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

Good Morning, Joplin. Spirit Halloween just announced that after a successful test run last year, it’s nearly quadrupling locations for its newest experiment—Spirit Christmas—with 30 stores. Unfortunately the nearest stores are in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Carthage Maple Leaf Festival

• MOmentum Bike Park at DORA Updates

• Parent-Teen Driving Workshop

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who skips fall decorations and goes straight for Christmas.

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

Gambino’s Pizza – Carl Junction’s Favorite Slice

From classic pepperoni to loaded specialty pies, Gambino’s serves up the flavors everyone loves—fresh dough, melty cheese, and wings that pack a punch. Whether it’s family night or game day, there’s a deal waiting for you this October:

🍕 50DEAL – $10 off total food purchase of $50 or more
🔥 FIRECRACKER – Add ½ lb Firecracker Wings for $5 with any Large Signature or Specialty Pizza
🍕 LRGDEAL – Large 1-Topping Pizza for only $15
🎉 20offTues – Tuesdays only: 20% off all pizzas
🥖 HOTSUB – New Firecracker Sub for just $9.99

📍 101 Village Landing, Carl Junction
📞 (417) 649-7979 | gambinospizza.com
All coupons valid through 10/31/25. Not valid with other offers.

🎉 Maple Leaf Festival Returns to Carthage: “A City of Pure Imagination”

October 10–19 | Downtown Carthage, MO

Carthage is getting ready to shine once again as the 59th Annual Maple Leaf Festival returns October 10–19. This year’s theme, “A City of Pure Imagination,” takes inspiration from Willy Wonka—a colorful, whimsical nod to Carthage’s creative spirit.

The festivities begin Friday, October 10, with the Maple Leaf Rodeo, leading up to the main event—the Maple Leaf Parade—on Saturday, October 18 at 9:00 AM. Visitors can also enjoy pageants, cookoffs (including a new BBQ competition), dog shows, a 5K, live music, and more.

Since its start in 1966, the festival has grown into one of Southwest Missouri’s largest annual celebrations, drawing more than 65,000 visitors to historic downtown Carthage. The nearly two-mile parade route winds through the Carthage Square and down Grand Avenue, surrounded by food trucks, arts & crafts booths, and family-friendly attractions like a petting zoo and Touch-a-Truck.

🚴 MOmentum Bike Park to Become Missouri’s Largest Municipal Bike Facility

Opening Late 2025–Early 2026 | Dover Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA)

Joplin is gearing up to open a world-class biking destination — the MOmentum Bike Park, located within the 95-acre Dover Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA). Once complete, it will be the largest municipal bike park in Missouri, boasting 132,000 square feet of bike park elements and 10 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails.

MOmentum Bike Park will include a BMX pump track, children’s bicycle playground, skills bridges, and singletrack trails for all experience levels. Public art, gathering shelters, lighting, and restrooms are also planned.

City officials see it as a major step forward in expanding Joplin’s outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthening the community’s quality of life. Tourism leaders expect the park to become a regional draw, positioning Joplin as a host city for major cycling events and competitions thanks to its extensive amenities and professional-grade design.

The park remains closed during construction and is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. More details here.

🎯 Trivia & Music Bingo This Week

Looking for a midweek challenge or some musical fun? Joplin’s got plenty of trivia and bingo nights to keep your brain buzzing and your drinks refilled. Grab some friends and check out these local favorites:

🎵 Music Bingo at Jefferson’s
430 S Geneva Ave, Suite 100
Every Tuesday night, test your tune knowledge at Jefferson’s! It’s free to play, with gift card prizes and weekly themes—this week’s focus: Country Hits.

🎬 Music Bingo at B&B Theatres
B&B Theatres Joplin 7 & B-Roll Bowling
All-ages and free to join, this lively bingo covers every genre and decade. Prizes for winners, plus food and drinks available while you play!

🧠 Trivia Night at Chaos Brewing Company
112 S Main St
Gather a team (up to eight players) and compete for the weekly crown, a free beer, and major bragging rights at Chaos Brewing’s Wednesday trivia night.

❓ Trivia at Jefferson’s
430 S Geneva Ave, Suite 100
Presented by Not Rocket Science Trivia, this Wednesday game night is free to play with gift-card prizes—and a full menu to fuel your brainpower.

🏌️ Joplin High School Baseball Golf Fundraiser

Saturday, October 25 | 7:30 AM | Schifferdecker Golf Course (506 S Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin)

Support the JHS Baseball team at their annual Golf Fundraiser! The event kicks off with a shotgun start at 7:30 AM (registration opens at 6:45 AM).

💲 Entry Fee: $75 per person / $300 per team
Includes cart, course fees, and lunch.

Teams can register online using this link or QR code provided, or by emailing Coach Chase Kilgore at [email protected].

🚗 Parent-Teen Driving Workshop: Learn the Rules of the Road Together

Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Joplin History & Mineral Museum (504 S Schifferdecker Ave)

The Joplin Health Department invites parents and teens ages 15–18 to a free Parent-Teen Missouri Graduated Driver License (GDL) Workshop designed to help families navigate the early stages of learning to drive.

This interactive session covers Missouri’s GDL program, tips for building safe driving habits, and ways for parents to support their teens behind the wheel.

The event is free and open to the public, and parents are encouraged to attend with their teens.

👉 Register online: SignUpGenius link
Questions? Contact Suzan Morang at 417-623-6122 ext. 1286.

🚧 South Leg of 44th & Connecticut Roundabout to Close Temporarily

Beginning Monday, October 6, the City of Joplin will modify the 44th Street and Connecticut Avenue roundabout to better accommodate large vehicles. This work will require a full closure of the south leg of the roundabout for approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

Traffic will still be able to travel east and west through the intersection and access the north leg of Connecticut Avenue.

For more information, contact Rob Beachner, Capital Improvements Project Manager, at 417-624-0820 ext. 1543 or [email protected].

Tuesday: 🌡️ 60 | 73 ☀️

Wednesday: 🌡️ 53 | 75 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 55 | 76 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏈 Football (2-3)
Saturday 10/4 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | L 28-21

🏐 Women’s Volleyball (6-9)
Saturday 10/4 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | L 3-1

⚽️ Women’s Soccer (2-5-3)
Friday 10/3 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | L 3-0
Sunday 10/5 at Rogers State University | L 2-0

👟 Men’s Cross Country
Saturday 10/4 at Arkansas Chili Pepper Festival (Fayetteville, AR) | 14th/30, 406 points

👟 Women’s Cross Country
Saturday 10/4 at Arkansas Chili Pepper Festival (Fayetteville, AR) | 11th/29, 285 points

Upcoming:

🏈 Football (2-3)
Saturday 10/11 at Emporia State University | 1:00 PM

🏐 Women’s Volleyball (6-9)
Tuesday 10/7 at University of Central Missouri | 6:00 PM
Friday 10/10 at HOME vs Newman University | 6:00 PM
Saturday 10/11 at HOME vs Pittsburg State University | 3:00 PM

⚽️ Women’s Soccer (2-5-3)
Friday 10/10 at HOME vs Washburn State University | 6:00 PM

⛳️ Men’s Golf
Tuesday 10/7 at UCO Skip Wagnon Invitational in Edmond, OK

Tuesday

🌮 National Taco Day Celebration: Head to Ghetto Tacos Shop (536 N East St, Webb City) from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM for the ultimate taco fest! Enjoy Buy 5, Get 1 Free or Buy 10, Get 2 Free deals, sweet treats, swag giveaways, and a live DJ keeping the party going. Come hungry and celebrate Taco Tuesday in true Ghetto Tacos style!

🍝 First Tuesday Lunch: Head to First Presbyterian Church (509 S. Pearl Ave) from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM for a hearty lunch benefiting Bright Futures Joplin. Choose from Spaghetti Red, Chili, Frito Pie, Meatball Subs, and more—each meal includes salad, dessert, and a drink for $10. Carry-out available (drinks not included); call 417-624-2433 to order ahead.

😂 Night of Laughs with Comedian Mickey Bell: Head to Traders Church (212 S. Joplin Ave.) for a night of laughter and inspiration as comedian Mickey Bell shares his humor and testimony at Celebrate Recovery. Whether you’re a regular or brand new to CR, this is the perfect night to unwind, connect, and laugh your worries away.

Wednesday

🎀 Empowering Women in Business Luncheon: Join the Carthage Chamber at 1 Leggett Rd for this month’s luncheon featuring Kerri Haywood of Mercy Hospital. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, attendees are encouraged to wear pink while learning key signs and prevention tips for women’s health. A perfect chance to connect, learn, and support one another.

☕ Gilmore Girls Autumn Festival: Celebrate fall Stars Hollow–style at Oasis Salon & Day Spa (2915 E 29th St)! Enjoy $10/unit Jeuveau, $79 mini Hydrafacials, $59 pedicures, $15 chair massages, and $35+ blowouts. Shop local vendors like Blooms by Diem, Lenkabl Jewelry, Lou Lou Louise, A-Ray’s Desserts, and Whimsy Bookery while sipping, snacking, and soaking up cozy fall vibes. Call 417-206-9999 or book online to reserve your service!

Thursday

🎻 Brentano Quartet – Presented by Pro Musica: Experience an unforgettable evening of classical music as the Brentano Quartet performs at First Community Church (2007 E 15th St, Joplin). A meet-and-greet with Pro Musica board members begins at 5:30 PM, followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. Admission is free with donations appreciated — reserve your spot for the reception by calling (417) 625-1822.

Friday

🎃 Witches Night Out: Grab your brooms and head to Christine’s Vineyard (25695 Mulberry Rd, Webb City) for a spellbinding evening of music, shopping, themed drinks, and witchy fun! Costumes are encouraged, and while reserved tables are sold out, open seating is available—just arrive early and carpool if you can. Enjoy DJ sets, dancing, local vendors, and plenty of spooky vibes. Warlocks, wizards, and muggles welcome!

🦁 Lion Pride Luncheon: Join MSSU Athletics for their next Lion Pride Luncheon at noon in the North Endzone Facility, Room 211. This session features former men’s basketball coach Robert Corn and members of the 1999–00 team. Enjoy a catered lunch from Charlie’s Chicken, plus Q&A with coaches and players. Cost is $12 ($10 for Lionbackers).

🍷 Free Tasting at Jugz Liquor & Wine: Stop by Jugz (1605 E 20th St) from 4:00–7:00 PM for a free tasting event featuring Chattanooga Whiskey, Ghost Tequila, and BarSmith mixers. Bring a friend, sip, and discover your next favorite drink — all on the house!

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