KANSAS CITY, MO — Kansas City will celebrate Henry Perry Day on Friday, July 3, at the Museum of BBQ with free admission, a sampling of barbecue and a community gathering honoring the man widely known as the “Father of Kansas City barbecue.”
A native of Tennessee, Henry Perry began selling smoked meats in Kansas City’s Garment District in 1908, building a loyal following that helped establish the city as a national barbecue destination. More than a century later, his influence continues to shape Kansas City’s identity as one of the country’s leading barbecue cities.
In 2020, Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas formally proclaimed July 3 as Henry Perry Day in recognition of Perry’s lasting impact. The designation coincided with the centennial of a community barbecue hosted by Perry, where he served more than 1,000 Kansas Citians.
Museum admission will be free for guests on July 3, with Prairie Fresh, a Kansas City-based, American-owned pork brand and Museum sponsor, donating the equivalent of that day’s ticket proceeds to the Henry Perry Foundation in partnership with the Museum of BBQ. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary smoked rib prepared on-site by Burnt End Barbecue. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bernetta McKindra, Perry’s granddaughter and founder of the Henry Perry Foundation, will be at the Museum on July 3, sharing stories about her grandfather’s legacy and the Foundation’s work supporting youth education, community awareness and childcare scholarships.
“Perry helped build a tradition of barbecue in Kansas City,” said Jonathan Bender, founder of the Museum of BBQ. “His work brought national attention to the city and helped define its identity.”
Founded in 2022, the Henry Perry Foundation works to help build better lives for children, youth and adults through education, community engagement and scholarship programs. The 501(c)(3) organization is based in Mission, Kansas.
“By supporting existing programs and building new ones, the Foundation ensures that my grandfather’s legacy, generosity and resilience continue,” said McKindra.
Deeply involved in local communities, trusted by competition pitmasters and informed by research showing how barbecue creates shared, memorable experiences, Prairie Fresh is a natural partner in the Museum of BBQ’s celebration of Henry Perry Day.
“As an American-owned, hometown Kansas City pork brand, Prairie Fresh is committed to supporting the communities and barbecue traditions that bring people together,” said David Eaheart, senior director of Prairie Fresh barbecue marketing. “As we head into Independence Day and look toward America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a meaningful time to recognize that heritage. We’re honored to commemorate this day and support the Foundation that continues Henry Perry’s spirit of community.”
The Museum of BBQ is located in the Shops at Crown Center (2450 Grand Boulevard, Suite 231) in Kansas City, Missouri. Regular admission is $10, plus taxes and fees.
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About Prairie Fresh®
Prairie Fresh delivers premium-quality pork raised in the United States, offering a full range of fresh and value-added products known for consistent quality, exceptional flavor and culinary innovation. Proudly American-owned, Prairie Fresh celebrates America’s food and barbecue traditions—from everyday meals and backyard gatherings to the world’s biggest championship cook-offs. Everyday cuts are branded under Prairie Fresh Natural, while premium cuts are offered through the Prairie Fresh USA Prime® line.
With a strong presence in competitive barbecue, Prairie Fresh is used by hundreds of competition teams and has been featured by world champion pitmasters at the highest levels of the sport, making it a trusted choice for pork lovers nationwide. Learn more at prairiefresh.com.
About the Museum of BBQ
The world’s first and only museum dedicated to barbecue, the Museum of BBQ opened in April 2025. The Museum of BBQ is located in Crown Center. The Museum will be located on the second floor of Crown Center (2450 Grand Boulevard, Suite 231, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108). Visit the museum online at museumofbbq.co. Photos, logos, and additional assets are available here.