Night Out Against Crime Returns with Family Fun and First Responders

The Excelsior Springs Neighborhood Engagement Team has recently begun discussing plans for this year’s annual Night Out Against Crime community-wide block party, led by Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize, scheduled for September 27. Mize said that the event will provide residents with the opportunity to meet those who serve and protect the community.

The event, according to the group, will take place in downtown Excelsior Springs from 6 to 8 p.m. It will feature activities for all ages, as well as local first responders, including firefighters and police officers, who will be the ‘celebrities’ of the evening. 

Like last year’s event, the community block party will feature numerous activities, including touch-a-truck, MoChip free child registration, a bike parade, yard games, face painting, a dunk tank, a donut eating contest, sidewalk chalk with local chalk artist Robbie Farabee, a photo booth, trolley rides, a scavenger hunt, and a police versus fire department tug of war. 

In addition to the Neighborhood Engagement Team Committee’s planning initiatives, Mize also mentioned that the Mayor’s Block Party Challenge is underway. She noted that the challenge encourages residents in Excelsior Springs to host their own block parties, bringing people together and strengthening community connections. As parties are already happening, she stated the goal is for “residents to host at least 50 gatherings before the Halloween holiday.” 

Mize stated that the City of Excelsior Springs has added a registry form at the Hall of Waters for those interested in hosting a block party, along with items such as an “I Love My Neighborhood” journal for people to fill out and learn about their neighbors. Additionally, the city is providing door hangers to detail the date, time, and location, along with space for attendees to note what they can bring to their events. 

For more information regarding the Excelsior Springs Neighborhood Team, Mize said, “The team is open to anyone who wants to learn more about neighboring within Excelsior Springs.” Those who want to get involved can visit https://cityofesmo.com/development/index.php/neighborhoods/ or call Mize directly at (816) 629-7011. 

For those interested in hosting their block party, more information can be found at https://cityofesmo.com/community/block-parties/.