Kearney, Missouri is located in Clay County about 15 minutes north of Kansas City and has a population of 8,381. Each September, the city hosts an annual festival celebrating its distinction as the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James. The James farm with the original house and Jesse James’s burial site are a popular tourist attraction. The Kearney School District serves about 3,500 families in Kearney and northern Clay County.
The Jessie James Festival is a beloved tradition in our town, celebrating its 52nd fall season this weekend (Sept 15-17th). This festival is a two-weekend event, typically the second and third weekends of September, with the third weekend in full swing! It features a lively parade, 5 &10K Run/walk, Tractor/motorcycle/car show, and a rodeo. The Jessie James Park grounds become a hub of activity with the carnival on the festival's last weekend. Families can also enjoy activities like a fishing tournament and "the Largest Kite Show." Local musicians and dance troupes provide live entertainment throughout the day and into the evening. The Jessie James Festival is a beloved tradition that brings our town closer each year to celebrate not an outlaw but an era that significantly impacted their community. See you this weekend at Jessie James Park just north of Kearney on Highway 33!