Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a school bus? Well, you’ve got the chance to find out this week.
There are a lot of family-friendly events going on this weekend, with everything from painting and food trucks to giveaways, but our MAIN EVENT comes from Poplar Bluff schools.
The public is invited to take a school bus for a test drive, with appropriate supervision, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Poplar Bluff Middle School. Anyone who would like to participate must be 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
The district will also be serving up free hot dogs, drinks and balloons, as well as coloring pages for the children.
The district is also hiring school bus drivers, for those who would like to take this on as a regular job. Applications will be available, and staff will be on hand to discuss the positions. For more information, contact the Poplar Bluff R-I transportation department at 573-785-5801.
Other upcoming events include:
— Plein Air Festival artist check-in and reception, 4-6 p.m. June 9. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free. WHAT Artists registered for the three-day plein air painting competition will gather to check in with the museum, then mingle with fellow artists and community members. Wine and hors-d’ouevres will be served. Those wishing to sign up can do so at Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers, or at the museum until 9 a.m. Friday when the competition begins.
— Movie in the Park, 8:30 p.m. June 10 WHERE McLane Park COST Free WHAT A partnership between Southern Bank and the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department, “The Secret Life of Pets” will be shown. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks.
— Poplar Bluff Cruise In Nights, 5-8 p.m. June 10. WHERE Black River Coliseum COST Free WHAT Nuthin’ Fancy Band will play at the weekly event.
— “The Odd Couple,” performed June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., and June 5,12 at 2 p.m. WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center TICKETS $10 WHAT Center Stage performs this classic Neil Simon comedy built around a pair of opposites who become roommates.
— Truck’s Gone Wild at Brick’s Off Road Park, June 10-12 WHERE 2181 County Road 484 COST $20-$225 WHAT Will include truck tug ‘o war, mud bogging and more.
— Brown Chapel AME Church Giveaway, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 11. WHERE The Wheatley Park pavilion on Benton St. COST Free. WHAT Brown Chapel AME Church is passing out toilet paper, paper towels and personal hygiene items until 2 p.m., or until supplies are gone.
—Family Fun Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 11. WHERE Main Street and the Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free for visitors. $35 for vendor booths, free for charitable organizations. WHAT A festival for the whole family featuring games, mural painting, a bouncy castle, vendors and food. Vendors or organizations wanting to reserve a spot should call Steve Whitworth at 573-714-4411.
— Daughters of the American Revolution Flag Retirement Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. June 11. WHERE Wappapello Civic Center. COST Free. WHAT A ceremonial disposal of tattered and faded American flags. Those with old flags to retire can bring them to WCC until 4 p.m. the day of the event. For more information, contact Linda or Ronney McDonough at 573-776-7070.
— Life-Size Game Night, June 11 at 7-9 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Come to the Library after hours to play life-size games, including an Escape Rom, Nerf Wars, Pac-Man and Battleship.
— Poplar Bluff Pride Fest, Noon-8 p.m. June 11 WHERE Black River Coliseum COST Free WHAT Event will be from noon-8 p.m. There will be food trucks, vendors, live music and more.
— Band Hickory Smoke, 8 p.m. June 11 WHERE Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grille WHAT Variety band plays hits from Vince Gill to Pink Floyd.
— Plein Air Festival judging and awards, 1-4 p.m. June 12. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free. WHAT Artists in the plein air painting competition will submit their works for judging. Works will be displayed in the gallery. Presentation of awards is at 2:30 p.m. Plein Air and Family Fun Festival ends at 4 p.m.
— “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?” Escape Room, June 13 at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Drop in any time to participate in a mini escape room and answer the question “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? This event is for ages 12 and up. Escape rooms will be on a first come, first serve basis.
— Kids Storytime, June 14-July 7 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 2 p.m. Thursdays. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free.
— Teen Writing Workshop, Wednesdays June 15-July 6 at 2-4 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Learn more about the craft of fiction and share what you’re working on with your fellow writers. Open to grades 7-12.
— Book Buzz Club, June 16 6-7 p.m. WHERE The Wine Rack COST Free WHAT Social, read-what-you-want book club meets every third Thursday of the month. This month’s theme: “Traveling in Time.”
— FRSH WATR worship night, 7 p.m. June 17 WHERE Rodgers Theatre COST Free WHAT Doors open at 6:30pm with the night beginning at 7pm. Expect to be uplifted and encouraged as you join in worship with other believers from across the community. All ages are welcome.
— Snakes Alive! June 17 at 2 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT A presentation for kids by the Missouri Department of Conservation on area snakes and their habitats. First come, first serve entry.
— “Precious Heart” 7:30 p.m. June 17, 18, 24 and 25; and 3 p.m. June 19 and 26. WHERE The Method Playhouse under First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St. COST $12 for adults, $6 for children. Tickets available at pbstageco.com and at the door. WHAT The Stage Company presents a one-character comedy starring Greg Smith as vivacious 73-year-old spinster Fleeta Mae Bryte.
— Knit & Crochet Group, June 17 from 2-4 p.m. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch, Theater Room. COST Free. WHAT Join us for Knit & Crochet! This group meets every other Friday at 2 p.m. in the Theater at Main.
— Rayni Day Miracles Memorial Run 5K, 7 a.m. June 18 WHERE McLane Park, Poplar Bluff COST Late entry (after June 4) $30 WHAT 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race start. Rayni Day Miracles serves children with life-threatening illnesses through a variety of programs at no cost to the children or their families. The organization is strictly ran by volunteers. For information, call 573-785-0946 or email michelle@raynidaymiracles.org.
Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@gmail.com.