Kawlelujah

SUN 2/13
Except for the casinos, Kansas City has few places to drink in a good view of the Mighty Mo. Talk about a failure in urban planning — we sometimes forget the damned creek is even there! This weekend, Lawrence earns the right to call itself River City when some KU Greeks toast their local trickle at the Kaw River Carnival from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Abe and Jake’s Landing (8 East Sixth Street, 785-841-5855). It’s a family-friendly party with food, games, music and a fortune-telling frog. Tickets are 4 for $1; proceeds benefit the Brookcreek Learning Center. — Jason Harper

Wet and Wild

Take the plunge

SAT 2/12
Every year, newscasters report on groups of Midwesterners diving into ice-cold lakes in the middle of winter. And every year we think, Wow, how dumb. But this time, instead of scoffing we’ll acknowledge — from our place high upon a warm couch — this masochistic ritual as the colorful tradition it is. The Seventh Annual Polar Bear Plungers meet at the lake at Shawnee Mission Park (7900 Renner Road in Lenexa) Saturday at noon, where, dressed in flowing robes, Hawaiian shirts and face paint, they dive into the lake after pledging money to the Kansas Special Olympics. Then they run like hell for the warmth of the shore and the catered after-party. All participants get a sweatshirt, plus prizes for best costume and wimpiest plunge. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 913-236-9290 for more information. — Sebela

Shake That Bass
Punfishers, unite!

2/12-2/13
Fishing is hard work, even when it’s accompanied by a lawn chair and a cooler full of beer. And despite the sport’s relaxing reputation, the inability to get a bite on the line (much less actually catch whatever does bite) is the ultimate frustration. Bassmaster University feels our pain, so its instructors are coming to Johnson County Community College (12345 College Boulevard in Overland Park) to school anyone with a rod, a reel and a dream. Six experts from across the country convene from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to share their arcane knowledge of boat positioning, jerkbait and deepwater cranking. After classes, BU offers sessions of individual help, so that this year we’ll catch more than a buzz. Cost is $109 for both days, $55 for spouses and kids under 16. Call 913-469-2323. — Christopher Sebela