Holiday Tree Trail brings Christmas Spirit to Joplin
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One of Joplin's most popular holiday events will come alive again soon as the Holiday Tree Trail prepares to open for the winter season.
The annual Holiday Tree Trail is a free, self-guided walk featuring dozens of Christmas trees decorated by area businesses and organizations, showcasing their services or mission.
The decorated trees create a winter wonderland for families visiting the park, located at 3002 St. Johns Boulevard in Joplin.
Led by Joplin's Parks and Recreation Department, the event will run from Dec. 3-31. The Tree Trail's opening ceremony will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, and will feature a performance from Karen's Dance Studio, face painting, free cookies and hot chocolate from Casey's Stores, the Salvation Army and Rotary Club, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
After the opening ceremony, the Trail will be open each day from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The City is seeking tree sponsors, and will accept registrations through Thursday, Nov. 19 at midnight. Businesses and organizations will receive a dedicated space for their tree as well as electricity and are asked to provide their own tree, lights, and decorations.
Tree sponsors are also welcome to set up an information booth next to their tree during the kickoff event on December 3. The cost to reserve a space is $25.
Visitors to the Tree Trail will have an opportunity to vote on their favorite tree throughout the month, and winners will receive prizes from event sponsor Texas Roadhouse.
Tree sponsors should know the following information:
Nov. 19: Registration deadline (registration will close early if all spaces get reserved)
Nov. 23 – Dec. 2: Decorating days
Dec. 3: Opening ceremony
Dec. 31: Voting for Tree Decorating Contest ends at 11:59 p.m.
Jan. 4: Winners announced
Jan. 1-7: Clean Up Days (decorations remaining on Jan. 8 will be discarded)
More information on sponsoring a tree is available at https://www.rec.us/sections/67f50d6c-c6fa-462b-900a-ffcf33f37e10.
For additional details, contact Parks and Recreation at 417-625-4750.
