EDITORIAL: Holidays are coming to Joplin!

The Joplin Globe, Mo.
·2 min read

Nov. 14—Don't get us wrong ... we'll take the warm temperatures we've been getting.

How about 70 degrees and sunny again today?

Thank you!

But it does make it a little more challenging to get into the ho- ho- holiday mood.

The antidote, however, is close as a city park, as near as downtown Joplin.

There's a lot happening, beginning later this week, to add some sparkle to our state of mind.

Thursday: Light Up the Park, 2 to 6 p.m. Join Downtown Joplin Alliance and volunteers to help light up Spiva Park.

Expect to hang some lights and sip some hot chocolate.

Saturday: Empire Market's Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday through Dec. 23. There will be food, beverages and produce options, artisan goods, live music, gift wrapping even a visit from Santa.

Nov. 21: Voting begins for Downtown Decorating Contest. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland." The public will vote for their favorites in these categories: Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative. On that day, City Hall holiday windows will be lit.

Nov. 23: Thanksgiving. Joplin Turkey Trot downtown.

Nov. 25: Small Business Saturday for shoppers.

Nov. 28: Canadian Pacific, which acquired Kansas City Southern earlier this year, will bring its decorated holiday train to Joplin. The train will arrive at Joplin Union Depot at 1:15 p.m. and present a 30-minute, staged Holiday Show at 1:30 p.m. Programs will be by Seaforth, a country music duo from Australia, and Kiesza, a Canadian singer-songwriter. Parking will be on the Depot grounds, 205 N. Main St.

Nov. 28: Holiday Tree Trail opens in Mercy Park, with trees lit from, 6-8 p.m. Runs through Dec. 31. Family Night at Mercy Park, from 6-8 pm., with activities and refreshments.

Dec. 5: Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., downtown Joplin. This year's theme is "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

Dec. 9: Connect2Culture's Curtains Up Series will feature "A Night of Christmas" with vocalist John Glosson at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment complex. Details and ticket information can be found at connect2culture.org.

Dec. 15: Voting closes for Downtown Decorating Contest

Dec. 16: C2C's Cornell Series will feature "Merry & Bright Songs of Christmas Cheer with Ryan&Ryan" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Details and ticket information can be found at connect2culture.org.

That's just the tip of the tree, so speak. We urge everyone to take advantage of these holiday events to help drive away the bah humbugs that come from paying too much attention to political shootouts that are unfortunately also ratcheting up.