JOPLIN CELEBRATIONS COMMISSION

 The commission shall advise the City Manager and City Council on issues related to the centennial celebrations as outlined in Resolution 2019-003 of the City of Joplin. The commission members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Joplin City Council.

The commission shall exist to focus the celebration of the Missouri Bicentennial (200th) in 2021, Joplin's Sesquicentennial (150th) in 2023, and the Sestercentennial (250th) of the Unites States and Route 66 Centennial (100th), both in 2026.

The work of the commission is to determine the best avenues to commemorate these milestone events through historical, memorable, or educational experiences for the widest majority of the citizens of Joplin.

The mission of the Joplin Celebrations Commission includes promoting Joplin’s 150th birthday through a community-driven celebration of its heritage – past, present, and future.

o  To provide a structure to celebrate Joplin’s history and culture through exhibits, educational venues, presentations, and community events.

o  To create opportunities for unified branding of sesquicentennial-related community events and exhibits through an endorsement program.

o  Develop a sesquicentennial Heritage Trail that would leave a legacy for future generations.

The work of the Joplin Celebrations Commission is to Encourage, Endorse, and Manage activities that will create the greatest involvement by the community in celebrating our shared cultural heritage.

    · Organizations and businesses will be encouraged by the commission to modify their existing annual events/activities to take on a sesquicentennial theme,

    · The commission adopt criteria to Endorseevents/activities that are presented by an organization/business that uniquely contributes to the celebration,

    · The commission will manage some large-scale celebration events/activities in part or in total.