Excelsior Springs, MO – Excitement is building as the 41st annual Waterfest, Excelsior Springs’ signature summertime celebration, approaches. Scheduled for June 21st and 22nd, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a jam-packed two-day schedule filled with activities for the entire family.
A Festival for Everyone
Waterfest, which has been drawing over 10,000 residents and tourists each year, is set to offer a variety of free events and activities. The main stage, sponsored by Rite-Way Automotive and Tow, will feature live music from bands like “Ragged Heirs,” “Fast Times,” and “The Suburbans.” Attendees can also enjoy the Waterfest parade, hot air balloon rides sponsored by Re/Max of Excelsior Springs, a beer garden, kids’ games, a car show, a bike show, and a dazzling fireworks display.
Stroll Through the Festival
Broadway will transform into a bustling festival ground with close to 100 booths showcasing arts, crafts, clothing, novelties, and gifts. Festival-goers can indulge in a wide variety of delicious food and drink offerings throughout the day.
Celebrating Excelsior Springs' Heritage
Learn about Excelsior Springs’ rich mineral water history at the Friends of the Wells booth and the Mineral Water Museum inside the Hall of Waters. This year’s Calico Quilters quilt show will also be held in the Hall of Waters Visitor’s Center. Additionally, the Veterans Outreach Ministries will raffle off a beautiful red, white, and blue quilt crafted by Tish Vanderpool.
Highlight Events:
Waterfest Parade
Celebrate Waterfest by participating in the parade on Saturday, June 22. This year’s theme is “Americana,” and entries reflecting this theme will have a chance to win $100. The parade, featuring Excelsior Springs High School coach legends and Hall of Fame inductees Vic Bonuchi and John Shepherd as Grand Marshals, starts at 9:30 a.m. with a meet-and-greet reception following. Registration is open until June 7th, with a $25 entry fee (free for Waterfest sponsors).
Little Miss and Mister Waterfest
The Little Miss and Mr. Waterfest contest, sponsored by Kalyn Goode’s Salon, invites boys and girls aged 4-11 to participate in non-formal dress. The event includes a practice session on June 21st, with the parade and contest on June 22nd. Participants will receive gifts, trophies, medals, and treats. Registration is open online until June 7th, with a $10 entry fee per child.
Kids Activities
Thanks to sponsors Flat Branch Mortgage – Tray Harkins and the Manley Home Team with Kenny Manley, Lakeside Bounce will provide a range of activities for kids, including wristbands for $5 or five for $20.
Custom Car and Motorcycle Shows
Jones Custom and Collision Center will host the Custom Car, Hot Rod, and Truck Show, while Boopy Locks Salon brings back the Motorcycle Show, now open to all.
Dance and Fitness
One Step at a Time Ballroom Dancing will offer a demonstration and contest, and the Excelsior Springs Community Center’s Zumba instructors Theresa Jenkins-Happy and Pam Vogler will lead a Zumba party.
Volunteer and Get Involved
Volunteers are needed to help make this event a success. Interested individuals can sign up online at Volunteer Signup Link: https://bit.ly/waterfest-volunteer
Join us for Waterfest 2024
Waterfest has been recognized as the Best Festival in the Community of Excellence Awards for 2023. It is Excelsior Springs’ largest celebration, bringing together the community for a weekend of fun, music, and festivities. Save the date, invite your friends and family, and plan to celebrate with us during Waterfest on June 21st and 22nd, 2024.
Stay tuned on our website for more updates as we get closer to the event. We can’t wait to see you there!
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