We all know what happens to leftover Halloween candy – it gets eaten. Let’s just say I’ve been doing my part.
Thank goodness, there are sweet activities to take part in this weekend that require no overt sugar intake.
Stop scarfing the surplus Milk Duds (until they’re entirely gone, of course) and check out what other sweet stuff is up, including ice-skating, wine tasting and saying hi to Santa – yes, already.
1. Crown Center Ice Terrace
Whether you’re a graceful figure-eight-maker or a confirmed rail hugger, you’re invited to the 2015 opening day of Kansas City’s sole public outdoor skating rink. The 43rd annual event offers skaters free admission, along with coffee and hot chocolate on the house. Those who bring their own skates can also skip the $3 skate rental. Sweet!
Friday, 6-9 a.m.; Crown Center Square, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
2. Guess the Grape: A Blind Wine Tasting
What’s sweeter than wine? Kisses, for one thing. And precious eyesight for another. You can support all three (with a smooch-appropriate companion) at this blind wine tasting party benefiting the Kansas City Eye Clinic, which provides eye care to hundreds of low-income and homeless people each year. Besides vino guesswork, festivities include live music, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and a “swag bag” to take home – or you could leave it for someone else, which would be very sweet of you.
Saturday, 7-9 p.m. (pre-event cocktail hour 6-7 p.m.); Kansas City Library – Central Branch, 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $60 single, $100 double.
3. Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show
Rolling Stones’ fans who gathered for the legendary rock band’s concert this summer at Arrowhead Stadium experienced sweet satisfaction for a not-so-sweet ticket price. The admission charge is far more reasonable to attend this weekend’s local gig by Satisfaction, the internationally renowned Stones tribute band. Even Mick might agree that there’s nothing wrong with spending a lot less to “get yer ya-ya’s out”. Well, he might.
Friday, 9 p.m.; Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino, One Riverboat Drive, North Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $19.
4. Juan Gabriel
You don’t have enough fingers and toes to count all of the sweet songs that Juan Gabriel has serenaded countless audiences with for more than four decades. The perennially popular Latin singer/songwriter has sold scads of albums covering multiple music genres, from pop-rock to traditional Mexican. And he brings a load of backup talent with him on the road to share the highlights of his career.
8 p.m., Saturday, Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $67-$167
5. Pedal to the Metal
Childhood is short and sweet. While many of today’s kids may find amusement online by driving virtual cars, some of the luckiest of yesterday’s children spent their fleeting time as kiddos behind the wheel of a toy car that they could actually pedal. Remember the Garton Kidallic, a super-sweet pedal car based on the design of the 1950 Cadillac? If you do, you’re old! But you can feel young again by visiting the Pedal to the Metal exhibit at the National Toy and Miniature Museum, where you can see the Kidillac and other vintage examples of four-wheeled fun for now-grown little ones.
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (expect Tuesday), National Toy and Miniature Museum, 5235 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $5 ages 5 and older.
6. ‘Santa’s Grand Arrival’
Barely a week after Halloween and it’s already time to ponder Christmastime, at least according to the folks at Independence Center, who will be hosting Santa Claus starting this weekend. The jolly (and sweet) old elf will lead his holiday parade in a horse-drawn sleigh. Apparently, the reindeer are still on vacation. But Santa will have plenty of support, courtesy of students from Lee’s Summit Elementary School and representatives of the Kansas City Ballet. Shop or don’t shop – although it seems like a good excuse to pick up a candy cane. Now where did I put those Milk Duds…
Saturday, Independence Center, 18801 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo.; admission: free.