May 14, 2008 07:47 pm
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By Wally Kennedy
wkennedy@joplinglobe.com
Discover Downtown Joplin, a new program by Main Street Joplin, takes place tonight in the city’s historic commercial district.
The event is designed to bring families to the downtown for dining, shopping and entertainment.
The lineup includes a performance at 6 p.m. by Bobby Norfolk, a storyteller who will perform on the lawn of the Joplin Public Library. Norfolk is a three-time Emmy Award winner and a Parents’ Choice honoree. Lawn chairs are recommended.
Also at 6 p.m., an outdoor fashion show will be staged at the Upstairs Boutique.
Spiva Park will be the site for music by Rip Cord Envy. Performances are slated for 7:15 and 8:15 p.m.
Visitors will participate in National Historic Preservation Month when they attend a red-carpet screening of the “Hometown Heritage Series” at 6 p.m. at Central Christian Center, the former home of the historic Fox Theater.
The 39-minute film, created by Brad Belk, director of the Joplin Museum Complex, will feature footage of 28 sites in the Joplin area that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
That will be followed at 7 p.m. by a showing of a classic film, “The Return of Rin Tin Tin.” A $3 donation covers admission to both films and a junior ice-cream cone at Columbia Traders. Tickets will be available at 5 p.m. today at the theater.
In addition, City Hall will be open from 5 to 7 p.m., and Family Game Night will be held at the Changing Hands Book Shoppe, 528 S. Virginia Ave. An art gallery will be set up next to Arde’s Restaurant, 407 S. Main St. Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 W. Third St., also plans to stay open late.
Dirk Gerdes, event coordinator, said the Discover Downtown Joplin series will take place on the third Thursday of each month from May through September. The events include participation from downtown restaurants and retailers offering discounts or promotions. Events will include classic films, art exhibits and live music.
“We want the city’s heart to be a vibrant, living and breathing thing where every member of the family can discover something unique and fun about downtown Joplin,” Gerdes said. “And, you won’t have to drive far to have a good time this summer.”
Downtown support
Main Street Joplin is a not-for-profit coalition of downtown business owners and residents. The coalition is dedicated to supporting and promoting the revitalization of downtown Joplin.
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