Overland Park, KS - You can have your cake and eat it, too.

On Thursday, May 20, Overland Park will officially celebrate its 50th Anniversary. In fact, throughout this year, the entire community can celebrate the 50th anniversary.

"Free cake at City Hall will be provided for any visitors on May 20," said Mayor Carl Gerlach. "The first 50 years of this city are complete with outstanding accomplishments and numerous awards. We know the next 50 years will be just as successful.

"Those visionaries who believed in a prosperous community before the city's incorporation on May 20, 1960, and subsequent leaders who directed the city, will be honored by current officials this Thursday," Gerlach said.

"Overland Park has an outstanding mix of family-friendly amenities including parks, schools, homes, retail, offices and businesses.," Gerlach added.

"We want the entire community to be part of this year-long milestone celebration. From the May 20 community luncheon at the New Theatre Restaurant, to the Jazz in the Woods Festival, the Star Spangled Spectacular on the Fourth of July, an Aug. 22 family event at the Overland Park Convention Center and the annual downtown Overland Park fall festival parade and show, there is plenty to do," said Mary Birch, chair of the 20-person 50th Anniversary Citizens Committee.

Tickets for the May 20 luncheon at the New Theatre Restaurant, 9229 Foster, are available through the Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau at 913-491-0123. The CVB is helping to organize and sponsor the luncheon.

A list of anniversary events is available on the city's Web site.

Included on the Web site are memories provided by residents who remember Overland Park 50 years ago.
"Katz Drug Store at 75th and Metcalf. It had a giant sign on the corner with a huge cat head on the top," said Marshall D. Parker in his submittal.

"We want residents, visitors, anyone who has those special memories and pictures, to share them with the city," said Birch.

Cake at City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe, will be served starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, until it runs out. The main cake is being made by Molly Hemeyer and Lindsay Neal, both 2009 graduates of Shawnee Mission South High School.

Numerous corporations including Black & Veatch, Sprint, Deffenbaugh Industries, and others contributed to the 50th Anniversary events. Nearly $130,000 in donations has been received from businesses and individuals. For a list of donors, visit the city's Web site.