Oct. 24 – Joplin’s annual Holiday Tree Trail at Mercy Park begins Wednesday, Dec. 4.
More than 100 trees are expected, as well as other holiday decorations and events.
Opening night will feature cookies from Casey’s, hot chocolate served by Joplin Rotary clubs, hot sandwiches and peanuts from Texas Roadhouse, refreshments sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House of Joplin, and musical performances by Karen’s Dance Studio. Santa Claus will also make an appearance.
The events are on December 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Tree Trail is open until 10pm every evening during the Christmas period.
Those attending are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree through December 31 by scanning the QR code next to it. Winners will receive gift certificates from the event’s sponsor, Texas Roadhouse.
The event, started in 2020 by the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department, has grown in popularity each year.
Last year 50 trees were imported.
Attracting people for holiday activities and community involvement were the goals when the parks department came up with the idea of inviting area organizations and businesses to place lighted and decorated trees around the walking and biking path that loops around the fountains next to the Joplin Senior Center. 2616 S. Picher Ave.
There are some American with Disabilities Act spaces available in the Joplin Senior Center parking lot.
Previous Tree Trails featured a tree made from clear and green soda bottles. It is made by a recycling company. Another took viewers into the comedy horror of Tim Burton’s animated classic ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. The Joplin Humane Society has featured Spike, Snoopy’s brother, as its tree mascot in the past.
