, coffee to-go, speciality services, and more. Many of the businesses have implemented new patios, walk-up windows, delivery services, and other social distancing protocols.
“Thinking strategically and being creative with our services has been integral to our business during this year, said Mike’s Wine & Spirits owner, Andy Doohan. “We’ve shifted our focus to delivery services using a new app and offering to-go orders in the Waldo neighborhood. Participating in Waldo Walk is another way to spread the word about the new services we are offering to keep our customers safe, while enjoying the wine, beer and spirits they love.”
Mike’s Wine & Spirits is the presenting sponsor of Waldo Walk and will offer fun giveaways and specials that encourage participants to not only support their business, but to visit the nearby restaurants that are in need of support with to-go orders.
Participants must mention Waldo Walk and show their digital big from the app to receive the discount when they visit participating merchants. Registration is open through September 19 on waldokc.org or by searching for the Racery app. *Rules and restrictions apply.
Visit waldokc.org for a complete listing of merchants and promotion details and follow the Everything Waldo Facebook page for event updates. Register online through September 19 at: https://racery.com/r/2020-waldo-walk/
Participating businesses:
