Kearney Enrichment Council to Host Black & White Gala

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The Kearney Enrichment Council is set to host its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Gala, inviting guests to an elegant Black & White Gala that promises an evening of refined celebration and meaningful impact. Attendees are encouraged to don classic black and white attire as they gather for a sophisticated night of community and purpose at one of Kearney’s signature events.

The festivities will take place on March 21st from 5 to 9 pm, at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., Kearney. The evening begins with a red carpet experience, followed by cocktails, networking, and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 pm. A seated dinner with live music and entertainment will commence at 6 pm, with both silent and live auctions continuing throughout the night.

Beyond the glamour, the Gala serves as a vital fundraiser for the Kearney Enrichment Council’s Emergency Assistance Program, which supports local residents struggling with rent and utility bills during times of crisis. The program has been a lifeline for families, such as one that persevered through the aftermath of a husband’s heart attack and subsequent job loss, with his wife returning to work to help make ends meet.

Proceeds from the event will also benefit other important KEC initiatives, including Shop with a Cop and the Kearney Family Foundation, both of which provide essential holiday and community support for those in need. Additionally, KEC’s commitment to the community is reflected in its youth and senior programming as well as its efforts to revitalize Downtown Kearney with diverse events.

As attendees enjoy an evening of dining, entertainment, and auctions, their generosity will directly fuel the Kearney Enrichment Council’s mission to uplift and support the Kearney community. Organizers invite everyone to join in making a memorable difference together.

Find tickets at kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wine & Chocolate Tour Returns with International Flavors

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The beloved Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour is back for 2026, promising an evening of indulgence, adventure, and community fun. Hosted by the Kearney Enrichment Council in collaboration with local businesses, this year’s event will showcase small-production, boutique wines from around the globe, each paired with delicious snacks from various countries.

Set for February 7, the festivities begin with check-in at the Old Firehouse, where guests will collect a commemorative 2026 wine glass, a punch card, and a special swag bag, depending on their ticket type. The trolleys and buses will depart at 4:30 PM, running on a continuous loop throughout the evening to transport participants between the different Kearney business stops. For those who prefer, a self-driving option is also available.

Ticket options for the event include General Admission at $45, which covers the wine glass and optional transportation, and the VIP experience at $65. VIPs will enjoy exclusive perks, such as a special wine and chocolate bag, a wine tumbler, two extra raffle tickets, and additional VIP wine pours. Only 100 VIP tickets are available, making this a sought-after upgrade for wine enthusiasts.

The event adds a playful twist with a punch card system. At each stop, guests get their cards punched, earning raffle tickets for each set of stops completed. Three punches get you one raffle ticket, five punches earn three tickets, and completing the entire route nets an impressive five raffle tickets. Lucky winners will be contacted after the event to receive fun prizes, including bottles of wine featured on the tour.

Doors open at 3:30 PM, giving attendees time to mingle and prepare before the trolleys roll out at 4:30 PM. With limited space on the trolleys and buses, early registration is advised. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a memorable night out with friends, the 2026 Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour offers a flavorful journey through the world of wine—without ever leaving town.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Enrichment Council Hosts Annual Gala “Hollywood Nights”

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The Kearney Enrichment Council is hosting its annual gala on March 15th from 5 to 9 pm. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Nights” and it features an elegant dinner, an open bar, and thrilling silent and live auctions.

The gala’s purpose is to raise money for Kearney Enrichment Council's Emergency Assistance Program. This program provides vital support for rent and utilities to those facing challenging circumstances. Supporters’ generosity fuels their commitment to initiatives like Shop with a Cop, the Kearney Family Foundation, and community-focused programming.

“Hollywood Nights” will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., in Kearney. Doors will open at 5 pm. At 5:30 pm they will be serving cocktails & Hors d 'Oeuvres. 6 pm is dinner and music, with entertainment and the auctions to follow.

To learn more about the Gala, go to https://www.kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Enrichment Council Brings Back Wine and Chocolate Tour

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The Kearney Enrichment Council is partnering with Kearney businesses to bring small-production, boutique wines from around the world, with chocolates to match to Kearney. The Kearney Enrichment Council’s annual Wine & Chocolate Tour is returning on Saturday, February 8.

It's that time again to enjoy the annual Wine & Chocolate Tour. There are two options for tickets this year: General Admission gives event goers a 2025 wine glass. VIP Admission gives people a 2025 wine glass, plus an exclusive Wine and Chocolate Bag, 2 Extra Raffle Tickets, and a stainless-steel wine tumbler. Optional tickets on the trolley to travel around town in style are available.

“It's a great time to have a date night with your partner or spend time with your friends,” states the Enrichment Council’s Facebook invitation.

There are only 100 VIP tickets available. Tourists will have a punch card to take to each location. At the end of the night event, tourists turn in their card to try their luck at winning the raffle basket.

The Wine & Chocolate Tour is happening on Saturday, February 8. Registration opens at 3:30 pm, and trolleys depart at 4:30 pm. The tour begins and ends at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 106 S. Jefferson Street Kearney.

Wine and Chocolate tourists can find tickets at KearneyEnrichmentCouncil.org/wine-chocolate

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Magical Night Brings Lighted Parade to Kearney

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It was a magical night in Kearney on Saturday, Dec. 14 as the Kearney Enrichment Council hosted the 4th annual lighted Christmas parade and Kearney’s Magical Night, and it brought out hundreds who filled downtown Kearney streets and businesses for the festivities.

sANTA cLAUS DROPS IN ON PARADE HOSTS tROY rESLER AND tY bRADSHAW.

The Lighted Christmas Parade consisted of over 30 entries and drove up Washington Street while onlookers clapped and cheered on the festive vehicles. After the parade local businesses in the downtown area were open for family crafts and treats.

After the parade, Santa Claus stopped by City Hall to talk to the kids.

The float entries were judged, and participants won awards in the following categories:

  • Santa Award: Remax Advantage

  • Mrs. Claus Award: Kansas City Northland Jeepers

  • Santa’s Sleigh Award: JP Equine Services from Hilltop Farms

  • Grinch Award: Harris Excavating

The parade was televised by KMO-TV and 102.7FM KPGZ. The video can be watched on-demand on the 1027KearneyMO.com website by scrolling down to the “Welcome to KMO – TV” section. The parade video can also be viewed in the KMO-TV section of the KPGZ Mobile app and on the radio station’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.