JOPLIN, Mont. (NMB) – Although many large gatherings have been canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Joplin Motor Rodeo will go on this weekend.
The event begins on Friday night, with a Poker Run from Chester to Hingham and back. The run will begin at around 6 PM, with registration starting at 5 PM.
Then on Saturday is the main event, as the 15th Annual Joplin Car Show will start at 11 AM at the football field.
During Car Show registration, there will be a one mile “Dawson’s Run” for people that want to get some exercise in before the festivities.
Organizer Shay Richter says precautions will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This year, we’re spread out on the football field. So we’;ll try to keep good space there. And then we’ll have quite a bit of snow-fence up, just to try to keep people separated a bit, a bit of distance between them. We’ll also have a couple extra sanitation tables set up for guys and gals to disinfect their hands.”
Vintage Snowmobile Drag Races and Dirt Bike Barrel Racing will follow the car show.
Richter says he’s excited to be putting on some entertainment for the Hi-Line during these tumultuous times.
“We’re excited to be putting on something for the Hi-Line. Everybody can come down, check it out, get out of the house, get a little stress relief, get together. It’ll be fun to see everyone out and about.”
There will be vendors on hand, with some selling food, and others selling a variety of items.
“I don’t know if people are familiar with Joplin Art in the park, but we’ve got clothing, I think there’s a couple candle ones, other antiques, metal work. So there should be something for everybody.”
There is no cost to attend the Joplin Motor Rodeo, although participants in the Poker Run will have to pay $10 per hand.
Vendors and car owners are asked to call Richter at 399-1201 to register.
