Despite threats of severe weather leading up to the weekend, Waterfest was graced with sunny skies, filling the downtown with thousands of attendees. With so many opportunities for food, entertainment, and family activities, the two-day festival went by in a flash, but it’s something the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Waterfest volunteers work on year-round.
Brian Rice has traditionally been a part of the Chamber’s Waterfest committee, serving as chairperson, as he and his family put in long hours behind the scenes to make it all happen. This year he’s stepped up to his new role as Chamber of Commerce Director, allowing him the opportunity to give the festival his full focus.
After the event, Brian said, “I think this year’s Waterfest was another huge success. All the right things were here this weekend: the entertainment, the variety of activities for kids and family, the variety of food and vendors, and local talent, Sam Webb, being recognized by his hometown.” Webb, who plays as a cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders and is an ESHS graduate, held the honor of being the Grand Marshal of the Waterfest Parade.
The committee worked hard to bring amazing live entertainment to two stages and filled the downtown with over 90 food and retail vendors. Days before the event Jarrett Sykes got everyone excitedly talking about the food vendors. Catching him at the event, Jarrett gave rave reviews of the Sam and Louie’s Pizzeria’s New York style pizza and was looking forward to trying the tacos at the Taco Bar truck.
Due to early weather predictions, Excelsior Springs Re/Max Real Estate moved the hot air balloon rides from Saturday to Friday, to assure they could still offer the opportunity. A long line formed quickly and seeing the balloon on Piburn Field had attendees watching. The highlight of the evening was when Eric Robirds proposed to his now fiance Alexa, which drew loud applause from the crowd standing below.
With the streets packed with people, entertainment was kicked off by Ron Richards live music at the Good News Stage, sponsored by Crescent Lake Christian Church, followed by Randy Seedorff and Soul Purpose. Drawing a large crowd, local favorites J.D. and the Chasers performed on the Excelsior Springs Main Stage, having everyone singing along to their soulful blues. The Kansas City 80’s tribute band RetroActive took us all back in time, playing right up until the Fireworks Celebration off Siloam Mountain.
After an action-packed kickoff night, the excitement continued with the Waterfest Parade Saturday morning. With parade goers filling the streets of Marietta, Broadway, and Thompson, there were over 40 entries, made up of local businesses and organizations. Parade winners included Re/Max Excelsior Springs winning first place, Zumba at the Excelsior Springs Community Center getting 2nd, and the new Rage Cave winning 3rd place.
In its 16th year, Chris Jones with Jones Custom and Collision brought all the sweet rides to the Hall of Waters Circle Drive for the Custom Car, Hot Rod, and Truck Show. Winners this year included the following:
Best in Show – Bob Mason, Leawood, KS – 1969 Chevy Camaro RS
Chamber’s Choice and Best Motor – Abel Garza, Overland Park, KS – 1970 Chevy Camaro, street-legal drag car
Best Paint Job – Randy Norman, Kansas City, Kansas – 2006 Dodge Mega Cab
Best Interior – Cary Kelly, Overland Park, KS – 1960 Chevy Impala
Best Rad Rod – Bryson Patrick, Wallace, MO – 1947 International KB-6 Rat Rod
Best Work in Progress – Chad Walters, Kearney, MO – 1989 Ford Mustang
In addition to these winners, trophies were also awarded to the top 30 finishers behind the list above. In the spirit of the show, new this year, Boopy Locks Salon sponsored a Ladies Only Bike Show that brought over 20 cycles. Results of the show are not yet available.
The Calico Quilting Club held its Quilt Show at the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives, which showed 28 pieces of work. The Museum also got in on the Waterfest fun, opening their Rummage Sale on South Street, and reporting great success in doing so.
Excelsior Springs Baptist Church offered activities for kids in the Excelsior Springs Hospital’s Main Stage parking lot. In addition to this, Bubba Jump Inflatables was there with water slide bounce houses and a bubble foam party that had kids squealing with delight! Patsy’s Pony Rides had colorful face-painted kids riding in circles.
Adding to the fun for kids, Kalyn Goode’s Salon once again sponsored the Little Mr and Miss Waterfest competition. Giving kids an opportunity to build self confidence and speak before a crowd, Kalyn offers this activity every year. Participants practice Friday, are in the parade early Saturday, have more practice after the parade, the actual contest, which lasts for up to two hours, and then the winners come back Saturday for the meet and greet.
After the event Kalyn said, “I had the best time. Honestly, out of all the things I do in the community, this is my favorite. Planning, sponsoring and hosting this contest is so rewarding and makes my heart so full. The kids all work so hard to prepare and take being the Queen and King so seriously. I love watching them come out of their shells and be so involved in the Festival.”
Phoenix Holman was crowned King, while Riley Gooch was named Queen. In addition to the royals, contestants included Asa Cockrum, Raven Brannen, Piper Baumann, Claire Dannar, Caitlyn Dannar, Adilyn Rolette, Evelynne Neely, Kazlyn Unruh, Michael Cruz, and Amelia Bigham.
There were some great performances throughout the day, including the Kansas City Highland Dancers, Heatcats live band, and Team Xtreme, which is made up of world class athletes who show their physical strength to connect with youth, encouraging healthy life decisions. Wrapping up the festival was some great live entertainment, including country favorites Vigil Annie, Andy and the Outlaws, and Ninth Hour.
Reflecting over all the work that went into making the festival happen, Brian said, “I couldn’t be more proud of the team of people who helped pull this off and the list of local businesses who sponsored this community heritage celebration. Excelsior Springs is such a rich town because of these people! If you didn’t make it downtown this weekend, you missed an event!”
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