History

The October Priests of Pallas masqued event is something otherworldly that you MUST experience for yourself to believe…or make believe.

Priests of Pallas is definitely one of Kansas City’s most unique parties; you’d never guess you’re participating in a very worthy fundraising event!

But, just how much do you know about the historical phantasmagoria Priests of Pallas that once was?

Jump on our space time continuum to when Kansas City, centered around its agrarian roots, was poised on the sunrise of the industrial revolution. Jackson County and radial community’s farming and cattle raising industries—some world famous—were the lifeblood of the region. The fusion of a bountiful harvest and a robust market is what our predecessors eagerly sought. When the performance culminated, they needed to celebrate. And, did Kansas City ever celebrate!

Priests of Pallas emulated autumnal festivals in other cities across the nation like “Veiled Prophet” originating in St. Louis in 1878, and New Orleans’s renown “Mardi Gras,” captivating audiences since the 1850s.

Kansas City’s annual, week-long offering of festive parties called the Priests of Pallas, debuted October 11, 1887. Settling on a Greek mythological format, the Priests of Pallas festival paid homage, symbolically of course, to Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of prosperity and wisdom, guardian of warriors, protector of arts, and champion of justice and civil law.

For most years of the event, a particular theme was devised for Priests of Pallas. The “Fete of the Priests of Pallas” kicked off the tradition in 1887. Some other themes in the years to follow included: “Parade of Nations” (1889); “American History” (1890); “Grand and Comic Opera” (1895); “Story of the Stars” (1904); and a very futuristic theme, “A Trip to Mars” (1909) that included one float titled, “Wireless Messages.”

Elaborate floats built around these themes, constructed on the flatbed chassis of a streetcar, and motored through downtown streets on rails. Before 1902 when the trolley system was in place, flat wagons disguised with ornamental floats were pulled by mules; dangerous torches were the source of light. Using streetcar wires overhead, floats could be electrified with Edison light bulbs; electricity at that time was quite a new spectacle.

Over its history the annual pulse-pounding Priests of Pallas carnival ala. festival drew hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors, which paid off in astronomical dividends for our burgeoning city. Founders of the Priests of Pallas sought economic gain for sure. That the event entertained and had a ‘shock and awe’ effect on public was likely a secondary achievement.

The historical Priests of Pallas eventually faced some challenges and came to an end after the 1924 festivities. The development of a culture of leisure in the 1920s afforded Kansas Citians a variety of entertainment choices including amusement parks, movie theaters, even the American Royal. Then, too, was the new-fangled automobile, and the birth of the “road trip.”

But, if the parades were a draw, the Priests of Pallas masquerade ball eventually became the event’s piece de resistance. Beginning at midnight, and limited to one thousand guests, the ball was clearly the most exclusive social event of the area.

Organizers of this year’s gala event desire to be respectful of the historical tradition of this exciting chapter in Kansas City history, within the context of a modern fundraising event for the Westport and Jackson County Historical Societies. Our success tonight will ensure an even more fantabulous event next year.

Attend the October gala event and share your Fusion of the Future, Past, & Present Priests of Pallas with those you encounter so that more people will continue to learn about the importance and significance of this historical chapter in our city’s history . . . and become involved with its renewed adaptation in the future.

We trust you will personally see that the reawakened Priests of Pallas becomes a hallmark event, putting yet another dot on the map making Kansas City a unique place to live, work and play.









	History The October Priests of Pallas masqued event is something otherworldly that you MUST experience for yourself to believe…or make believe. Priests of Pallas is definitely one of Kansas City’s most unique parties; you’d never guess you’re participating in a very worthy fundraising event! But, just how much do you know about the historical phantasmagoria Priests of Pallas that once was? Jump on our space time continuum to when Kansas City, centered around its agrarian roots, was poised on the sunrise of the industrial revolution. Jackson County and radial community’s farming and cattle raising industries—some world famous—were the lifeblood of the region. The fusion of a bountiful harvest and a robust market is what our predecessors eagerly sought. When the performance culminated, they needed to celebrate. And, did Kansas City ever celebrate! Priests of Pallas emulated autumnal festivals in other cities across the nation like “Veiled Prophet” originating in St. Louis in 1878, and New Orleans’s renown “Mardi Gras,” captivating audiences since the 1850s. Kansas City’s annual, week-long offering of festive parties called the Priests of Pallas, debuted October 11, 1887. Settling on a Greek mythological format, the Priests of Pallas festival paid homage, symbolically of course, to Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of prosperity and wisdom, guardian of warriors, protector of arts, and champion of justice and civil law. For most years of the event, a particular theme was devised for Priests of Pallas. The “Fete of the Priests of Pallas” kicked off the tradition in 1887. Some other themes in the years to follow included: “Parade of Nations” (1889); “American History” (1890); “Grand and Comic Opera” (1895); “Story of the Stars” (1904); and a very futuristic theme, “A Trip to Mars” (1909) that included one float titled, “Wireless Messages.” Elaborate floats built around these themes, constructed on the flatbed chassis of a streetcar, and motored through downtown streets on rails. Before 1902 when the trolley system was in place, flat wagons disguised with ornamental floats were pulled by mules; dangerous torches were the source of light. Using streetcar wires overhead, floats could be electrified with Edison light bulbs; electricity at that time was quite a new spectacle. Over its history the annual pulse-pounding Priests of Pallas carnival ala. festival drew hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors, which paid off in astronomical dividends for our burgeoning city. Founders of the Priests of Pallas sought economic gain for sure. That the event entertained and had a ‘shock and awe’ effect on public was likely a secondary achievement. The historical Priests of Pallas eventually faced some challenges and came to an end after the 1924 festivities. The development of a culture of leisure in the 1920s afforded Kansas Citians a variety of entertainment choices including amusement parks, movie theaters, even the American Royal. Then, too, was the new-fangled automobile, and the birth of the “road trip.” But, if the parades were a draw, the Priests of Pallas masquerade ball eventually became the event’s piece de resistance. Beginning at midnight, and limited to one thousand guests, the ball was clearly the most exclusive social event of the area. Organizers of this year’s gala event desire to be respectful of the historical tradition of this exciting chapter in Kansas City history, within the context of a modern fundraising event for the Westport and Jackson County Historical Societies. Our success tonight will ensure an even more fantabulous event next year. Attend the October gala event and share your Fusion of the Future, Past, & Present Priests of Pallas with those you encounter so that more people will continue to learn about the importance and significance of this historical chapter in our city’s history . . . and become involved with its renewed adaptation in the future. We trust you will personally see that the reawakened Priests of Pallas becomes a hallmark event, putting yet another dot on the map making Kansas City a unique place to live, work and play.