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Good Morning, Joplin. Sunday night’s storm was a little too close for comfort. Phones buzzing, sirens going, everyone doing that quick mental checklist: Where’s the dog? Where are my shoes? Do we actually have a plan? It’s one of those moments that reminds you just how fast things can shift around here.

Early reports showed some scattered damage across the area, but thankfully it doesn’t appear to be anything like what our community has faced in the past. If your patio furniture made it through the night without relocating to your neighbor’s yard, consider it a win…

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• The Downtown Lofts Tour

• Fireworks Demo

• Derby Vibes

• Blooms of Hope

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 lost their trampoline to a storm.

Step Inside Downtown: 2026 Lofts Tour

Ever wondered what it’s like to live in the heart of Joplin? On Saturday, May 2, the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) invites you to go behind the brick and mortar from 2:00–6:00 PM. This self-guided tour offers rare access to some of downtown’s most fascinating spaces—from fully furnished lofts to exciting in-progress renovations like the historic Carnegie Library.

🎟️ Tickets are $25 and include entry to all properties plus a commemorative guidebook.

Why your ticket matters:
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DJA relies on events like this to fuel downtown revitalization—supporting historic preservation, activating vacant spaces, and building a vibrant, walkable district for everyone.

✨ Want to elevate your experience? VIP tickets are available for Tip Top Toast, a rooftop reception with drinks, bites, and incredible views.

Let’s keep building something special in downtown Joplin—together.

🎆 Fireworks Preview Show Lights Up Route 66

Friday, May 1 | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Black Market Fireworks - 3648 W 7th St

Looking to kick off summer early? Black Market Fireworks is hosting a FREE fireworks product display and finale show at Black Market Fireworks, featuring 40 brand-new fireworks leading up to a massive grand finale. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly night designed to get everyone in the spirit ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Come hungry—local favorites like Ghetto Taco and Pineapple Bliss will be on site—and bring a lawn chair to settle in for the show. Set along historic Route 66, this is an easy, no-cost way to enjoy a night out with big booms, good food, and community vibes. Showroom and food trucks open at 5:30 PM, show starts at dark 8:30 PM-ish.

🧹 Joplin May Day Spring Cleaning Invites Community to Pitch In

Friday, May 1 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Joplin City Hall

Ready to give Joplin a little shine? The Joplin May Day Spring Cleaning is a community-wide effort to spruce up the city ahead of increased Route 66 traffic and upcoming events. Volunteers will gather at Joplin City Hall at 9:30 AM, then head out to assigned cleanup locations from 10:00 AM to noon to pick up trash and debris across town.

Organized by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City, the event is open to everyone—businesses, families, friend groups, and individuals alike. Can’t make the official cleanup? Organizers still encourage you to tackle a spot near your home or workplace—even 10–15 minutes can make a noticeable difference.

🏇 An Afternoon at the Races Brings Derby Vibes

Saturday, May 2 | 2:00–6:00 PM | Downstream Casino Resort

Break out the hats and bow ties—An Afternoon at the Races is bringing a Kentucky Derby–style celebration to Downstream Casino Resort for a high-energy afternoon of fun and fundraising. Hosted by The Alliance of Southwest Missouri, the event blends Southern charm with simulated horse racing, where guests can place bets using “funny money” and cheer on their picks throughout the day.

Between races, attendees can enjoy mint juleps, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, a silent auction, and even a hat contest, before wrapping up the event by watching the Kentucky Derby live. Designed to be both entertaining and approachable, the event offers all the excitement of race day—without the complexity of real wagering—making it a unique and social way to support a meaningful cause.

🌸 Blooms of Hope Returns to Celebrate Moms and Community

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | The Roxy Event Center

Celebrate the women who mean the most at the 6th Annual Blooms of Hope event hosted by Watered Gardens Ministries. Held at The Roxy Event Center, this uplifting morning invites moms, daughters, grandmothers, and friends to dress up and enjoy a meaningful, memory-filled experience together. Guests can expect beautifully designed tablescapes, shopping opportunities, delicious food, and powerful testimonies that reflect the heart behind Watered Gardens’ mission.

In addition to the program, attendees can browse a silent auction, raffles, and giveaways featuring items from a wide range of local donors and businesses. Tickets are $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight, with space limited to 300 guests—so early registration is key. Beyond the celebration, the event supports Watered Gardens’ ongoing work serving individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, making it a morning that’s both impactful and inspiring.

🏆 Chamber Celebrates Standout Businesses and Leaders at 109th Annual Banquet

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce brought the community together for its 109th Annual Banquet, recognizing the people and organizations driving growth, service, and leadership across the region. Held at Downstream Casino Resort, the event highlighted several marquee awards that reflect the strength of Joplin’s business and civic landscape.

Leading the way, Business of the Year honors went to Bug Zero Pest Services (1–50 employees), MAPP Technologies, LLC (51+ employees), and Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri (Nonprofit)—a clear snapshot of impact across small business, large industry, and community care.

Christina Williams of CGA Architects and Joplin Floor Designs was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year, recognizing her commitment to the community, while Andy Griffith of SOLO LINK IO earned the Spirit Award for his dedication and leadership within Chamber initiatives. Together, these awards underscore the individuals and organizations helping shape Joplin’s continued momentum.

See the full list of award winners here.

🏛️ Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot to Retire, Successor Named

Retirement Celebration: May 8 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Joplin City Hall

After more than two decades serving the community, longtime City of Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot will retire on May 8, marking the end of a 40+ year career in communications. During her 23 years with the City, Onstot played a central role in shaping how Joplin communicates with its residents—managing media relations, leading public messaging during major events (including the 2011 tornado), and launching initiatives like the City’s quarterly newsletter, The Citizen.

Stepping into the role is Cassie Mathes, a seasoned communications professional with deep ties to Joplin and experience across higher education and local media. City leadership praised both women, highlighting Onstot’s lasting impact and expressing confidence in a smooth transition. The community is invited to celebrate Onstot’s career at a retirement reception at Joplin City Hall on May 8 from 2:00–4:00 PM.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 51 | 63 🌧️ 75%

Wednesday: 🌡️ 47 | 65 ⛅️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 45 | 64 ☁️ 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (31-15)
Friday 4/24 at Saginaw Valley State University | L 9-4
Saturday 4/25 at Saginaw Valley State University | W 8-7
Saturday 4/25 at Truman State University | W 12-6

🥎 Softball (43-7)
Friday 4/24 at HOME vs Newman University | W 4-0, W 6-1
Saturday 4/25 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | W 6-3, W 6-1

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 4/24 at University of Arkansas | Recap

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (31-15)
Thursday 4/30 at University of Central Missouri | 6:00 PM
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

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

THANKS!

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