Excelsior Springs News Briefs: Wabash BBQ Fire, NAPA Car Show, Running with Rotary + More
From proclamations at City Hall to golf tournaments, car shows, and community cleanups, Excelsior Springs has been buzzing with activity. Here’s a collection of this week’s local highlights, brief but meaningful.
Fire Contained at Wabash BBQ Smokehouse on Mother’s Day
The Excelsior Springs Fire Department responded Sunday evening to a fire reported in the smokehouse at Wabash BBQ. The restaurant reported moderate damage but, thankfully, no injuries to employees.
A special thanks was extended to off-duty Lathrop firefighter Zach Coldren, who was dining at the restaurant and quickly jumped into action to help contain the fire until ESFD arrived. Officer Stott with the Excelsior Springs Police Department was also first on the scene and assisted in the initial response.
Wabash BBQ announced they will reopen Monday with a limited menu as cleanup begins. Management praised their staff for remaining calm and following safety protocols.
Rotary Hosts Family Track Event “Running With Rotary” at Tiger Stadium
The Excelsior Springs Rotary Club hosted its Running With Rotary event on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Tiger Stadium, drawing around 20 families for an evening of friendly competition and community fun. Participants took part in a variety of track and field-style events, including 50-, 100-, and 400-yard dashes, a half-mile and mile run, javelin toss, softball throw, and long jump. The event was organized under the leadership of Rotary President Greg Broadbent of Family WealthCare Center.
Cars and Coffee Draws Enthusiasts to NAPA Parking Lot
NAPA Auto Parts hosted a Cars and Coffee event on Saturday, May 10, 2025, drawing around 20 unique vehicles to their Excelsior Springs parking lot. Among the attendees was Shannon Glenn, who splits his time between Panama and Excelsior Springs. Glenn proudly showcased his 2015 C7 Corvette, which he traveled out of state to purchase one year ago. The gathering offered car enthusiasts a chance to connect over coffee, chrome, and conversation while enjoying local treats. Their next event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025. Donnici’s Italian Market (located in the same shopping center) will also be hosting Cars and Coffee the following day for Father’s Day, June 15, 2025.
Excelsior Springs Farmers Market Opens May 13 with Senior Nutrition Program Benefits
The Excelsior Springs Farmers Market opens for the season on Tuesday, May 13, from 9–11:30 a.m. at the Excelsior Springs Community Center. In addition to offering fresh, locally grown produce and herbs, the market also participates in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
Eligible seniors—age 60 or older and meeting income requirements—can receive a $50 voucher to spend on fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the market. Thanks to Cultivate KC, an additional $20 match is available, giving qualifying seniors a total of $70 to use throughout the season.
Income eligibility is based on 185% of the federal poverty level. A chart will be available at the market with the highlighted column showing income breakdowns by household size. To apply, bring a photo ID and proof of income to the market. It’s a great way to eat healthier, support local farmers, and stretch your grocery budget!
Downtown Shops Stay Open Late on Thursdays in May and June for “Shop, Local, Late”
Downtown Excelsior Springs is staying lively later on Thursday evenings throughout May and June, as local businesses keep their doors open for extended shopping and dining hours. Now in its second week, the initiative is already seeing increased foot traffic, with more shoppers and diners out this Thursday than the week before.
To stay updated on weekly deals and participating businesses, follow the Downtown Excelsior Partnership’s Facebook page. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a night out, support small businesses, and explore all that downtown has to offer!
Good Samaritan Center Hosts 33rd Annual Golf Tournament
The Good Samaritan Center held its 33rd Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course. The four-person scramble brought out community members for a fun day on the greens—all in support of a great cause. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Center’s vital programs, which assist local families with food, housing, utilities, and health care expenses. The long-running event continues to be an important fundraiser in helping neighbors in need.
Thrive Excelsior Community Survey
Excelsior Citizen is excited to be part of Thrive Excelsior, a group of residents and community leaders who are working together to strengthen all areas of our community including health, housing, the economy, and quality of life.
Now we need to hear from you on our annual community survey! It only takes 5 minutes, and you’ll have a chance to win Royals tickets.
Visit thriveexcelsior.com to complete the survey today.
Preventive Health and Wellness
Expanding from both Orrick and Oak Grove, Preventive Health and Wellness added signage to the front of the building of 417 Thompson Ave in downtown Excelsior Springs. When Missy Abramovitz, a family nurse practitioner and owner of Preventive Health and Wellness, spoke at the October 2024 Chamber Luncheon, she explained: “There is a need for alternative health care in Excelsior Springs. So, we will offer a fee for service treatments and consults. Good health is much more than the lack of symptoms. It includes a healthy appearance, good energy level, mental clarity, relaxed muscles, optimal circulation, and a good self-image. Part of optimal health is the feeling and appearance of overall well-being and vitality.”
Shoutout to Sonic
Progress is being made at Sonic restaurant. After nearly a year of insurance holdups, Sonic finally got the entrance to their parking lot repaved. As many citizens noted, there is still work to be done through the drive through, but at least your entry will be smooth!
Mayor Spohn Issues Proclamations Honoring National Observances
Excelsior Springs Mayor Mark Spohn presented a series of proclamations this week recognizing several important national observances. The proclamations honored Older Americans Month, National Nurses Week, National Hospital Week, Building Safety Month, and National Preservation Month.
Each proclamation highlighted the contributions of individuals and organizations within the community who serve in these vital roles—from healthcare professionals and historic preservation advocates to those who promote safety in construction and support for older adults. The city joins communities across the nation in celebrating the impact these groups have on improving quality of life in Excelsior Springs.
Bonus:
Mandy Rivera posted a thank you to the Excelsior Springs Police Department for hanging out with some neighborhood kids.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
