Doug Joyce, Joplin director of parks and recreation, took the podium at the Northpark Mall to introduce the parade to honor veterans that will be part of the 2010 Independence Day celebration.
The first annual Salute America! Joplins Independence Day Parade and Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2010 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Northpark Mall with a parade to honor veterans. This announcement was made at a press conference held on April 20 by Joplin Parks and Recreation officials. The event will continue at 5 p.m. as the community gathers in Landreth Park to enjoy musical entertainment, food vendors and a large fireworks show. This year July 3rd was chosen as the day to celebrate instead of July 4th, which falls on Sunday.
The tentative parade route will circle the mall area, traveling from East Turkey Creek Boulevard to Northpark Lane to East 3rd Street. Organizers are encouraging community organizations, bands, scouting groups, and all citizens to participate in the parade. There is no entry fee. The deadline for submitting an entry form is June 18th.
Boomer, Joplin's mascot, shares a big hug with a little boy at the Northpark Mall. Unlike some of the other children who were hesitant in acknowledging Boomer's presence, this boy leaped into the ground hog's arms.
Suggestions for participation in the parade include building a float; dressing up as a clown; decorating a vehicle, bike or horse and driving a tractor. A line-up will be formed promptly at 8 a.m. on the south side of the Sears building at the Northpark Mall, 101 N. Range Line Rd.
Were bringing back the community celebration with a parade to honor our veterans, said Doug Joyce, Director of Parks and Recreation. The parade around the mall will add a dynamic way for families and organizations to participate in the Independence Day celebration.
The Landreth Park celebration will kick off with the Joplin Summer Winds Concert Band, Joplins own community band. Other performers will follow, including: Duke Mason, singing gospel songs and Elvis Presley hits; the Matt Coleman Band, countrys hottest rising stars; and Felonious Monk, a rockin blues band. Joplins fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m.
Hardees is the presenting sponsor for Salute America! Joplins Independence Day Parade and Celebration. Additional information may be requested from Beth Peacock who is spearheading the July celebration. Phone her at (417) 623-3254. Representatives of marching bands especially are encouraged to make contact.
American Legion Post #13 Commander Howard Spiva, a distant relative of George A. Spiva, was a special guest at the press conference. Shown here with newly chosen Joplin Mayor Pro Tem Melodee Colbert-Kean, Spiva took an opportunity to promote the Arthritis Association at 819 E. 9th St. that he helped establish that loans out crutches and other therapeutic equipment. He also spoke of the books the Legion had that documented the establishment of Memorial Hall as a venue for entertainment. Voters recently had resoundingly rejected a proposal to increase the sales tax to pay for the relocation of the Joplin Museum Complex to a remodeled Memorial Hall. Spiva believes that instead the Hall should be expanded to attract entertainment that requires greater seating capability.
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