Joplin Public Library to Host “Smackdown Showdown” Trivia Throwdown on September 27
JOPLIN, MO – Get ready for an epic showdown of wits and fun as the Joplin Public Library teams up with Friends of the Joplin Public Library to present the “Smackdown Showdown” Trivia Throwdown on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event kicking off at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room at 1901 E. 20th St.
This is the third annual event presented by the Friends of the Joplin Public Library,” Regional Communications Specialist at Liberty Utilities told Newstalk KZRG. “It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It’s going to be eight rounds of general trivia. Although there is going to be, of course, a bit of a theme. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
“Some of the things we’ve raised money for over the last couple of years: we’ve been able to help purchase new furniture for the children’s library, which I had no idea about. Library furniture is a whole different class than the regular furniture because it’s built. It needs to be built to last for a long time and for heavy use. So I learned a little bit about furniture lately.
“But we’ve also done things like we’ve gotten carts and baskets for people to carry books around so you don’t have to carry around large stacks of books. We’ve helped purchase additional copies of in-demand books. We’ve got a home delivery program, which we’re always looking for volunteers for. So for people who are homebound that can’t make it out to the library, they can check out books.”
Dubbed “Mr. Saturday Night” (aka Barry Linduff), he said this heavyweight trivia event promises an evening of cerebral combat and camaraderie.
“I think in 2025, if you say the public library, I think a lot of people think that’s kind of an antiquated notion. But it’s not. You have no idea the services that you can go to at the Joplin Public Library. How many services, how many programs, how many different things that they have. You can get your passport done there. You can consume media in different ways rather than just traditional books. There’s so many things at the library that people have no idea about. So anytime we can have fun, raise some money, and put a spotlight on some of these things that people have no idea about in the community, then it’s a win.”
Teams of up to eight players are invited to bring their A-game, with costumes encouraged to add to the festive atmosphere. The event features 10 rounds with 10 questions each, and teams can purchase mulligans at $10 each to help secure their victory.
Prizes are on the line, including a 50-50 draw cash prize, with half the pot available for participants to purchase tickets throughout the evening. The winning team will receive a gift certificate and a trophy, crowning them the Heavyweight Champion of the night.
Participation costs $100 per team, with an additional $100 per round sponsorship or a $200 combo team and round sponsorship available. A $100 donation per table is also requested. Interested teams can register by providing their team name, contact name, email, phone number, and payment details, with QR codes on the flyer linking to online registration.
Mark your calendars for this unique blend of trivia and entertainment, set to make waves in Joplin’s community calendar!