| |

September Curb Appeal Award: From Summer Gardens to Fall Mums, the Kovar Home Shines Year-Round

ByS Jason Cole
The Kovar home glows under colorful lights at night, showcasing its warm and welcoming seasonal spirit. (photos S Jason Cole)

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — Last week, Thrive Excelsior recognized Bob Kovar at 401 Birch as the September Curb Appeal Award winner for his yard overflowing with fall colors and festive touches. With a smile, Bob accepted a gift card to ACE Hardware from Excelsior Citizen and joked, “My favorite store! How did you guess?”

Kovar said that spending time in his yard is an escape, a chance to unwind and reconnect with his Iowa farm roots. “I’d be out here all day, every day if I could,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. For more than 20 years, he and his wife have lovingly maintained their home, where Bob devotes countless hours to caring for the lawn and growing a generous vegetable garden every spring and summer.

September Curb Appeal Award recipient Bob Kovar, who says working in his yard is his “escape and getaway,” stands on his front porch framed by fall décor.

During the award presentation, several neighbors stopped by to congratulate Kovar, calling the recognition “truly deserved.” The front porch and yard, adorned with pumpkins, mums, and seasonal decorations, perfectly capture the spirit of fall in Excelsior Springs.

Thrive Excelsior’s Curb Appeal Contest celebrates residents who take pride in their homes and contribute to the beauty and vitality of the community.

stock A vibrant mix of multi-color mums adds a splash of fall color to the Kovar’s front walkway.

Thrive Excelsior is inviting residents to help choose the next winners as part of the October Curb Appeal Contest, featuring two festive categories: Spooky Décor for those who bring a haunting Halloween vibe to life, and Fabulous Fall for those who showcase the cozy, colorful charm of the season. Nominations can be submitted online at www.thriveexcelsior.com. One standout winner will be selected in each category.

“It’s that time of year when our porches and front yards really shine,” Thrive Excelsior shared. “We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity, pride, and personality that make our community shine all season long.”

October’s contests are sponsored by Family WealthCare Center and Excelsior Citizen.

A look at the Kovars’ impressive backyard garden, complete with raised beds, wind spinners, and rows of thriving vegetables
Halloween lights and glowing pumpkins create a spooky nighttime scene at the Kovar residence.
Bob Kovar’s backyard vegetable garden flourishes each spring and summer, featuring neat rows of potatoes, onions, and other produce.
A Thrive Excelsior “Curb Appeal Contest Winner” sign marks the Kovars’ front yard
A touch of spooky flair! One of the many Halloween decorations that make the Kovar home stand out this season.
Bob and Laura Mize stand proudly outside Bob's home, surrounded by vibrant fall mums and festive porch decorations that earned them the September Curb Appeal Award.
Thrive Excelsior’s September Curb Appeal Award winner Bob Kovar receives a gift card from Excelsior Citizen’s Jason Cole in recognition of his beautifully maintained home on Birch Street.

If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!

SUPPORT US
[the_ad id='18997']
Excelsior Springs Fire Department joins Meals & a Visit Program to boost home safety for meal recipients
Missouri’s $216M rural health award draws praise and caution from rural hospital leaders
Community Groups Launch Next Phase of Excelsior Springs Schools Strategic Plan
Judge grants Rhodus intervention motion, gives residents more time in Mosby–Excelsior annexation fight
Slightly Off Broadway Theatre performs Steel Magnolias
Slightly Off Broadway opens 2026 season with “Steel Magnolias”
Lady Tigers Win Brookfield Wrestling Title, Crown Three Champs (Jan. 19-23)

Similar Posts