Downtown Parade Caps Off Christmas Kickoff Events

Saturday was packed full of Christmas Kickoff events throughout Excelsior Springs. From the Elf Factory, where families crafted gifts, to vendors selling their wares at the Mistletoe Market, or cake decorating classes at Muffin Top Bakery, everyone was getting into the holiday spirit. Mistletoe Market was held at the Montgomery event venue with dozens of vendors on hand and a steady stream of customers. The Elf Factory was held at the Community Center this year and although the venue may have changed, the families seemed to have just as much fun!

Shop local! Vendors sell their goods at the Mistletoe Market held at the Montgomery Event Venue on Saturday, November 20th. Photos by Kevin Morgan.

The weather was perfect for the Lighted Christmas Parade organized by the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP). In the Carolyn Schutte Pocket Park, DEP Executive Director, Lyndsey Baxter took to the stage to thank the many volunteers and introduced Mayor Sharon Powell. Powell counted down with the crowd before the lights came on throughout the downtown. Throngs of people lined the streets to see the record number of parade entries. On-Air personalities from radio station Life 88.5 were on hand to announce the parade entries and Beatz DJ service (Zac Wilkins) provided tunes to set the atmosphere. What a wonderful way to start the Christmas Season!