May 10, 2008 09:30 pm
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By Wally Kennedy
wkennedy@joplinglobe.com
Looking for something new and different to do Thursday night that might cost you a gallon of gas at most?
If so, check out Discover Downtown Joplin, a new program by Main Street Joplin that is designed to bring families to the city’s historic commercial district for dining, shopping and entertainment.
“We want the community to rediscover the downtown,” said Toby Teeter, president of Main Street Joplin. “Collectively, these events and promotions should provide an evening of vibrant downtown activity that will showcase what the downtown district has to offer.”
So what’s planned for this Thursday?
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 Parent’s Choice honoree. He began his storytelling career in 1987 by reading stories to his son. With a background in theater, he adds movement and vocal inflection to each piece. His stories promote character, education, cultural diversity and self-esteem. Bring a lawn chair.
Also at 6 p.m., an outdoor fashion show will be staged at the Upstairs Boutique.
Spiva Park will be the site for music performed by Rip Cord Envy with performances slated at 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 allows admittance to both films and includes a free junior ice-cream cone at Columbia Traders. Advance-purchase movie tickets are available at Columbia Traders. Tickets also will be available at 5 p.m. Thursday at the theater.
In addition, Joplin’s City Hall will be open for tours from 5 to 7 p.m., and Family Game Night will be held at the Changing Hands Book Shoppe, 528 Virginia Ave.
Dirk Gerdes, event coordinator, said the 2008 Discover Downtown event 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 special discounts or promotions. Events will include classic films shown at the Fox Theater, art exhibits and live music at Spiva Park.
The business-development committee of Main Street Joplin plans to host a community forum for those who would like to relocate or start a business in the downtown district. The forum will include information on various incentives available to downtown businesses.
“The entire board of Main Street Joplin is committed to a new focus on the revitalization of the downtown. Instead of closing off streets for special events, we want to create the feel that a lot of different things are going on downtown,” said Gerdes.
“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. And, you won’t have to drive far to have a good time this summer.’’
Downtown support
Main Street Joplin is a nonprofit coalition of downtown business owners and residents. The coalition is dedicated to supporting and promoting the revitalization of downtown Joplin.
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