☕️ A New Pet Resort in Neosho

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Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. Toy Story 5 comes out in about a month. And the plot is going to be too real. The villain? A tablet named Lily Pad.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Mother Road Mayhem

• Summer Reading Program

• New Pet Resort

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who uses “summer” as a verb.

🧩 Murphysburg Treasure Hunt Offers $1,000 Prize

Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM | Start: Joplin City Hall (602 S Main St)
🎟️ $35 per person | All ages welcome

Ready to put your detective skills to the test? The Second Annual Murphysburg Treasure Hunt is back for Historic Preservation Month—sending teams across Joplin to solve riddles, scan clues, and uncover hidden history.

Follow the trail from landmark to landmark using QR codes and puzzles, racing to be the first to crack every clue and claim the prize.

💰 1st: $1,000 | 2nd: $750 | 3rd: $250
📍 Rain or shine adventure

Register online any time or in person starting at 9:00 AM—then let the hunt begin!

🔥 Mother Road Mayhem

May 15–17 | Old Route 66 Speedway

Get ready for one of the biggest automotive events in the state—Mother Road Mayhem 2026 is taking over the Old Joplin Route 66 Speedway for a full weekend of lifted trucks, slammed cars, Jeeps, SXS builds, and pure horsepower.

This is the 6th annual show, and it’s capped at just 1,500 vehicles, so expect a packed lineup of custom builds and high-energy competition. Spectators can catch everything from burnout contests and stunt bike shows to vendor booths and a Friday night pre-party atmosphere that leans more festival than car show.

💥 What to expect:

• Friday night burnout pit + “Bowl Party”

• Saturday judging, stunt bike shows, and full burnout competitions (Bro + Pro classes)

• Vendors, food, and camping options all weekend

🎟️ Tickets:

• $20 (1-day spectator)

• $30 (weekend pass)

• Vehicle registrations range from $60–$150 depending on class

If you’re into loud engines, custom builds, and a little chaos—in a controlled environment—this is about as big as it gets locally.

📚 Summer Reading is Back at Joplin Public Library

May 26 – July 19 | All Ages Welcome

The Joplin Public Library is bringing back its Summer Reading Program, and this year’s theme is “Unearth A Story!”

This isn’t just for kids—babies, teens, and adults can all participate, making it a full-family challenge. Readers can track progress through the Beanstack app or use a paper gameboard, earning prizes by completing reading hours and activities tailored to each age group.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Kids (0–12): 2–6 hours of reading + activities depending on age

• Teens (13–18): 8 hours + activities

• Adults: 10 hours + activities

And the payoff? Think books, local gift cards, event passes, and prize drawings—everything from coffee shops and movie theaters to art classes and family activities.

Bottom line: if you’ve been looking for a reason to read more (or get your kids off screens without a fight), this is a pretty strong one.

🛍️ Vendors Wanted for Joplin Schools Health, Benefits and Retail Therapy Fair

Event: Friday, July 31 | Vendor Deadline: June 26

Local businesses, makers, and food vendors—here’s a solid opportunity to get in front of a built-in crowd. Joplin Schools is currently accepting vendors for its Health, Benefits, and Retail Therapy Fair, a well-attended summer event that draws 500+ people each year.

The fair runs from 7:30 AM–12:30 PM (public welcome from 9:00 AM) and serves as a fundraiser supporting district scholarships and programs. Vendors can sell products, promote services, or share program information—making it a strong fit for retail, wellness, and community-focused organizations alike.

Beyond shopping, the event also features on-site health screenings (including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, and more), plus giveaways and food options to keep traffic flowing. Vendors are encouraged to bring a door prize (minimum $25 value) to help drive engagement across booths.

Booth sizes vary (10×10, 8×10, 4×10), and there’s no entry fee for attendees, which helps maximize turnout. If you’re looking for exposure, local connections, or direct sales, this is a high-quality, low-friction event to plug into.

Vendor applications are available by contacting [email protected]

✂️🐾 New Pet Resort Celebration in Neosho

Ribbon Cutting | Gateway Getaway Pets | Neosho

The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community out to celebrate the grand opening of Gateway Getaway Pets and their brand-new facility.

Owned by TJ and Sydney Angel, Gateway Getaway Pets offers boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming services—all designed to give pets a safe, comfortable “home away from home.” The new space features indoor play areas, plenty of room to run, and even an indoor dog pool, giving pups a fun and active experience while their owners are away.

It’s a great chance to check out a new local business, meet the team behind it, and see how they’re raising the bar for pet care in the Neosho area.

Friday: 🌡️ 66 | 85 💨 

Saturday: 🌡️ 69 | 85 ⛈️ 50%

Sunday: 🌡️ 68 | 84 ⛈️ 35%

Recap:

🥎 Softball (48-7) at NCAA DII Central Region
Thursday 5/14 at HOME vs Augustana | W 6-5

⚾️ Baseball (33-17) at NCAA DII Central Region
Thursday 5/14 vs Rogers State | L 4-3

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

🎭 Clark Gable Slept Here: Catch this dark, adult comedy at Joplin Little Theatre as secrets unravel behind the scenes of Hollywood’s elite. With sharp humor and unexpected twists, it’s a bold, edgy production for mature audiences.

💎 Annual Spring Rock Show: Discover gems, minerals, and handmade jewelry at this free, family-friendly event hosted at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum. Enjoy demonstrations, rock swaps, door prizes, and hands-on opportunities to learn more about the region’s geology.

🎡 Evans Carnival at Northpark Mall: Enjoy rides, games, and classic carnival food at this family-friendly spring carnival with free admission and parking. Grab ride coupons or an unlimited ride armband and make a day (or night) of fun for all ages.

Friday

🍁 Roots of Carthage Art Walk: Explore a unique outdoor gallery featuring over 20 artist-designed maple leaf installations celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in Carthage. Stroll the square and enjoy this creative showcase of local art, history, and community spirit.

🏁 Friday Night Fun Drags: Hit the track or watch the action at Mo-Kan Dragway with open racing on the quarter mile. Whether you're running your car or just spectating, it’s a fast-paced night of racing with a laid-back, all-ages atmosphere.

Saturday

🌺 All-You-Can-Eat Hawaiian Luau Party: Dive into a full island-style experience with unlimited Hawaiian food, live fire dancers, and authentic hula performances at HoneyPop’s. From daytime vibes to high-energy night shows, this one-day luau brings nonstop food, music, and tropical atmosphere.

💥 Page-A-Palooza Market MAY-Hem: Shop dozens of vendors, grab delicious eats from food trucks, and enjoy live local music at this high-energy spring market. With a kids’ corner, free admission, and plenty of family-friendly fun, it’s an easy win for a Saturday outing.

🧗 Introduction to Rappelling: Learn the fundamentals of rappelling with hands-on instruction before taking on a real cliff descent at Wildcat Glades. This beginner-friendly adventure covers knots, gear, and safety—perfect for anyone ready to try something new outdoors.

🤠 Country Night at Vino Noir Social Club: Grab your boots and hit the dance floor for a night of country hits, line dancing, and high-energy vibes. Start with a free beginner lesson, then enjoy a lively, welcoming night of music and movement.

🌽 Joplin Empire Market: Spend your Saturday shopping local vendors, fresh produce, and artisan goods inside this historic indoor market. Enjoy live music from Bluffdwellers and William Joseph Goodwin while you browse, eat, and soak in the community atmosphere.

🌻 Neosho Farmers Market: Stroll through historic downtown Neosho and shop fresh-picked produce, handmade goods, and local favorites at this 100% producer-only market. Meet the farmers and makers behind the goods while enjoying a relaxed, community-centered Saturday morning tradition.

Saturday & Sunday

🎬 Dennis James Salutes 100 Years of Route 66: Experience a classic silent film screening at the historic Coleman Theatre, featuring The First Auto with live accompaniment. This nostalgic event celebrates early cinema and the spirit of Route 66 with a unique, vintage movie-going experience.

Friday

Eric & Erica French
Zinc Coffee | 5:00 PM

Dillon Leggett
Mi Torito, Galena | 5:30 PM

Low Compatibility
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Zane Grimes Band
Hogs & Hot Rods | 7:00 PM

The Blue Underground
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Eddie Valen
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Left of Center
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Brad Hemphill
The Stables Casino | 8:00 PM

90LB Wrench
Cherokee Casino | 8:00 PM

The Downbeat
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Encore
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

Saturday

Bluffdwellers
Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

William Joseph Goodwin
Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Will Wadkins
Mi Torito, Galena | 5:30 PM

Jason Garrison
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Ty Harlan
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Zane Grimes
Jeep Beach | 6:00 PM

Harmony Hollow
Pam’s Place Music | 6:00 PM

John Oberley
Flag City Brewing | 7:00 PM

Wilkie Jay
Kicks Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

Tim Nowell
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Left of Center
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Hotrod Hillbillies and Brutally Frank
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

MoArk Mojo
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

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Want to sponsor JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

THANKS!

Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Tuesday!