☕️ May is Starting Off with a Bang!

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In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Carthage Citywide Garage Sale

• Super Fast & Furrious 5K

• New Restaurant at the Mall

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who thinks that 65 degrees is still “too cold” outside.

Exclusive May Spas Specials from the Joplin Region’s Award-Winning Medical Spa, La Boussole

🛍️ Carthage Citywide Yard Sale Takes Over the Weekend

Bargain hunters, this is your weekend. Carthage’s Annual Citywide Yard Sale is back, turning the entire town into one massive treasure hunt from Thursday through Saturday. With sales popping up all over the city (and even into the surrounding countryside), you’ll find everything from clothing and home décor to tools, furniture, collectibles, and more—basically, if you’re looking for it, there’s a good chance it’s out there somewhere.

Many stops are multi-family sales with huge inventories, while others—like local boutiques and specialty sellers—are clearing out inventory alongside regular storefront hours. Some sales run all day, others are limited to certain days, so it’s worth planning a route ahead of time. Maps and listings are available through Experience Carthage’s Facebook page, but part of the fun is just driving around and discovering hidden gems. Pro tip: bring cash, come early for the best finds, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

🐾 “Super” Fast & the Furriest 5K in Webb City

Saturday, May 2 | King Jack Park (Depot Pavilion)

Lace up your shoes—and maybe grab a cape—because the 6th Annual “SUPER” Fast & the Furriest 5K/1-Mile Run & Walk is back at King Jack Park. Hosted by the Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center, this fun, family-friendly event invites participants to dress as their favorite superheroes while supporting animals in need.

Whether you’re running the full 5K or taking a more relaxed 1-mile walk, the focus is on community, creativity, and compassion. Expect plenty of costumes, energy, and tail-wagging motivation as proceeds go toward helping local animals find care and forever homes. It’s a feel-good way to get active—and make a real impact.

🎨 Call for Artists: Press Play – Collage in Print

Submissions Open: April 23–June 22

Artists, this one’s for you. Spiva Center for the Arts is now accepting entries for “Press Play: Collage in Print,” an upcoming exhibition celebrating the creativity and evolution of printmaking. From traditional techniques like etching and woodcut to more experimental, mixed-media approaches, artists are encouraged to submit work that explores the depth and versatility of the medium—especially pieces that incorporate collage, layering, and hybrid processes.

Open to artists of all experience levels, this exhibition aims to highlight both technical skill and bold innovation. Selected works will be featured beginning August 7, 2026, inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Key dates include a June 22 submission deadline and June 26 acceptance notifications, with artwork due by July 24. If you’ve been looking for a chance to showcase your work locally, this is a strong opportunity to get involved. Click here for submissions or more information.

📸 Final Days to Catch PhotoSpiva 2026

Now through May 2 | Freeman Health System Main Gallery

Time is running out to experience PhotoSpiva 2026, the nationally recognized photography exhibition hosted by Spiva Center for the Arts. On display at Freeman Health System Main Gallery, this long-running competition—established in 1977—continues to showcase some of the best contemporary photography from across the country.

This year’s exhibition features 84 selected works from 47 photographers across 20 states, chosen from more than 1,000 submissions. Top honors include Chuck Davis (First Place), Aubree Chisam (Second Place), and Ron Erwin (Third Place), along with several merit and honorable mention recipients. If you haven’t made it through yet, this is your last chance to see one of the most respected photography exhibitions in the U.S. before it wraps up on May 2.

🌴 Caribbean Flavors Brings Island Taste to Joplin

Friday, May 8 | 11:00 AM | Northpark Mall

Joplin’s food scene is getting a bold new addition as Caribbean Flavors celebrates its grand opening at Northpark Mall. Expect a menu full of authentic, home-style Caribbean dishes, packed with rich spices and fresh ingredients that bring a taste of the islands straight to the Four States.

The grand opening kicks off at 11:00 AM and invites the community to stop by, try something new, and celebrate. Whether you’re already a fan of Caribbean cuisine or just curious to explore new flavors, this is a strong excuse to show up hungry and see what’s cooking.

🚧 Road Closure Alert: Crestview & 20th Street Intersection

Begins Friday, May 1 | Estimated 2 Weeks

Heads up for West 20th Street traffic—Crestview Drive at 20th Street will be fully closed to north and southbound traffic starting May 1 as crews begin reconstruction of the intersection. This closure will cut off access to 20th Street at Crestview and is expected to last up to two weeks, weather permitting.

Drivers in the area can still reach the Twin Hills neighborhood by using Twin Hills Drive during construction. This work is part of a larger $9.8 million capital improvement project to widen roughly two miles of West 20th Street from Schifferdecker Avenue to Central City Road. In addition to adding a third lane, the project includes upgraded intersections, curbs and gutters, and a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the entire corridor. Expect additional closures and updates as the project progresses.

Friday: 🌡️ 45 | 64 ☁️ 

Saturday: 🌡️ 43 | 63 ☀️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 44 | 76 ☀️ 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (32-15)
Thursday 4/30 at University of Central Missouri | W 7-6

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (32-15)
Friday 5/1 at University of Central Missouri | 4:00 PM
Saturday 5/2 at University of Central Missouri | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (43-7)
Saturday 5/2 at Pittsburg State University | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 5/1 - Sunday 5/3 at MIAA Championships in Pittsburg, KS

Friday and Saturday

🏁 The 405 Outlaw Shootout: Experience high-octane drag racing action at Mo-Kan Dragway with Farmtruck & AZN, special guests, and big-money races on the line. From outlaw showdowns to grudge races and junior dragsters, it’s a full-throttle weekend for racing fans.

Friday

🌸 St. Avips 64th Annual Ball | Fleur de Mai: Step into an elegant evening celebrating the arts with this long-standing fundraiser supporting Spiva Center for the Arts. Enjoy a beautiful night of community, tradition, and philanthropy in a stunning setting inspired by May Day.

🎆 Fireworks Demo Shoot Off: Get a first look at brand-new fireworks and enjoy a full demo show capped off with a finale at Black Market Fireworks Warehouse. Come early for food trucks, showroom browsing, and stick around after for giveaways, drinks, and a chance to chat with the crew.

🧹 Joplin May Day Spring Cleaning: Join a community-wide effort to clean up Joplin by picking up trash and refreshing local spaces alongside friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Whether you volunteer at a designated site or organize your own cleanup, every little bit helps make a visible difference.

✏️ Studio 55: Guided Class: Adults 55+ can enjoy a relaxed, instructor-led session focused on drawing explorations, with step-by-step guidance and room to experiment. It’s a welcoming, social environment to build skills and creativity for just $10 per session.

Saturday and Sunday

🛍️ Spring Market Showcase: Explore a large indoor market experience featuring a curated selection of vendors inside a massive 50,000 sq ft space. Expect a wide variety of unique products and a growing event designed to become one of the biggest markets in the region.

Saturday

🏙️ Downtown Lofts Tour: Step inside some of Joplin’s most unique downtown living spaces with this open house-style tour featuring historic buildings, renovated units, and works in progress. Explore multiple properties at your own pace and get a rare glimpse of urban living in the heart of the city.

🌇 Tip Top Toast: A VIP Reception Under the Stars: Elevate your evening with rooftop views, live music, signature cocktails, and small plates atop the historic Columbian Building. This limited-ticket experience includes access to the Downtown Lofts Tour and offers a stylish way to cap off the day.

🧠 Trivia Night at JGH: Gather your team for a fun night of trivia, drinks, and friendly competition at Joplin Greenhouse & The Coffee Shop. Arrive early, settle in, and enjoy an evening full of laughs and community vibes.

🥃 Horses & Hats at The 122 Lounge: Dress to impress and enjoy a refined evening of mint juleps, bourbon features, and live race viewing in a stylish atmosphere. With raffles, drink specials, and Derby flair throughout, it’s the perfect place to celebrate in classic fashion.

🌼 Makers in Bloom at Falcon Lake Farm: Enjoy a sunny day filled with flowers, music, and booths packed with handmade treasures in a beautiful farm setting. Bring your friends and family—and don’t forget to bring baby food to support a great cause.

🏇 An Afternoon at the Races: Experience a Kentucky Derby–inspired fundraiser with simulated horse races, themed cocktails, Southern bites, and lively betting with “funny money.” Dress in your Derby best and enjoy an energetic afternoon of entertainment, auctions, and friendly competition for a great cause.

🌸 Blooms of Hope Benefit: Celebrate the women in your life at this elegant brunch-style event hosted by Watered Gardens Ministries, featuring shopping, table displays, a silent auction, and meaningful stories. Enjoy a memorable morning of food, community, and giving back while supporting a powerful local mission.

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Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Tuesday!