Tuesday, November 25, 2025

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Good Morning, Joplin. It’s Thanksgiving week. Work slows down. Schools will be closed. NFL football is on prime time. We can, without judgement, eat like it’s a competitive sport. Honestly? Peak America.

Announcement: There will be no JOMO Jive issue this Friday. We’ll be spending Thanksgiving with family and watching the Chiefs beat the Cowboys.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Joplin Turkey Trot Returns for Its 14th Year

• Small Business Saturday

• Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad Holiday Train in Joplin

• 2025 Joplin Christmas Parade

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who ignores all the humans at a house party in favor of playing with the host’s dog.

HOME OF THE WEEK
by THE ESSENTIAL REAL ESTATE

SPONSORED BY ARVEST BANK

🦃 Joplin Turkey Trot Returns for Its 14th Year

Thursday, Nov 27 | 7:30 AM Fun Run · 8:00 AM 5K | 300 S Main, Downtown Joplin

Joplin’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition is back, with thousands expected to bundle up, lace up, and trot through downtown for the 14th Annual Turkey Trot presented by Freeman Health System. This year’s race once again begins and ends at the Schroeder Family Exploreum, where runners can enjoy donuts, coffee, music by Resonation, and a lively morning of family-friendly fun. The certified 5K includes chip timing, a soft event tee (guaranteed if registered by Nov. 14), and a shiny finisher medal. Fun Run participants—especially those under 12—will also walk away with medals and post-race treats. Strollers and leashed pups are welcome, and the course remains a mix of walkers and runners each year.

Early packet pick-up happens Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 12–6 PM at the Exploreum, with race-day pick-up starting at 6:30 AM. Age-group awards, a professional DJ, on-course photography (free to download), and a big community turnout make this one of Joplin’s most joyful holiday mornings.

🎟️ Event Details:

1 Mile Fun Run: 7:30 AM ($25)
5K Run/Walk: 8:00 AM ($40)
Location: Schroeder Family Exploreum, 300 S Main, Joplin
Early Packet Pick-Up: Nov. 26 | 12–6 PM
Race Day Pick-Up: 6:30–7:45 AM
Register: runsignup.com

🦃 Thanksgiving Closures & Holiday Trash Schedule

Thursday–Friday, Nov. 27–28 | City of Joplin

City of Joplin offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) and Friday (Nov. 28). This includes City Hall, the Joplin Recycling Center, MAPS transportation, and the Joplin History & Mineral Museum. Public safety, the airport, and wastewater services will operate as usual.

City offices reopen Monday, Dec. 1 at 8:00 AM. The Recycling Center will resume normal hours beginning Saturday, Nov. 29, and the Museum will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Residents should note changes to residential trash and curbside recycling pickup:
No collection on Thanksgiving Day.
• Thursday customers → picked up Friday, Nov. 28
• Friday customers → picked up Saturday, Nov. 29

🎁 Small Business Saturday in Joplin

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement created by American Express to celebrate the small shops that keep communities vibrant—and Joplin goes all in. On November 29, downtown storefronts will roll out specials, pop-ups, and festive surprises as the Downtown Joplin Alliance Elves roam Main Street handing out swag. It’s the perfect chance to knock out holiday shopping while supporting the locally owned businesses that give Joplin its character. Every dollar spent locally stays local—fueling jobs, community events, and the neighborhood gems we all love. Shop small, shop local, and enjoy the downtown buzz all day long.

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🚂 Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad Holiday Train in Joplin

Saturday, November 29 | 1:00 PM | Union Depot (300 N Main St)

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train is officially making a Joplin stop this year, bringing its festive railcars, dazzling lights, and a free 30-minute live concert performed right from the train’s pop-out stage. For 2025, Joplin’s featured performers are Smash Mouth and J.J. Wilde.

Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected 5.4 million pounds of food for food banks across the U.S. and Canada. CPKC will make a donation at the Joplin stop and encourages visitors to bring heart-healthy food or monetary gifts to support local hunger-relief organizations.

Parking is limited at Union Depot, and the terrain can be challenging—patrons are asked to enter from B Street and N. Main Street.

For a full tour schedule and participating artists, visit the CPKC Holiday Train website.

🎄 2025 Joplin Christmas Parade: 100 Years… Then & Now

Tuesday, Dec 2 | 6:00 PM | Main Street (15th → 2nd)

The 55th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade returns to Downtown Joplin with a centennial twist, celebrating 100 Years… Then & Now in honor of Freeman Health System’s 100th anniversary. This cherished community tradition brings families together along Main Street for lights, music, school bands, colorful floats, and plenty of holiday cheer. Freeman—this year’s presenting sponsor—continues its long-standing role in bringing the parade to life, calling it a gift to the community it has served for a century.

The route runs north on Main from 15th to 2nd Street, with the Grandstand and Judges’ Table stationed at 8th & Main. The parade starts at 6:00 PM. Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and enjoy one of Joplin’s most beloved holiday traditions!

Tuesday: 🌡️ 38 | 58 ⛅️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 32 | 46 ⛅️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 32 | 48 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (3-1)
Friday 11/21 at Maryville University | W 114-78

🏀 Women’s Basketball (3-2)
Friday 11/21 vs Quincy University at Hansen-Spear Classic | W 86-68
Saturday 11/22 vs McKendree University at Hansen-Spear Classic | W 86-67

👟 Men’s Cross Country
Saturday 11/22 at 2025 NCAA DII Championships:
Chase Sorrell | 10K in 31:25.8 | 82nd
Jaden Deaton | 10K in 31:28.6 | 89th

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (3-1)
Tuesday 11/25 at HOME vs Rockhurst University | 5:30 PM
Saturday 11/29 at HOME vs Tabor College | 1:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (3-2)
Tuesday 11/25 at Drury University | 5:45 PM
Wednesday 11/26 at Truman State University | 1:00 PM
Saturday 11/29 at Southern Nazarene University | 1:00 PM

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Tuesday

🦃 FRIENDS Thanksgiving Trivia: Test your knowledge of iconic FRIENDS Thanksgiving moments at B&B Theatres! It’s free to play, family-friendly, and packed with prizes—just grab some food or drinks from the kitchen and enjoy a fun night of trivia.

Friday

🎸 Blackthorn's 10th Annual Black Friday Blackout: Celebrate the lives of Brad Jones and Nathan Burns at this long-running tribute night featuring members of Brutally Frank and The Itch as Remember When Rock Was Young, performing punk hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Free show at 8 PM, 21+.

Saturday

🎧 Silent Saturday – Joplin’s Silent Disco: Step onto the dance floor, grab your wireless headphones, and switch between three live DJ channels as Heirarchy, DJ Rashad, and Caleb Kissel battle for your moves. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door—choose your vibe and dance the night away!

🚴 Critical Mass Group Bike Ride – Small Business Edition: Join Bike Walk Joplin for a special Saturday morning ride starting at Bearded Lady Roasters, featuring an easy 5–6 mile route through downtown and past favorite small businesses—perfect for all ages and abilities!

Sunday

🎅 Kids Christmas Meet & Greet: Meet Blippi, Bluey, Chase, Skye, and Santa for a magical day of photos and play inside the Kids City Museum. Kids ages 0–15 need a $12 ticket (adults enter free), or grab a $30 Super Pass for access to the entire 4-hour event. Each time slot features a different character, with Santa visiting during the final 15 minutes. Limited spots — advance tickets recommended.

Monday

🎩 Monday Night Magic: Experience “Joplin’s most magical night of the Christmas season” with a free, family-friendly magic show at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company. Enjoy top magicians from around the region, plenty of audience interaction, and a cozy holiday atmosphere—just grab a drink and head to the back room for an evening of amazement.

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