Boom Time

SUN 5/30
We’re a little uncomfortable about the idea of lazing around on a blanket under the night sky listening to “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” when so many of our fellow Americans are agonizing over the war in Iraq and are so deeply divided over the looming presidential election. Nonetheless, we understand the significance of Memorial Day. We also must admit that hearing the first few measures of the national anthem has always given us goose bumps. Plus, we really like fireworks, particularly when we don’t have to do any of the work. Like-minded folks might appreciate the Celebration at the Station, a free concert by the Kansas City Symphony, conducted by Timothy Hankewich, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the south plaza of Union Station (30 West Pershing Road). In case of rain — it always rains on Memorial Day weekend — the concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Free parking is available at Union Station’s West Yards parking lot; call 816-460-2020 for more information. — Annie Fischer

Here’s the Beef

SAT 5/29
In the tradition of superfluous holidays celebrated in May, such as Melanoma Monday (May 3), it seems that we’re also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the all-beef hamburger this weekend. Hallmark hasn’t introduced a card (or, better yet, hamburger figurines that hold hands or kiss), but the City Market is picking up the slack from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. In the company of a walking, talking hamburger mascot, you can educate yourself in the practices of proper preparation and pick up recipes and coupons. For more information on the festivities or to hire the hamburger for your personal party (kidding!), call 816-842-1271. — Sarah Steele

What’s Your Type?
Jaguars pounce on Crown Center.

SAT 5/29
Before the Ford Motor Company bought out Jaguar in 1990, the British-made luxury vehicles were famously high-maintenance. So much so that there used to be a saying that if anyone wanted to buy one of the fancy-pants cars, he or she might as well hire a private mechanic to go along with it. We don’t claim to know what goes on under the hood (or bonnet, as they say in the UK), but we sure love looking at those beautifully shaped ’60s-era E-types. You know, like the one Harold crossbreeds with a hearse in the classic film Harold & Maude.

The Heart of America Jaguar Club displays Jags of all eras and models at its Concours D’Elegance from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard. Call 816-274-8444 for details.— Michael Vennard