☕️ ArtWalk & Market in the Park are Back

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Good Morning, Joplin. On this day in 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space—strapping himself into a tiny capsule and saying, “Yeah, this seems fine.” Bold move. Truly the original “send it.”

Meanwhile… in 2026, we’re watching Spirit Airlines basically do the opposite—coming back down to Earth in a big way. The budget airline just shut down operations entirely, canceling all flights after years of financial struggles and rising costs.

So on one hand, you’ve got a guy launching into space and making history…

…and on the other, an airline saying, “Best we can do is not take off at all.”

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Rock Show

• ArtWalk

• Blood Donations

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who is in mourning after the collapse of Spirit Airlines.

🌸 North Heights Mother’s Market in the Park

Saturday, May 9 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 610 W F St, Joplin

Shop local, celebrate Mom, and enjoy a full day in the park. The North Heights Mother’s Market returns with 40+ vendors offering everything from handmade art and crafts to boutique clothing and bath & body goods—perfect for last-minute Mother’s Day finds.

🎶 Live Music Lineup:
10 AM – Doug Dicharry (Dance Monkey Dance)
11 AM – Caleb Miller (Vagabond Grove)
12 PM – Jonny Wood (Dance Monkey Dance)

🍔 Food, drinks & treats all day from favorites like DoodleBugs, The Driveway Diner BBQ, Saltea Sloth, Vanilla Bean & Basil, and more
🎨 Kids’ Mother’s Day craft activity happening throughout the day

Bring the family, grab a bite, and enjoy a relaxed, community-driven day in the park.

💎 Rock, Gem & Mineral Show Returns to Joplin

May 15–17 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Fri–Sat), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Sun) | Schifferdecker Park

If you’ve ever picked up a cool rock and thought “what is this?”—this is your event. The Annual Spring Rock Show, hosted by the Tri-State Gem and Mineral Society, is back at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum for a full weekend of hands-on discovery.

This free, family-friendly event lets you browse bead jewelry, shop for gems, watch live demonstrations, and even learn how to identify local minerals. There will also be rock swaps and door prizes throughout the weekend, making it as interactive as it is educational. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for something unique to do, it’s a solid excuse to spend some time outdoors at Schifferdecker Park.

🎨 First Thursday ArtWalk Returns to Downtown Joplin

Thursday, May 7 | 5:30–8:30 PM | Joplin Arts District

Downtown Joplin turns into a walkable gallery for the First Thursday ArtWalk, a free, family-friendly evening where you can explore local art, meet artists, and catch live music—all within a few blocks. Hosted throughout the Joplin Arts District, this event invites you to “walk the art” across seven unique venues, each offering something different.

Stops include the Cornell Complex (home to Spiva and Connect2Culture), Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, Urban Art Gallery, and several pop-up and gallery spaces along Main Street. Expect everything from photography and ceramics to live painting demos and artist meet-and-greets.

You’ll also find live music sprinkled throughout the route, creating a laid-back, creative atmosphere that’s easy to drop into at any point during the evening. Whether you stay for one stop or hit all seven, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience the local arts scene in a single night.

🌱 Sip, Create & Celebrate at Sips & Succulents

Saturday, May 9 | 3:00–5:00 PM | OCH Nexus (Webb City)

Looking for a thoughtful way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend? Sips & Succulents: Mother’s Day Edition at OCH Nexus Event Center offers a relaxed, creative afternoon designed for moms, friends, and anyone who enjoys a hands-on experience.

Guests will take part in a guided succulent arrangement workshop, complete with a personal charcuterie board and access to a cash bar from Eagles’ Landing Wine. You’ll leave with your own custom plant creation—something a little more lasting than flowers. Tickets are $50 (early pricing), and the vibe is intentionally laid-back, making it a solid option whether you’re planning a meaningful outing or just want a low-stress way to celebrate.

🩸 Donate Blood, Get a Summer of Perks

May–June | Multiple Donor Locations

Rolling up your sleeve this summer comes with a serious bonus. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is offering a “Give & Go Fun Pass” to anyone who donates blood in May or June—valued at more than $245 in free activities across the region.

Donors will receive perks like bowling at Andy B’s (Springfield), admissions to Fritz’s Adventure (Branson), tickets to a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game, and passes to SuperSplash USA at Lake of the Ozarks. On top of that, you’ll also get a limited-edition All-American three-quarter sleeve t-shirt.

Beyond the incentives, the need is real—summer months often bring a dip in donations, even though demand stays constant. Just one donation can help save up to three lives, making this one of the highest-impact things you can do in about an hour. Donations can be made at local drives or donor centers, including right here in Joplin.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 47 | 67 🌧️ 100%

Wednesday:  🌡️ 45 | 59 ☁️ 

Thursday:  🌡️ 42 | 66 ☀️ 

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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 Friday!