☕️ 110,000 Easter Eggs

In partnership with

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

Good Morning, Joplin. In honor of Chuck Norris’ life, we’d like to encourage you to adopt the message from his final Instagram post (a video of him sparring just a week before his death at 86): Don’t age. Level Up.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Helicopter Easter Egg Drop

• Mutt Madness Final Four

• Spiva in Bloom

• You Belong in Joplin

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who knows a good Chuck Norris joke.

🚁 Helicopter Easter Egg Drop at MSSU

Saturday, March 28 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | MSSU Soccer Fields
📍 3950 Newman Rd, Joplin | 🎟️ FREE | No registration required

After an overwhelming response last year, this family-favorite event is coming back even bigger and better. Forest Park Church heard the community loud and clear—and made major upgrades for 2026.

🥚 110,000+ eggs (up from 40,000 last year!)
🎈 45 inflatables (more than double last year!)
🍔 More food stations to keep lines moving

🐣 PreK Hunt at 11:30 AM
🚁 Helicopter Drops (ages 5–12) at 12:30 & 1:30 PM — now spaced out for a better experience

Hosted by Forest Park Church, this is one you don’t want to miss!

🐾 Mutt Madness Final Four

We’re officially down to the Final Four in Mutt Madness, and the competition has never been tighter. Every vote matters now—one click could be the difference between a trip to the championship or going home just short of glory. If your pup is still in it (or you’ve picked your favorite), now’s the time to rally the votes and make a push for the title of Cutest Dog in Joplin.

And don’t forget—there’s more than bragging rights on the line. Thanks to PUP: A Super Neat Dog Boutique, the champion will take home a prize package valued at $75, while the runner-up earns a $25 prize. Winners can claim their goodies in-store through May 1… so yes, your dog could literally win something awesome.

🌸 Spiva in Bloom Brings Art & Flowers Together

March 26–28 | Spiva Center for the Arts

Spring is about to bloom inside the galleries at Spiva with Spiva in Bloom, a three-day celebration where floral designers transform artwork into stunning, living displays. This annual event blends visual art with floral creativity, giving visitors a chance to explore the galleries in a completely unique way—alongside interactive experiences, workshops, and special events throughout the weekend.

The weekend kicks off with an Opening Reception & Awards on Thursday evening, followed by a mix of ticketed and free experiences including a hands-on bouquet station, a makers market, floral workshops, and even a fragrance-making class. Whether you’re browsing, creating, or just soaking it all in, Spiva in Bloom is one of the most visually unique events of the season—and a perfect excuse to spend a few hours surrounded by art, flowers, and creativity.

🥚 Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Registration Open

Grab the kids and get ready for a unique twist on an Easter tradition—Joplin Parks and Recreation is hosting a Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt where the action kicks off after sunset. Check-in begins at 7:30 PM, with age-group hunts starting around 8:30 PM, giving kids the chance to race across the fields under the lights for hidden eggs.

Registration is $5 per child and must be completed by Friday, March 27 at 5:00 PM—no walk-ups allowed. Spots are limited to 70 kids per age group, so early sign-up is key. Parents can join the youngest group (ages 3–4), while older kids take on the hunt solo. It’s fast-paced, a little chaotic (in the best way), and always a hit.

🤝 You Belong in Joplin Invites Community to Monthly Meetup

Wednesday, March 25 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Blackthorn Pizza & Pub

Looking to get more connected in the community? You Belong in Joplin is hosting its monthly meeting at Blackthorn Pizza, inviting residents to come together for conversation, collaboration, and community-building. Whether you’ve been involved before or are just curious, this is an open, welcoming space to meet others who care about making Joplin a more inclusive place for everyone.

Originally formed through the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workgroup, You Belong in Joplin continues that mission today by supporting and amplifying voices from across the community—including individuals of diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ residents, and people with disabilities. In addition to monthly gatherings, the group hosts Courageous Conversations and sponsors the annual “You Belong” Third Thursday event, all centered around fostering connection, understanding, and a stronger sense of belonging in Joplin.

🗳️ JACC Hosts Members-Only City Council Candidate Forum

Friday, March 27 | 2:00–3:30 PM | Joplin Avenue Coffee Co.

Local business leaders will have a chance to hear directly from candidates running for Joplin City Council at an exclusive forum hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Held at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, the event offers a structured setting where candidates will share their priorities, address key issues impacting the community, and outline their vision for Joplin’s future.

This forum is open to Chamber members only, and advanced registration is required. It’s a valuable opportunity for those in the business community to get informed ahead of the upcoming election and hear directly from the individuals seeking to shape the city’s direction.

🏫 Chamber to Announce Support for Eagle Bond 2026

Tuesday, March 24 | 10:30–11:30 AM | Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce will host a media event today to formally announce its endorsement of the Eagle Bond 2026 proposal. The event will take place at the Chamber offices and will bring together key voices involved in shaping the bond initiative.

Attendees will hear from Joplin Schools administrators, members of the Eagles Forward advisory board, and the Long Range Facility Committee, who will be available to answer questions and discuss how the proposed bond would impact local schools and the broader community. The event is designed to provide clarity around the proposal ahead of the upcoming April vote.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 47 | 69 ☁️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 53 | 85 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 67 | 89 💨 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (16-10)
Friday 3/20 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | W 11-10
Saturday 3/21 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | W 10-8
Sunday 3/22 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | W 12-4

 🥎 Softball (27-5)
Friday 3/20 at Fort Hays State University | L 4-1
Friday 3/20 at Fort Hays State University | W 9-4
Saturday 3/21 at University of Nebraska at Kearny | L 7-6
Saturday 3/21 at University of Nebraska at Kearny | W 9-1

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Monday 3/23 and Tuesday 3/24 at Hardscrabble Invitational in Fort Smith | Results

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 3/20 and Saturday 3/21 at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO | Results

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (16-10)
Wednesday 3/25 at Pittsburg State University | 3:00 PM
Friday 3/27 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | 1:00 PM
Saturday 3/28 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | 1:00 PM
Sunday 3/29 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (27-5)
Friday 3/27 at Washburn University | 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Saturday 3/28 at Emporia State University | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Monday 3/23 and Tuesday 3/24 at Hardscrabble Invitational in Fort Smith | Results

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 3/27 at Emporia State University
Friday 3/27 and Saturday 3/28 at Washington University in St. Louis

Tuesday

🎬 Old Hollywood Movie Night: Step back in time at the library with a pre-Code double feature featuring Baby Face (1933) and The Public Enemy (1931), showcasing the bold storytelling of early Hollywood. This free, adults-only event offers a relaxed evening of classic cinema with no registration required.

Wednesday

💉 Brash Beauty & Bubbles at The 122 Lounge: Treat yourself to a night of self-care, cocktails, and beauty with Botox and aesthetic treatments by Brash Beauty Spa. Enjoy champagne, craft drinks, raffles, and a social, upscale vibe—appointments are limited, so reserve your spot early with a $50 deposit applied toward services.

🥁 Drum Shed with Mya Cymbaluk: Try your hand at drumming in this high-energy, beginner-friendly session at Palen Music Center led by Mya Cymbaluk. Participants will build grooves, join live jam sessions, test out gear, and even take home free drumsticks—no experience needed, just show up ready to make some noise.

Friday

🌸 The Art of Scent: Personalized Fragrance Workshop: Explore the world of floral perfumery at Spiva as you learn the history and craft behind fragrance before creating your own custom scent to take home. Led by Angela Harris of Alchemist Haven, this hands-on experience includes refreshments and a guided, sensory-driven journey—preregistration required.

🎩 A Different Way of Thinking: An Evening With Cody Clark: Experience a powerful night of magic, comedy, and storytelling as magician and autism self-advocate Cody Clark shares his journey in a unique, all-ages performance. Hosted by Community Support Services of Missouri, the evening also includes a Q&A and celebrates inclusion during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

🧠 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit: Hosted by Missouri Southern State University, this forward-looking summit brings together healthcare professionals, students, and community members to explore emerging technologies, industry trends, and the future of care. Featuring expert speakers, breakout sessions, and a keynote on innovation in healthcare, the event offers valuable insight into the evolving world of health sciences.

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