City Hall Holiday Window Lighting starts Tuesday evening

The store front of the former Newman’s Department Store (now Joplin City Hall) will be lit for the
holiday season beginning Tuesday (11/26) evening.

Visit Joplin has installed the fourth “stained glass” winter scene as part of the city’s downtown holiday
appearance. The scenes adorn the front windows of city hall and look out onto Main Street and Route
66.

Regional artist Sandra Pemberton created the three-panel scene painted on vinyl. Sandra, known
regionally for her large-scale murals, has painted all four scenic depictions.

2021 – Santa’s Stop in Joplin
2022 – (Dressed for Holiday Style) Department Store Displays of Days Gone By
2023 – Holiday Home

Patrick Tuttle, Visit Joplin Director, says, “The tradition of decorating the windows continues the
practice started by Newman’s Department Store, the building’s original inhabitant, and one rekindled
by city hall staff since 2009.”

MINING CAMP CELEBRATION
Recounts Joplin’s mining history as part of the Tri-state Mining District. A miner’s life was hard
and, at times, treacherous. Family and faith were dear to them. In three panels, though the winter
weather may have brought snow, ice, and cold conditions to the top side, the climate within the
mines stayed consistent year-round. Bringing a little of the season’s spirit from their homes,
miners enjoyed what merriment they could in their camps and the caverns.

“Though the stained-glass scenes can be viewed by residents and guests alike at
any time of the day, the stained-glass effect is backlit and best observed at night,” Tuttle concluded.

The holiday scenes can be viewed until Friday, January 3, 2025.”

Note: Look closely to locate an old friend – Boomer the Groundhog! Boomer, who has served as Visit
Joplin’s mascot for several years, makes a holiday appearance in all four scenes.