☕️ Christmas is approaching...fast!

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Good Morning, Joplin. School’s out for Christmas break (at least it will be after today)! With that, we want to let you know we’ll be taking some time off as well! For the next two weeks, there will be no newsletter on Friday. But you can still expect JOMO Jive in your inbox next Tuesday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 30.

Speaking of Tuesday newsletters, thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new JOMO History section from Tuesday’s issue. Going forward, this will be a weekly section in the newsletter, so be on the lookout next Tuesday for the second edition of JOMO History!

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Joplin Crusaders Open Tryouts

• 8th Annual Holiday Market

• Weekend Events

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 on team egg nog.

POLL OF THE DAY

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

When Joplin families talk pizza nights, Gambino’s Pizza in Carl Junction is always part of the conversation—and for good reason. Known for its classic Midwest-style crust, generous toppings, and crowd-pleasing flavors, Gambino’s has been a go-to for game nights, family dinners, and celebrations for decades.

Right now, they’re stacking the savings. Grab three large 1-topping pizzas for just $39.99, score a large 1-topping pizza plus a small cheesestick pizza for $17.99, or add a medium cinnamon streusel dessert pizza for only $9.99 when you spend $20 or more. Hosting friends or planning a holiday party? Gambino’s catering team can help with menu planning, special pricing, carryout, delivery, or even in-store space.

View all current coupons and order online here.

🏈 Joplin Crusaders Open Tryouts for 2026 Season

Saturday, December 20 | Registration at 9:00 AM | Pitt State – Plaster Center

The Joplin Crusaders are hosting open tryouts for the upcoming season at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State. Players should arrive ready to compete with cleats and workout gear. Registration begins at 9:00 AM, and advance sign-up is available online.

The Crusaders are one of the most successful semi-pro football programs in the country, boasting a .877 all-time winning percentage over 27 seasons. The team finished 13–2 in 2025, with both losses by just one point, and earned a Top-12 national ranking. In recent years, the Crusaders have captured multiple league championships and national runner-up finishes, consistently ranking among the elite teams nationwide.

🔗 Register here: form.jotform.com
📍 Location: Robert W. Plaster Center, 1701 S. Homer St., Pittsburg, KS
📞 Questions? Contact Head Coach Sturgis at 417-438-1234

If you’re looking to compete for a proven program with a championship pedigree, this is your shot!

🎄 Holiday Market Season Continues at Joplin Empire Market

The Joplin Empire Market is wrapping up its holiday season with two final festive dates that make it easy to shop local right up to Christmas. The 8th Annual Holiday Market has run every Saturday from November 22 through December 20, featuring artisan goods, fresh produce, live music, and more than 50 local vendors. It’s a one-stop shop for meals, gifts, and everything in between—straight from local producers.

On Saturday, December 20, the Holiday Market runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with Santa visiting from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM to spread holiday cheer. Families are invited to snap photos on their phones, and Nana Clause will also be on hand with her books—perfect for gifting. The season wraps up on Tuesday, December 24, with the special Tinsel & Tidings Christmas Eve Market, also from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This curated market offers last-minute local gifts, fresh foods for your holiday table, and live music from Vagabond Grove, a longtime Joplin-based singer-songwriter known for his blend of folk, Americana, rock, and jazz.

All events take place at the Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4th Street, and organizers note there will be no market on Saturday, December 27.

SPONSORED BY THE POUR OVER

☕ Looking for a newsletter to fill the gap?

With the holidays here, JOMO Jive is taking a short break from our usual Friday sends. While we’re celebrating, resting, and recharging, we wanted to recommend another email newsletter our readers may genuinely enjoy: The Pour Over.

🚧 Florida Avenue Closed for Utility Work

Utility work began Thursday, December 18, causing a closure on Florida Avenue south of the Zora Street intersection. The full road closure affects the stretch between Zora Street and Yuma Street and is in place to allow crews to complete sewer manhole repairs.

Work is expected to wrap up by the end of the day Friday, December 19. Drivers should plan to use alternate routes while the closure remains in effect. The City of Joplin thanks residents for their patience as this necessary infrastructure repair is completed.

Friday: 🌡️ 26 | 51 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 38 | 57 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 34 | 52 ⛅️

Recap:

🏀 Women’s Basketball (8-3)
Wednesday 12/17 at HOME vs Avila University | W 91-49

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (7-3)
Friday 12/19 at Southwest Baptist University | 3:00 PM
Sunday 12/21 at Northeastern State University | 4:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (8-3)
Sunday 12/21 at Northeastern State University | 2:00 PM

Friday

🎅 David Smith’s An Evening in Kringle City: A heartwarming Christmas performance at the Cornell Complex that blends music, storytelling, and festive magic inside Santa’s North Pole workshop. Led by longtime Santa performer David Michael Smith, this family-friendly show invites audiences ages 6+ to rediscover the wonder, joy, and meaning of the season.

🎷 A Swingin' Christmas with JOMO Jazz & Ashley King: A festive jazz evening at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company featuring swingin’ holiday classics and Old Hollywood–style tap dance by Ashley King. With local jazz favorites JOMO Jazz setting the mood, this cozy, speakeasy-style show is the perfect way to ease into Christmas cheer.

🎤 Here We Are Now – Live Comedy at Royale Cinema Lounge: A regional stand-up showcase featuring comedians from the Springfield, NWA, and Tulsa scenes, curated by Zach Khan. This second edition brings together Giovahna Calvetti, Cammy, and Terrell Norton for a night of distinct styles and big laughs at Royale Cinema Lounge.

🎨 Studio 55: Open Studio: A relaxed creative session for adults 55+ to explore art supplies, experiment with new mediums, or work on ongoing projects. Enjoy a welcoming environment with guidance from Jesse McCormick and the camaraderie of fellow artists.

Saturday

🎄 BAD MOMS Christmas Party: A no-rules holiday party at Vino Noir inviting bad moms, bad aunts, and bad friends to show up in ugly sweaters, pajamas, or full festive chaos. Enjoy holiday cocktails, spiked espresso cocoa, small bites, and plenty of party energy with free entry all night.

🧱 Pop Up at The Boutique Marketplace Too: A holiday pop-up featuring The Brick Pit’s LEGO favorites, customizable jewelry, new and used sets, and festive ornament kits. Stop by the last Saturday before Christmas to shop playful gifts and stocking stuffers inside The Boutique Marketplace Too.

🧠 Trivia Night at JGH: A festive anniversary edition of trivia celebrating one full year of monthly game nights at Joplin Greenhouse. Enjoy holiday cheer, great coffee, and bonus points for teams rocking ugly Christmas sweaters.

🎤 Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party: A high-energy holiday karaoke night at Famos Italian Smokehouse’s Pour House where ugly sweaters, festive décor, and big singing energy take center stage. Grab your tackiest holiday outfit and belt out your favorite songs starting at 8:00 PM for a night full of Christmas cheer and fun.

🛍️ Handmade & Vintage Market (Indoor Swap Meet): A free indoor market at Carthage Memorial Hall featuring local vendors, vintage finds, and handmade goods for all kinds of shoppers. Browse, discover unique treasures, and support local makers during a full day of community shopping.

Sunday

🎨 Zinc Merry & Sweet Paint & Sip: A festive paint-and-sip event where guests create a pre-sketched 12-inch wooden door hanger while enjoying a drink of their choice. Hosted by Cutie Patootie Paint Parties, this cozy afternoon is a fun way to relax, get creative, and add a handmade holiday touch to your décor.

We’d love to hear your feedback! Reply to this newsletter or take the poll to let us know how we’re doing!