Liberty is a city located in Clay County, Missouri and is also considered a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Its close proximity to KCMO means that the residents of Liberty can enjoy a local home-town feel, while also having access to the cultural and recreational advantages of a big city. The city of Liberty has the honor of being recognized in August 2011 as the 7th Best Place to Live in America by CNN/Money Magazine.Connection to transportation outlets makes Liberty an excellent choice for businesses, shopping, and recreation. Several major employers reside in Liberty including the Hallmark distribution warehouse, Liberty Industrial Park, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, and the Heartland Meadows light industrial park. Cultural and recreational venues include the Liberty Performing Arts Theater, Corbin Theater, the Liberty Community Center, and the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. William Jewell College, founded in 1849, is a nationally recognized undergraduate liberal arts college and also hosts a myriad of cultural events such as music, performing arts, and theater. The Liberty Square offers an interesting assortment of retail shops including antique and gift stores. If this doesn’t suit your taste, simply hop on one of the major highway systems for quick access to Zona Rosa or The Legends outdoor malls. Liberty was founded in 1822, 18 years after Lewis and Clark passed through what we now call Clay County. Liberty is the home to seven historic districts and over 240 preserved homes and buildings including the historic Liberty Jail Site, the Clay County Museum, and the Jesse James Bank Museum.
As the final days of October creep in, Liberty and the surrounding Northland area are packed with festive ways to celebrate Halloween. Whether you’re looking for something spooky, family-friendly, or just plain fun, here are some local favorites to help you make the most of the week.Spooky Trail Hunt – Westboro/Canterbury ParkRunning through October 31, the Spooky Trail Hunt in Liberty is a simple, outdoor adventure perfect for families. Along the trail, you’ll find twelve ghost cutouts hidden in the trees. Participants can grab an activity sheet from the Liberty Community Center, search for all twelve ghosts, and return their completed sheet for a small prize. It’s a great way to get the kids outside and enjoy the crisp fall air before the Halloween rush.Trick or Treat on the Square – Historic Downtown LibertyOn Thursday, October 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Liberty’s historic downtown square transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Local businesses and community members will be handing out candy to costumed trick-or-treaters, and the square will be buzzing with festive energy. This long-standing tradition is one of the most popular Halloween events in the area — safe, family-oriented, and full of small-town charm. Arrive early for parking and plan to stroll the square as the sun sets.Halloween Haunt – Worlds of FunIf you’re in the mood for something a bit scarier, Halloween Haunt at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City continues through November 1. The park is filled with haunted houses, scare zones, and eerie entertainment for teens and adults looking for a thrill. It’s a great option for those wanting to keep the Halloween spirit alive past the 31st, but fair warning — it’s not for the faint of heart.Other Local HighlightsIn addition to these main attractions, many neighborhoods throughout Liberty will host trick-or-treating on October 31. Keep an eye out for decorated homes, pop-up trunk-or-treats, and church events offering family-friendly alternatives. Pumpkin patches and cider mills in the Northland are also open through the end of the week if you’d rather celebrate with hayrides, apple cider, and fall photo ops.No matter how you celebrate, Liberty has something for everyone this Halloween week. Bundle up, grab your costume (and maybe an extra flashlight), and enjoy the spooky fun before fall fades into November.