Friday, May 30, 2025

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

Good Morning, Joplin. A man with no sailing experience, a cat, and “the spine of somebody who’s like 115 years old” just sailed from his home state of Oregon to Hawaii (2,000 miles) in 24 days. And you still can’t find the time to do something fun this weekend?

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Arvest Bank’s Million Meals Campaign Comes to a Close

• Ribbon Cutting Set for New StoryWalk “The Mighty McKraken”

• Brutus Fest 2025

• Jesse James Days 2025

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who has already opened their pool for the year.

SPONSORED BY ARVEST BANK - MILLION MEALS

Help Us End On A Full Plate

Today is the final day of Arvest’s Million Meals campaign — and we’re ending where our hearts are: home.

Bright Futures Joplin is one of 11 local food partners we've been honored to spotlight. Every day, they help remove barriers for students by providing food, clothing, and support — so kids can focus on learning, not survival.

Food insecurity still affects thousands in our region. But your gift can still change someone’s week. Or life.

✅ Donate online, in the Arvest Go app, by phone, or at any branch.

Let’s close strong — one meal, one child, one future at a time.
arvest.com/millionmeals

🍕 Want to Win Dinner on Us?

Our Referral Program just launched this week. Someone will score a $25 gift card next week to a local restaurant! All you need to do to enter the giveaway is help one friend subscribe to JOMO Jive. Simply click the button below or copy and paste the link, send it to a friend, and you’re done!

You might be thinking, “I’ve already sent a referral to my friend—how do I know if I’ve been entered into the giveaway?” When your referral subscribes to JOMO Jive, you will receive an email confirming they’ve signed up. So if you’ve sent a referral to a friend and you haven’t received that email, now would be a good time to remind said friend that your dinner could be in their hands.

🍝 One Meal Away

In Southwest Missouri and the Four States region, most of us know someone who’s quietly struggled with food insecurity — even if we don’t realize it.

Sometimes it’s the kid who always says they’re “not hungry” when lunch comes around. Sometimes it’s the neighbor who never asks for help, but always seems to be making do. Hunger doesn’t always look like an empty plate — but it’s there, more often than we think.

According to the most recent data, over 13% of U.S. households are food insecure. In Missouri, that number is 12.7%. In Oklahoma, it’s 15.4%. In Arkansas? 18.9% — the highest rate in the country.

That’s nearly 1 in 5 families in some of our neighboring communities who don’t always know where their next meal is coming from.

The impact of hunger doesn’t stop at the dinner table. It follows students into classrooms, workers onto job sites, and parents into sleepless nights. And when kids are hungry, everything else — reading, focusing, learning — gets harder.

That’s why local food partners like Bright Futures, community kitchens, and faith-based pantries are doing more than just handing out food. They’re stitching a safety net that catches families when they fall.

This spring, through the Million Meals campaign, Arvest Bank and JOMO Jive have helped spotlight 11 of these local heroes. Tomorrow, that campaign comes to a close.

If you’ve been meaning to give — or if this is the first time it’s hit home — now’s your chance. Just $1 can provide up to 5 meals, and every dollar stays local.

💙 Donate here before it ends:

arvest.com/millionmeals

📚 Ribbon Cutting Set for New StoryWalk® at Leonard Park Featuring Local Author Izzy B 🌳

Wednesday, June 5 | 11:00 AM | Leonard Park (408 Turk Ave, Joplin)

One Joplin is inviting families, educators, and book lovers of all ages to a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, celebrating the latest StoryWalk® installation at Leonard Park. The interactive outdoor reading trail will feature The Mighty McKraken, a whimsical pirate tale by beloved local author Izzy B (Isaiah Basey).

In partnership with OWN INC. and Joplin Parks and Recreation, the new StoryWalk® blends fun, literacy, and fresh air—encouraging families to read together while exploring the park. The featured story delivers a surprising message about kindness and manners through the lens of high-seas adventure.

“This project embodies what can be accomplished when organizations work together to strengthen our community,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “It’s a wonderful way for families to connect, enjoy nature, and foster a love of reading.”

The StoryWalk® will remain in Leonard Park through August 2025. A second walk is also available outside the Joplin Public Library. Future installations and a rotating collection are being explored as part of One Joplin’s commitment to citywide literacy access.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend and help spread the word about this community celebration of reading and local creativity.

📞 For more information, visit onejoplin.com or contact Nicole Brown at [email protected] or 417-726-9123.

⛏️ Brutus Fest 2025

Saturday, May 31 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Big Brutus Museum (5609 NW 60th St, West Mineral, KS)

🎟 Admission: Adults $10 | Seniors $9 | Kids (6–12) $5.50 | Under 6 FREE

Get ready for one of the most beloved family events in Southeast Kansas — Brutus Fest 2025! This full day of fun celebrates the region’s rich mining history while offering something for everyone in the family. From food truck and bounce houses to face painting and meeting real-life miners, it’s the perfect summer kickoff.

🎉 Festival Features Include:

• Delicious eats from food trucks like Holy Tacos and The Skinny House

• Bounce houses and a carnival ride

• A kiddie train ride, snow cones, cotton candy & more!

• Face painting, a petting zoo, and dozens of local vendors

• 💬 Minute with the Miners – Hear firsthand stories from the men who worked with Brutus!

Don’t miss this chance to explore one of the area’s most iconic attractions and enjoy a full day of fun, food, and family memories!

🎡 Jesse James Days 2025

Wednesday, May 28 to Saturday, May 31 | Pineville, MO Square

Jesse James Days 2025 is going on now through this weekend in Pineville, Missouri. This annual festival, held in the historic town square, commemorates the filming of the 1938 movie Jesse James, which featured Pineville as a backdrop.

🎉 Festival Highlights

• Live Music: Enjoy nightly performances from local and regional artists.

• Carnival: Pride Amusements returns with rides and games for all ages.

• Vendors: Over 40 booths offering crafts, food, and unique items.

• BINGO: Games held nightly from May 29 to May 31, benefiting the Pineville Fire Auxiliary.

• Frisbee Throws: Nightly events for kids with prizes.

• BBQ Chicken Dinner: A community favorite meal.

• Parade: A festive procession through the town.

Proceeds from the festival support the Pineville Fire Auxiliary, aiding in their annual operations.

For more information, you can visit the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce website or contact the organizers at [email protected].

Friday: 🌡️ 52 | 74 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 54 | 80 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 60 | 82 🌧️ 35%

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Family Fun

5/31 🪁 Kites, sky shows & family fun: Pittsburg Kite Festival runs 10:00 AM–4:00 PM with pro kite flyers, on-site vendors, and a full day of high-flying fun. Held behind Names & Numbers — free to attend and unforgettable for all ages!

5/30–6/1 🤠 History comes to life in Verona: Spring River Pioneer Days returns with teepees, chuck wagons, stagecoach rides, Indian dancers, live reenactments, food, vendors, a pancake feed, and more. Free and family-friendly all weekend at Cannon Park!

5/29–5/31 🎠 Rides, food & summer fun: Carl Junction Carnival brings three days of thrills, games, and fair food to town with Great Plains Amusements. Don’t miss this family favorite kickoff to summer!

5/31 ✨ Kick off summer & glow bright: Neon Cove’s Summer Bash runs 10:00 AM–2:00 PM with open play, then flips to Glow Night 4:00–8:00 PM. $7 entry, sweet treats from A-Rays, and prize giveaways. Wear your brightest and bring the crew!

Food & Drink

5/31 🛒 Shop local, hear live music: Empire Market is open 10:00 AM–2:00 PM with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more. Enjoy live music by Eric & Erika French in Lineman’s Hall from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — free to attend!

5/30 🥚 Farm-fresh goods hit the road: Madison’s Camper Confections opens its new self-serve farm stand May 30 from 10:30 AM–7:00 PM. Expect eggs, baked goods, jams, handmade quilted items, and more — conveniently located between Carthage and Joplin!

Arts, Crafts & Culture

5/31 🎨 Paint a mural, make a memory: Color the Community Day runs 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Creative Audio. Help bring a community mural to life! Free, family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, and all the paint you need.

5/30–5/31 🛍️ Shop local, support makers: May Maker’s Market at Spiva features handcrafted goods from local artisans. Browse the second-floor galleries Friday 5:00–8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Indoors, unique, and totally local.

Entertainment

5/30 🏁 Fast cars, fun night: Friday Night Fun Drags at Mo-Kan Dragway runs 7:00–11:00 PM (gates at 6:00). $10 admission, kids 12 & under free. $20 tech card to race — presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts.

5/31 🏍️ Bikes, drags, and deals: Midwest Motorcycle Show at Mo-Kan kicks off at 2:00 PM with drag races, a bike show, and a massive swap meet. $15 admission includes pit access. Kids 12 & under free with adult! Racing starts at 5:00 PM.

Miscellaneous

6/1 🎭 No pressure, just play: Open Improv Practice returns Sunday, 5:30–7:00 PM at Joplin Avenue Coffee Co. All skill levels welcome (ages 16+). Come laugh, learn, and jump into the fun — no experience needed!

5/31 🎲 Games, brews & good vibes: Boardgames & Brews at Chaos Brewing runs 7:00–10:00 PM with 300+ games to choose from, hosted by The Cardboard Cafe. $5 entry — VIPs get in free and score a free drink!

5/30 🚴 Pedal power, Joplin style: Critical Mass Group Ride rolls out at 6:15 PM (meet at 6:00) for an easy, all-ages ride. 5–6 miles at a casual pace — last Friday of the month, strength in numbers!

Friday, May 30th

Full Throttle at Mi Torito, Galena | 5:30 PM

Clint Dodson at Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Will Wadkins at Vino Noir | 7:00 PM

Blues Doctors at HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 7:00 PM

The Lost Dogs at Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Outlaws Reloaded at Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Not The Sun, TBA at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 10:00 PM

Saturday, May 31st

Eric & Erika French at Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

Low Compatibility at Undercliff Grill & Bar | 6:00 PM

Jake Clark at Flag City Brewing | 7:00 PM

Thunderosa, White Line Nightmares, The Ugly Cowboys, Further
at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 8:00 PM

Ozark Storm at Happy Jack’s Tavern | 8:00 PM

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