ES Cultural Guild Cancels Gatsby Days, Shifts Focus to Smaller Events

Excelsior Springs, Mo. – The Excelsior Springs Cultural Guild recently announced the cancellation of Gatsby Days as they shift their focus to hosting smaller, artistically infused community events for area residents and visitors. 

Gatsby Days, known for an immersive experience embracing both local artists and history, paired with themed festivities since 2011, is on hold as Darren Jennings, Guild president, explained they just don’t have the staffing and resources to continue the event. 

“The Guild is working toward rebuilding its reputation within the community as we focus on smaller, more manageable events,” he said. However, he added that Gatsby Days is not permanently canceled and will return to the community when the organization regains local support and volunteers. 

Instead, Jennings noted the Guild is working toward implementing a series of new, smaller events throughout the 2025 calendar year, including: 

• Art from the Pumpkin Patch – An all-inclusive art and writing contest for students within the Excelsior Springs School District. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to submit visual art and creative writing works to the Guild beginning July 11. Submissions will be closed on September 12, as public viewing and judging will commence on September 20. Winners will be announced the following day, September 21.  
• Plein Air Event – An event for artists to gather, share, learn, network, and showcase their work on October 1, 2025. 
• Fun from the Pumpkin Patch – An event for children ages 4-10 to gather and showcase their artistic skills while painting pumpkins and playing games on October 17, 2025. 
• The annual Monster Ball – To be held in late October, encompassing a night of food and festivities featuring music, games, prizes, and a cash bar.
• The annual Murder Mystery Dinner –  Featuring local actors as they set the stage for committing a heinous crime. Meanwhile, attendees watch the scenes unfold as they enjoy dinner and try to solve the crime unfolding before their eyes. The next event is to be held in March 2026. 

According to Jennings, each event is designed to provide residents with opportunities to engage in differing creative experiences while also allowing the guild to regain involvement within the area. The Guild remains dedicated to inspiring the arts through community involvement and will continue encouraging and promoting local artists. 

Each event hosted, including the Murder Mystery and Monster Ball, will continue to be a staple within the Guild for raising funds for area students and providing scholarships for those seeking an education in the art industry at a collegiate level. 

In addition, Jennings said, “We remain committed to supporting young artists,” as eight students have each been awarded scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year, including: 

 From Excelsior Springs: 

• Deagan Barber 
• Mackenzie Cole 
• Katelin Mansell 
• Ziya Miller 

From Lawson: 

• Gabrielle Dorrell-Rhol 
• Bethany Jones 

From Orrick: 

• Jeffery Singleton

Jennings noted that the Guild will continue its efforts for student scholarships, and those applying will qualify so long as they maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher while demonstrating a commitment to pursuing studies in the arts. This can also include “fields such as journalism,” he said. 

For those interested in joining the Cultural Guild, the group hosts meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Casa Di Vite in downtown Excelsior Springs.

“Anyone is welcome to get involved and attend the meetings,” said Jennings.