More than ever before, and especially on every third Thursday of the month, we hear downtown’s heart beating louder than ever.
Truth be told, it might be just the bass from the loudspeakers set up at Spiva Park. Our newsroom is right next door, so we can feel the low vibrations from the musical artists who perform during every Discover Downtown Joplin event.
But we like it. The pulse of Joplin’s downtown is beating more strongly than it has in a while.
The Main Street Joplin organization that hosts the event has started a great monthly tradition. With a foundation on visual arts, downtown venues have hosted all sorts of unique events, from music to children’s activities.
Thursday’s event, the last of the year, hosted the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. For two hours, Main Street was blocked off so that people could get an up-close look at the legendary horses.
All the events are attracting a new, vibrant crowd of people. Organizers say the event draws an average of about 800, and judging from the crowds we see outside our building, we believe them.
Throughout the season, we’ve seen unique art displays, tasted great food, heard great music and met old and new friends. It all adds up to a great investment — Main Street Joplin financed the event with $5,000 that came from the city of Joplin.
Joplin could spend all the money in the world on aesthetic renovations, such as new sidewalks, historic street lamps and flags on every light pole. But it wouldn’t make a lick of difference without the crowds of people bringing life to Main Street.
We congratulate the organizers of this great event, and we can’t wait to see what they cook up for next year.
