Excelsior Springs Named Finalist in Statewide Small Town Showcase

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — Excelsior Springs has been named a finalist in the Small Town Showcase: Show Me 250, a statewide digital storytelling initiative by Missouri Humanities.

The program, created in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, highlights the unique character, heritage, and resilience of Missouri’s small towns through podcasts and short films. As a finalist, Excelsior Springs is now in the running to be one of five communities featured in the 2026 Small Town Showcase.

Winners will work with Missouri Humanities to produce a professionally developed podcast episode and a short film focused on their town’s story of culture, revitalization, and community pride.

“This is a chance to share what makes Excelsior Springs so special on a statewide platform,” said local officials. “We encourage everyone to vote and help us secure this opportunity to tell our story.”

Voting is open now through 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2026, and can be submitted online.

To explore previous Small Town Showcase episodes and films, or to cast your vote, visit www.mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase.

Other finalist communities include Perryville, Lexington, Ozark, Waynesville, Weston, Jackson, Blackwater, Mineola, Kirksville, Sedalia, Neosho, Savannah, Sikeston, Belle, and Caledonia.

How to Vote

Residents and supporters can vote online by selecting Excelsior Springs as their top choice before the February 1 deadline.