Wizards Watch

SAT 3/12
When Lamar Hunt announced he was selling the Kansas City Wizards, Sam Pierron created the Heart of America Soccer Foundation and set out to save soccer for Kansas Citians. As organizer of the Cauldron, Pierron has assembled dozens of rowdy superfans in Arrowhead’s section 114 to sing, scream and bang drums at every home game. With HASF, Pierron is trying to harness that enthusiasm to keep the Wizards in KC. Although a local owner wouldn’t hurt, what the Wizards really need is a stadium of their own. “We’re helping out those who have the money and the interest,” Pierron says. “If I had a spare $50 million myself, the spades would be in the ground already.” Instead, HASF has organized a letter-writing campaign and is holding a benefit this Saturday. Meet the Team starts at 7 p.m. at Sports City, 425 Northeast Mock Avenue in Blue Springs. In addition to schmoozing with players, activities include a silent auction and a video-game tournament in support of the Kicks for Kids Foundation, which gives game tickets to underprivileged youth. Later in the year (and more true to its raucous roots), HASF holds a pregame rally and tailgate on April 20, with a concert by the arse-kicking Elders. Call 913-927-3969 for more information. — Christopher Sebela

Float On
Brookside wouldn’t run with scissors.

SAT 3/12
Brookside, that quaintest corner of Kansas City, is an appropriate location for the St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade. A wholesome, family-friendly event, the parade takes place five days before the actual holiday and its requisite antics. We’re not saying that belligerence and intoxication never had a home in Brookside. But this parade has drill teams, clowns, classic cars and marching basset hounds — not lewd signs, kegs of Guinness and horny corporate types dangling from floats. This is the parade for parents uneasy about rapid-fire, metallic-green paraphernalia; a plastic shamrock in the eye never did a child any good. The route begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at 65th Street and Wornall Road. Call 816-795-6616. — Sarah Smarsh