DEP Marks Two Decades of Downtown Revitalization with Luau-Themed Celebration
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Sept. 18, 2025) — Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) turned the Hall of Waters into a tropical escape Thursday night, welcoming business owners, community leaders, and volunteers for its annual awards dinner and fundraiser, this year set to a festive luau theme.
Even though rainy weather forced the celebration indoors, guests were treated to an evening filled with bright colors, tropical food, and high spirits. Polynesian dancers from Kona Winds filled the historic venue with energy and movement, capped off by a dazzling fire show that drew gasps and applause. The laughter and cheers carried through a night of toasts, storytelling, and recognition of the people and businesses who keep downtown thriving.
“Tonight’s theme has been about ‘Lei’-ing the Foundation for the Future,” DEP Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter told the audience. She reflected on how downtown once struggled with vacant storefronts and declining activity, before DEP launched nearly two decades ago. “The truth is, DEP laid the foundation for what you see today. And more importantly, we are still laying the foundation for what’s to come tomorrow,” Baxter said.
The evening also featured DEP’s annual Excellence Awards, honoring individuals and businesses whose dedication has strengthened downtown over the past year. This year’s honorees included:
Willow Spring Mercantile — Cornerstone Award
Charlie McDaniels — Behind the Scenes Hero Award
Melissa Bartlett — All In Award
Blooms & Things — Rooted & Renewed Award
Keith Hudson — Get It Done Award
Other Trails Coffee & Games — Trailblazer Award
Ciao Bella — Above & Beyond Award
Shelley Spear — Bloom Keeper Award
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came during the dessert auction, when bidders raised money for downtown projects while vying for elaborate cakes and sweets. Another highlight was the grand prize raffle, where Jill Rickart of Ventana Gourmet Grill won a 1.58-carat lab-grown blue diamond donated by Sturm Brothers’ Custom Design & Fine Jewelry.
Baxter closed the evening with a challenge to attendees: to look beyond individual success and continue working together as a community. “Clear Eyes. Full Heart. Can’t Lose,” she said. “When we do this together, we can’t lose the opportunity to keep creating a downtown that people love and that visitors can’t wait to be a part of.”
Check out the photo gallery below and then visit the DEP Facebook Page to learn even more!
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