Excelsior Springs, Mo. – It’s almost time to pack your beach towels, pick up some sunscreen, and get ready to soak up the fun—because when it comes to Waterfest, Kalyn Goode and the Excelsior Springs Chamber know how to make a big splash for the children in our community!
Excelsior Springs’ Waterfest is getting ready to make waves June 27–28, 2025, and if you’ve got kids, you’ll want to mark your calendars now. This beloved community celebration is bringing back the children’s activities that attendees raved about last year, only bigger, better, and splashier than ever. At the center of the kids’ zone planning is Kalyn Goode, a longtime local business owner and school board member, who will lead the children’s programming for the eighth consecutive year.
Waterfest, now in its 42nd year, celebrates the city’s rich mineral water heritage with a weekend full of music, activities, food, and fun. Goode’s involvement began seven years ago when she approached the Chamber of Commerce with a simple question: “Can I plan something or help in any way?”
With her passion for helping kids and experience in building their confidence, Goode was the perfect fit to head the children’s activities. This led to the revival of the Little Miss & Mr. Waterfest pageant, and starting last year, has grown to include a water park area that received immensely positive feedback from the community.
Kids’ Zone Gets Cooler
This year, attendees can look forward to the return of the kids’ zone, with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and dedicated kiddie pools for small children. New additions include a 30-foot Palm Beach obstacle course and a longer slip-and-slide, with Goode’s goal that “everything will have water!”
Goode has also added some safety measures to bring attendees peace of mind. She has collaborated with JobCorp’s youth security program, which will patrol the inflatable area and kids’ zone. There will also be a first aid station to ensure that any potential cuts or scrapes are promptly attended to.
The water park area will open alongside the festival gates starting at 2 p.m. on Friday night and will stay open as long as the gates are open for the remainder of the weekend. Attendees can purchase one wristband that will last the entire day, allowing them to come and go as needed. Wristbands will be $5 per child, and Goode was excited to announce they will be accepting both cash and card payments this year!
The water park area at Excelsior Springs Waterfest is proudly sponsored by Lakeside Bounce, Kalyn Goode of Kalyn Goode’s Hair Salon, Tray Harkins of Flat Branch Mortgage, and Kenny Manley of the Manley Home Team. Their generous support ensures that families can enjoy the kids’ zone and keep cool.
A Theme to Beat the Heat
The Little Miss & Mr. Waterfest contest remains the centerpiece of the children’s programming, with some significant changes this year.
Instead of following the parade on Saturday, the pageant will now be held on Friday night at 5:00 p.m., before the band headliners take the stage. Goode shared that this will give the winners an opportunity to take a victory lap in the parade on Saturday.
Contestants participate in rehearsals, share a quick talent onstage, and answer questions for judges. Winners are chosen based on crowd involvement, so an excited and large crowd on Friday night will mean more fun and friendly competition for everyone.
Beach Party will replace last year’s Americana flags as the pageant’s theme. Contestants should wear fun, water-friendly beach party outfits, no tuxedos or gowns, to help keep them cool and give them an opportunity to join the fun right after taking the stage!
A professional photography session will again be offered as a prize for the two winners this year, generously sponsored by Captured by Lani Michelle, valued at $200! All participants will receive small treats and gifts from Goode and have free entrance to the kids’ zone all weekend.
If you’re interested in having your child participate in the Little Miss & Mr. Waterfest contest for Waterfest 2025, please pick up an application form at Kalyn Goode’s Salon, the Chamber of Commerce, any Excelsior Springs elementary school, or online. There is a registration fee of $10, and the contest is open for children aged 4-11 years old. Goode encouraged any child interested to participate (even if they were a little nervous or had trouble coming up with a talent – she can help them out)
A Summer to Remember
Whether your child wants to be crowned Little Miss & Mr. Waterfest or spend the afternoon making a splash on the slides, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments to come this June. Thanks to Goode’s heart for children and the year-round planning efforts of the Waterfest committee, families can count on a joy-filled experience in every corner of the kids’ zone.
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