Shatto Milk Company is a family-owned dairy in Osborne, Mo., that was recently named KC Business magazine’s business of the year. In addition to regular milk, its specialty flavors include strawberry, root beer, coffee, cotton candy and orange creme. Other Shatto products include butter, three kinds of cheese curds, and a small but delicious selection of ice cream including a sea salt caramel flavor.

While Shatto Milk is available in stores across the metro (the distinctive glass bottles have a $2 deposit), those who want to get a more in-depth view of the operations can visit the dairy farm itself. The country store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays until 4 p.m.

Tours are usually held Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 10:30, cost $5 and last about an hour and a half. Visitors will be able to milk a cow, pet the baby calves, learn about the process and enjoy some samples. To reserve a spot (places are limited and require a reservation), email office@shattomilk.com or call 816-930-3862, or visit shattomilk.com for more information.

Baldwin hats

If you’ve been out and about in Kansas City the last few years, chances are you’ve seen someone wearing a vintage-looking ball cap with the block letters “KC” on the front panels. These two-toned hats, made of 100-percent wool with chambray lining under the bill, are the wildly successful creation of area designer Matt Baldwin, who was named one of GQ’s best new menswear designers in 2013.

They were also the source of a mini-feud within my family a few years ago when my brother got one for Christmas from his girlfriend, only to have our other brother go out and buy the exact same one for himself the next day.

As much as I try not to hop on fashion trends (something I probably do far too good a job of, having barely deviated from solid colors and earth tones for 15 years), these hats are undeniably cool. Take a peek at the KC hat and other high-end men’s and women’s fashion at baldwindenim.com. Or to pick one up in person, visit Standard Style boutique in Town Center (4573 West 119th St.) or on the Country Club Plaza (451 W. 47th St.) seven days a week.

In addition to the Baldwin KC hats, Standard Style carries a wide variety of clothing lines and products that you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Most of them have a high price tag, but it’s still probably cheaper than flying to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles to get your designer fashion fix. Visit Standardstyle.com for more information.

Crawfish Festival

In the event category, Friday marks the triumphant return of one of Kansas City’s most festive events: the Crawfish Festival.

This Cajun-themed party brings the flavors of New Orleans to the City Market from 6 to 11 p.m., featuring the music of Blue Orleans and The Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band, which recently returned to the stage after a 13-year retirement. Food and drink will be for sale, including beer, cocktails and, of course, crawfish. Tickets cost $15 and can be found at thecitymarket.org.

Balloon Fest

If you want to give the whole family a lift, stop by the Kansas Speedway for the U.S. Bank Great Midwest Balloon Fest, which takes place from Friday through Sunday.

If weather permits, tethered balloon rides will be available for $10 a person, and those who want to get even more adventurous can schedule a 50-minute hot-air balloon ride.

A number of giant balloons will be on display each night, including Darth Vader and Elvis ones, and giant kites will also fill the skies of KCK. A special kids zone will be set up for little ones, with bouncy castles, craft booths and entertainment.

Single day tickets are $16.50 for an adult, $8.50 for children 4 to 14, and free for children 3 and under. Visit midwestballoonfest.org to purchase tickets and to see a full schedule of events.

— Lucas Wetzel is a writer and editor from Kansas City, Mo. Know of an upcoming event in Kansas City you’d like to see featured in Kansas City Connection? Email us about it at kcconnection@ljworld.com.