A&E

With the looming lack of food and water, the danger of lightning storms, and the threat of attack by Comanche and Apache Indians, it’s no wonder that a few westbound settlers chose to remain along the banks of Rock Creek during the late 1800s. Recall the simplicity of early northeast Johnson County tonight and tomorrow at the city of Mission’s sixth-annual Arts & Eats Festival. Starting today at 5 p.m., more than 40 food and art vendors congregate on Beverly between Johnson Drive and Martway and in the parking lots surrounding the Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center (6200 Martway, 913-722-8200). The marquee event: the Battle of the Brisket State Championship, a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned contest, which kicks off at the same time. Charlie and the Stingrays, 9 Plus 1, and Saucy Jack bring the sound tonight to this family-friendly, free event, which will presumably be far less scary than original prairie life. The festival also runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Fri., Sept. 18, 5 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2009