EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Sept. 21, 2024) – The Excelsior Springs community came together for a fun-filled evening during the annual Excelsior Springs Night Out, where local police officers, firefighters, and public works personnel greeted the public and participated in a variety of interactive events. The event was created as a way to build relationships between public servants and residents, offering a memorable experience for families and children alike.
Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy was a good sport, cheering on kids as they attempted to “dunk a Dowdy.” Funds raised will go towards the community fund, which is used for events like Shop with a Cop.
One of the highlights of the evening was a dunk tank, where kids had the chance to dunk an officer, much to their delight. Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy took the brunt of the dunks and had even advertised the game as “Dunk a Dowdy.” Additionally, children enjoyed the rare opportunity to sit inside police cars and explore fire engines up close, giving them a firsthand look at the vehicles that help keep the community safe.
A surprise attraction of the evening was the Excelsior Springs Public Works pumper truck, which demonstrated its ability to vacuum up trash and debris. Children had a blast feeding it paper scraps and other litter, excited to see the machine in action.
The surprise hit of the night was the Public Works pumper truck!
Adding artistic flair to the event, local chalk artist Robbie Farabee stopped by to decorate the streets with colorful designs, marking the bike parade route around the Hall of Waters’ circle drive. His vibrant chalk drawings bringing a smile to the faces of the children and families in attendance.
For those with a sweet tooth, Nonnie’s Shaved Ice Treats, cotton candy, and popcorn were on hand, keeping everyone refreshed and satisfied throughout the event. One of the more entertaining competitions was a donut-eating contest, which was claimed by a member of the Public Works team.
The evening also featured a friendly tug-of-war competition between the firefighters and the police department. The crowd gathered around, cheering for their chosen team, but in the end, the police department emerged victorious. Afterward, the children raced to the courtyard to get a group picture with our local heroes.
The Excelsior Springs Night Out was more than just a night of fun and games. It provided a chance for the city’s emergency services and the unsung heroes of public works to connect with the citizens they serve. The event proved to be a great success, strengthening the bond between public servants and the community.
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