Friday, November 21, 2025

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Good Morning, Joplin. Select Chick-Fil-A restaurants in Baltimore will be testing a Chicken & Waffles (with bacon) Breakfast Sandwich. As the home of the most efficient CFA drive-thru in the country, I’m personally offended Joplin is not part of this test…

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Tree Lighting Celebrations

• Ribbon Cutting for MOmentum Bike Park

• Joplin City Health Department Renews WIC Contract for 2026

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who loves Chick-Fil-A sauce.

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🎄 Downtown Joplin Tree Lighting Celebration

Friday, Nov 21 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Spiva Park (4th & Main)

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Joplin as Spiva Park transforms into a glowing winter wonderland, complete with festive lights, cookies, hot chocolate (thanks to ALLO Fiber), and live music by Zane Grimes starting at 6:00 PM. The official tree lighting happens at 6:30 PM, with more music to follow and plenty of holiday cheer to go around.

If you’d like to help decorate the park beforehand, volunteers are welcome — details available on Downtown Joplin Alliance’s Facebook page.

✨ Sparkle in the Park Lighting Ceremony (Carthage)

Monday, Nov 24 | 6:00 PM | Central Park (714 N Garrison Ave)

Carthage flips the switch on its beloved “Sparkle in the Park” display as thousands of handcrafted lights and festive installations return for the 5th season. Created entirely by CWEP employees, this free holiday attraction lights up nightly through January 1 and offers the perfect backdrop for family photos, evening strolls, and seasonal cheer. Grab your loved ones, enjoy the glow, and don’t forget to tag #sparkleinthepark to share the magic.

🚵‍♀️ Ribbon Cutting for MOmentum Bike Park

Monday, November 24 | 3:30 PM | MOmentum Bike Park, 601 Adventure Lane

Who’s ready to ride? MOmentum Bike Park — the largest municipal bike park of its kind in Missouri — officially opens to the public on Monday, November 24, with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 PM. Riders are invited to bring their bikes, explore more than 132,000 square feet of park features plus 10 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails, and check out a 95-acre playground designed for all ages and skill levels.

During the ceremony, the City will also share details about the first major bike festival planned for 2026, expected to draw riders from across the country and boost Joplin’s profile as an outdoor adventure destination. The project is a partnership between Crossland Construction, American Ramp Company, and SWT Design, funded through the Parks & Stormwater Tax, Hotel/Motel Tax, and a $1.5 million Local Tourism ARPA grant. Learn more at joplinmo.org/MOmentum and follow MOmentum Bike Park on Facebook for updates.

🎁 8th Annual Holiday Market

Saturdays, Nov 22–Dec 24 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Joplin Empire Market

The Holiday Market is back for its 8th season, filling every Saturday with festive shopping, artisan gifts, baked goods, prepared foods, fresh produce, pastured meats, and local coffee and wine—all leading up to the special Tinsel & Tidings Christmas Eve Market on December 24. Guests can enjoy live holiday music each week thanks to the Missouri Arts Council, gift wrapping on select Saturdays, and a visit from St. Nick on December 6 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Vendors interested in joining the merriest market of the year can apply at downtownjoplin.com/joplin-empire-market.

🍼 Joplin City Health Department Renews WIC Contract for 2026

The Joplin City Health Department has officially renewed its contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue providing WIC services through the 2026 federal fiscal year. The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offers supplemental healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five who meet income and nutritional-risk eligibility.

WIC food packages include nutrient-rich staples like milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and infant foods—plus breastfeeding support for nursing mothers and formula for those who need it. Studies consistently show that early enrollment in WIC improves birth outcomes, increases early prenatal care, and supports healthier nutrition for families.

For more information or to apply, call 417-623-1928 (option 3) and leave a message if needed. WIC clinics operate at the Joplin City Health Department, 321 E. 4th Street, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM (closed 12–1 PM).

🎉 Club Carwash $3,500 Vacation Giveaway – Grand Opening Event

Friday, November 21 | 5958 N Main St | All Day Event

Club Car Wash is celebrating another brand-new Joplin location — and they’re kicking things off with big giveaways, $1 washes, and an early-bird scramble for prizes. The first 250 guests get scratch-off tickets for a chance to win the $3,500 vacation package, and the first 100 guests score free coffee cards from Joplin Avenue Coffee Company.

Club Car Wash is also offering its MVP Wash for just $1, with all proceeds benefiting Bright Futures to support local students in need. And if you want their biggest deal of the year, you can sign up now to pay just one penny today to unlock 50% off for an entire year once the location officially opens. (Opening date may shift due to construction.)

👉 Sign up for the offer: clubcarwash.com
👉 Location: 5958 N Main St, Joplin, MO

Come early, win big, and help support a great cause!

Friday: 🌡️ 52 | 67 ⛈️ 100%

Saturday: 🌡️ 48 | 58 ☁️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 43 | 63 🌧️ 35%

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (2-1)
Thursday 11/20 at Oklahoma Baptist University | L 94-82
Friday 11/21 at Maryville University | 4:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (1-2)
Wednesday 11/19 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University | L 65-57

👟 Men’s & Women’s Cross Country
Saturday 11/22 at 2025 NCAA Division II Championships in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Women’s 6K Championship Race | 10:00 AM
Men’s 10K Championship Race | 11:15 AM

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (2-1)
Friday 11/21 at Maryville University | 4:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (1-2)
Friday 11/21 vs Quincy University at Hansen-Spear Classic | 7:00 PM
Saturday 11/22 vs McKendree University at Hansen-Spear Classic | 1:00 PM

Friday

🤣 Live Comedy at Royale Cinema Lounge: Enjoy a night of stand-up at Royale Cinema Lounge featuring Zach Khan, Desiree Newton, and John Loss. All ticket proceeds support Food Not Bombs – Joplin to help provide holiday meals for local families.

🧵 Make Your Own Mock Neck at ETTA + EAST: Create your own custom mock neck while browsing a festive holiday pop-up featuring Beljoy, Love Bug Junkie, and more. Stop by anytime from 4:00–8:00 PM for shopping, crafting, and fun.

🛍️ Junkin' Market Days Holiday Market: Shop a huge selection of boutique clothing, rustic décor, vintage finds, handmade goods, gourmet foods, candles, and more from local small businesses at this two-day holiday market.

🎄 Precious Moments Annual Lighting Ceremony: Watch Timmy the Angel light up the Chapel grounds, enjoy a candlelight procession, sip cozy refreshments, write letters to Santa, and take free photos during this family-friendly kickoff to the holiday season, followed by a Christmas music performance inside the Chapel.

Friday and Saturday

❄️ Ballet Arkansas’s Magic of the Nutcracker: An intimate, family-friendly reimagining of the classic tale, featuring stunning dancing, enchanting storytelling, and a festive journey from Christmas Eve to the sparkling Kingdom of Sweets.

Saturday

🎄 Merry Moments Market at Higdon Florist: Celebrate the season at Higdon Florist with festive vendors, Christmas mini photo sessions, a bouquet bar, kid-friendly activities, and holiday treats—perfect for shopping small and making merry memories with the family.

🎤 Chaos Comedy Vol 29: A triple-threat lineup of Hayden Parker, Spencer Mills, and Trevor Carreon takes over Chaos Brewing for a night of big laughs and chaotic fun—come ready for wild jokes, good vibes, and a packed evening of live comedy.

Sunday

🎭 Joplin Improv Open Play: Come laugh, play, and loosen up with a welcoming improv session at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company. No experience needed—just show up, say “yes, and…,” and enjoy a fun, judgment-free space to meet people and try something new.

Friday

Zane Grimes
at Spiva Park | 6:00 PM

Mitch Walking Elk
at Beard Engine Brewing Co | 6:00 PM

Randall Shreve
at The Living Room | 8:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
at Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Eric & Erica French, Kole Dorris, and The Rebounds
at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Saturday

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

Vagabond Grove
at Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Diversity Band
at Turtleheads | 7:00 PM

Decrepit Kingdom, Adenoma and Glass Lotus
at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Sunday

Eric & Erica French
at HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 12:00 PM

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