Organizers are laying the groundwork for this year’s ES Night Out Against Crime (ESNOAC), encouraging the community to get involved as plans for the annual downtown celebration come together.

This year’s event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 17 outside the Hall of Waters. Originally set for Sept. 26, organizers rescheduled after discovering the date conflicted with the Excelsior Springs High School homecoming dance.

ESNOAC is Excelsior Springs’ version of the National Night Out campaign, an annual initiative that fosters stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities it serves. The local event brings together residents, first responders, city staff and community organizations in a relaxed, block-party-style setting featuring games, activities, demonstrations and opportunities to interact outside of emergency situations.

Along with members of the Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) and Excelsior Springs Fire Department (ESFD), attendees can explore city vehicles,…