Excelsior Springs, Mo. (January 5, 2025) — On Friday, January 3, Other Trails, Coffee and Goods (115 East Broadway Avenue) opened its doors to a new kind of evening crowd. Friends and families gathered in the downtown shop from 6 to 11 p.m. to connect over board games and trading cards, marking the shop’s first Friday Night Game Night.
The idea for game night came from co-owners Phil Scherer and Jody Pasalich, along with their neighbors, Olivia and Jordan Sturm, who are avid players of Magic: The Gathering, a popular trading card game. After noticing a growing local interest in the game, Other Trails became an authorized reseller of Magic cards and merchandise, paving the way for the event.
“Every time we talk to someone, we find more people who play Magic,” said Scherer. “It’s amazing to see how this game connects people who you’d never expect to be into it.”
The shop’s relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for the evening as participants bonded over games ranging from classic card games and strategy-based board games to Magic: The Gathering matches. The event also tapped into a broader trend of people seeking offline, in-person activities in an increasingly digital world.
“There’s this feeling that spending time together in person, which used to be the norm, is now a novel idea,” Scherer explained. “People are craving those personal, offline experiences, and we’re excited to offer a space for that.”
While the January 3 event was a test run, it proved to be a success. Scherer confirmed plans for more events, including a Magic: The Gathering tournament on January 24 and another open game night on the first Friday in February.
“We’re planning to keep these events going for a while,” Scherer said. “The community response has been really encouraging, and we want to continue creating opportunities for people to come together and enjoy themselves.”
So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a fun evening out, these events offer a chance to connect, play, and unwind.
For details about upcoming game nights and tournaments, visit Other Trails in downtown Excelsior Springs or check out their Facebook Page.
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