EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (September 27, 2025) – Excelsior Springs once again hosted its own version of the popular National Night Out on Saturday evening, choosing to celebrate later in the season when the weather is more comfortable for families to gather. While many communities hold their events during the heat of midsummer, Excelsior Springs has made a tradition of waiting until late summer or early fall to create a more enjoyable evening.
The event, coordinated by Laura Mize, neighborhood specialist for Excelsior Springs, carried forward National Night Out’s mission of strengthening community connections with first responders. Families had the chance to meet local police officers, firefighters, and public works crews in a fun, relaxed setting. Kids climbed aboard firetrucks, checked out police cruisers, and marveled at dump trucks and the ever-popular vacuum truck, which this year impressed the crowd by scooping up basketballs and dropping them into a hoop.
Entertainment filled the evening with a bike parade, face painting, and a plethora of yard games set up for kids and families to enjoy. Nonnie’s Shaved Ice kept the crowd cool, while the dunk tank brought plenty of laughter as rookie firefighter Em Rice took the plunge more than once. Animal Control introduced a few adoptable kittens, senior center staff handed out popcorn, and Excelsior Springs Hospital employees kept the crowd refreshed with bottled water and snacks.
A lively donut-eating contest, officiated by Mayor Mark “the Megaphone” Spohn, who channeled the over-the-top energy of an ’80s wrestling ringside announcer, had the crowd chuckling as Public Works competitor Sevin Heins. claimed the crown for the second year in a row.
The highlight of the night came with the much-anticipated tug-of-war rematch between the Excelsior Springs Fire Department and Police Department. With bragging rights on the line, the ESPD officers once again defended their title, pulling their way to victory for another year.
Throughout the evening, Excelsior Springs Job Corps students provided volunteer support and security, helping ensure everything ran smoothly and safely for the hundreds of families who attended.
By blending hands-on experiences with lighthearted competition, Excelsior Springs Night Out showed how neighbors, families, and local departments can come together to strengthen bonds and have a lot of fun in the process.
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