• Shoal Creek Water Festival - Wildcat Glades Audubon Center

Cool off at the Shoal Creek Water Festival and celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Wildcat Park.  Wildcat Park is 100 years old this year and we will celebrate that milestone at the Shoal Creek Water Festival.  In 1916, Wildcat Park was the social gathering place for summer recreation in Joplin.  It was the site for group outings- from traveling gypsies to family picnics- and courting couples.  Residents came for dances, to frequent concession stands, and to enjoy the tennis courts and water recreation which included a water slide.  We will revisit that era with a timeline loop featuring Native Americans, our mining history, early 20^th century clothing and hats, antique cars and more.  Join Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center in Joplin, Missouri on August 13, 2016 from 9am to 3pm for a day of water fun! 
 
 
This year’s celebration will include a kid’s fishing tournament sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation located at Walter Woods.  Preregistration for the tournament is required.   The annual Kid’s Shoebox Boat Race is open to kids age three to 12.  We can’t leave the adults out of the fun!  Adults and children accompanied by an adult may put their creativity to the test and build their very own cardboard boat to race for prizes and bragging rights.  Preregistration for both the shoebox and cardboard boat races are required. For more information including entry deadlines, fees and guidelines for construction of the boats, contact the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center.
 
Other activities will include more than twenty informational and interactive booths, food, an antique car show, a tube slide and a kayak demonstration.  Learn about water quality, conservation and ecology at one of our water activity booths.
 
The day would not be complete without the annual Rubber Duck Race.  Cheer your duck on to victory and have a chance to win great prizes.  This day of water fun is FREE to the public and all ages are welcome. 
 
 
For more information about the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center or to register for programs, please call (417) 782-6287 or log on to our website at www.wildcatglades.audubon.org.