Excelsior Springs officials are once again challenging residents to turn introductions into friendships as the Mayor’s Block Party Challenge returns for another year of neighborhood gatherings.The initiative returns after residents organized 51 registered block parties last year, surpassing the city’s original goal of 50 gatherings. This year, city officials are shifting the focus from a citywide number to broader participation, encouraging at least one registered gathering in every subdivision or neighborhood.Some subdivisions hosted multiple gatherings last year while others had none, prompting the city to focus on broader neighborhood participation.Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize said the city saw enough enthusiasm to continue the initiative.“There was such a positive response from residents last year that we knew we needed to do it again,” said Mize. “We heard over and over from residents they had a great experience with ...