By Sydney Crider
Our town’s motto is “We love it here!” But, why do we love it here? Because we’re a small town with lots of heart. From our award-winning schools to our outstanding local business owners, Webb City is simply bursting with pride. Every year, the Webb City Chamber of Commerce celebrates its school district and town with its Paint the Town Red Parade and Bonfire. Each year, this event brings 3,500 Webb City residents out to celebrate, and if that doesn’t show community support, what does?
Downtown shop owners open their doors the first Thursday of every month from March to October for Downtown After Dark for shopping and wine tastings. These bring people from as far away as Grove, Oklahoma, to get a taste of the local atmosphere and the local wine. These same shop owners open their doors in spring and late fall for the Spring Shop Hop and the Merry Market, which are weekend-long shopping sprees through the boutiques on Main Street.
King Jack Park sets the stage for two incredible events during the year, as well. From Cruise-a-Palooza in July to The Polar Bear Express in December, hundreds of families come to make and create traditions. Cruise-a-Palooza is the gathering of car collectors and their families, as well as a cook-off, local food truck owners and a fireworks show finale. The Polar Bear Express happens the first three weekends in December and brings in about 400 people each night. The entire park is lit up with 100,000 lights on each building, tree and over 100 individual light displays put together by the amazing Parks Department staff, who spend an immeasurable amount of time each year to make this magic happen.
Each year, the Parks Department also sets up and operates the original Trolley Car that takes patrons all around the park, which is no small feat for a 107-year-old street car! King Jack Park is also home to the award-winning Webb City Farmers Market, which is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the spring and summer months. Many people from the community support and participate in the farmers market, making sure the produce sold is from Webb City soil.
Not only is Webb City celebrated by the residents throughout the year, but also by those who protect and serve it. The Webb City Police Department holds Shop with a Cop every year for those in the community who need a little extra help during Christmas. The Webb City Fire and Police departments also put on Badges and Burgers to raise money for United Way and Webb City Cares. Webb City Cares helps students within the school district who are in need of food, clothing and any expense they cannot make.
Webb City is a great place to visit and a great place to live. Here, you’ll never know a stranger, and everyone is always willing to help their neighbor. We love it here because of the people here. We love it here because of the big heart that pulses through and propels Webb City to be its best. Webb City: We LOVE it here!
