The City of Carthage is excited to announce the return of Food Truck Friday, with the 2026 season officially kicking off on Friday, April 10, in Central Park, located just steps from historic Route 66.
Food Truck Friday is a long‑standing community tradition that brings together a variety of food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment in a family‑friendly outdoor setting. The event is held on the second Friday of each month, April through September, and runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m..
This year’s season is especially significant, as Carthage celebrates 10 years of Food Truck Fridays alongside the Route 66 Centennial, making 2026 a milestone year for both residents and visitors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Central Park for another season of Food Truck Friday,” said Melissa Little, Tourism Director for the City of Carthage. “This event has become a staple of our community and a great way to showcase Carthage as a destination along Route 66.”
Each Food Truck Friday features a lineup of food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisine, along with themed nights that highlight Carthage’s Route 66 heritage and seasonal celebrations. Additional event dates for the 2026 season include May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, and September 11.
Food Truck Friday is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the park atmosphere, and support local and regional vendors.
For event updates, vendor information, or additional details, go to https://www.visitcarthage.com/foodtruckfriday and follow the Food Truck Friday in Central Park on social media or contact Melissa Little at (417) 423‑8075.
Carthage’s Annual Citywide Yard Sale is set for April 30–May 2!
Residents planning to participate must obtain a yard sale permit as required by City Code.
Rummage Sale Permit Information
Apply for the rummage sale permit only
**Those who would like their sale featured in the official promotion package may opt in for $15, which includes placement on the interactive Google map, printed map distribution, and event advertising across VisitCarthage.com, along with the City of Carthage and Experience Carthage Facebook pages.
Don’t miss this chance to share your sale with shoppers from near and far!
Fill out the form today to be included in the special promotion for $15
Click here to fill out the form (includes permit)
Payments may be made at the City Hall, 326 Grant St., Carthage
The program supports communities in promoting the benefits of and enhancing their urban forests. Through the cost-share funding, the city will remove thirteen ash trees on the golf course that are expected to become hazardous as a result of infestation by the non-native Emerald Ash Borer.
The project also includes the planting of 26 new trees on the golf course, contributing to the long-term health and diversity of the area’s tree canopy. For more information, contact: Carthage Parks and Recreation at (417) 237-7035 or parksdepartment@carthagemo.gov.
📣 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 – 𝗖𝗪𝗘𝗣 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸!! 📣
Ever wondered what it takes to power your home, deliver clean water, or keep you connected 24/7?🤔
Join CWEP for this FREE, interactive Customer Academy and get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the essential services that keep Carthage running every day.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:
✅ How CWEP delivers reliable electric, water, and fiber services
✅ Insights directly from the local team who serve our community
✅ A deeper understanding of how your community-owned utility works for you
🚨 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁! 👉 https://www.cwep.com/about-us/cwep-customer-academy/
They look forward to seeing you there and sharing what makes CWEP community-powered! 💙⚡
Local elections shape the future of our community. The leaders elected in Carthage help guide decisions that impact our neighborhoods, services, and quality of life.
Your vote matters. Participating in the Municipal Election is one of the most direct ways to have a voice in the direction of our city. Make a plan to vote on April 7 and take part in shaping Carthage’s future.
🗳️ Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We’re seeking live entertainment to perform from 3:00–6:00 PM during Red, White & Boom on July 4th at Municipal Park. This live performance will serve as the pre‑show leading into the Stars, Stripes & Bull Riding event at the arena.
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we honor the Route 66 Centennial and the 250th birthday of the United States.
Showcase your talent, energize the crowd, and be part of a historic Independence Day event!
👉 Apply here: https://www.carthagemo.gov/forms/28159
Appointments are for a three‑year term beginning July 2026. Community members interested in supporting and guiding the future of our public library are encouraged to apply online at https://www.carthagemo.gov/forms/14365
The City of Carthage announces that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has directed the closure of the two northernmost bridges on Garrison Avenue due to structural issues. The routine annual inspection identified significant structural deterioration beyond what was documented during the inspection performed in early 2025.
In the interest of public safety, the affected bridges will be fully closed to all traffic beginning Friday, February 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. The bridges will remain closed until further notice. Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize alternate routes.
The City is actively evaluating all available options for the replacement of the bridges and remains committed to maintaining safe infrastructure. The City of Carthage will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The City of Carthage is under a Red Flag Warning today from 11 AM to 7 PM. Conditions are extremely favorable for fast-moving fires.
All residents are urged to avoid any activity that could start a fire. Fires may spread rapidly and threaten homes and lives.
Your cooperation today is critical to community safety.
Lime scooters have operated in Carthage each spring/summer since 2021. Please share your feedback by completing the short survey below.
https://www.carthagemo.gov/forms/lime-scooters
For more information:
https://www.carthagemo.gov/page/lime-scooters
These conversations are an important part of advocating for our community and staying engaged on legislative issues that impact our city.
🌩️ STORM SPOTTER CLASS 🌩️
The Carthage Fire Department will host a Storm Spotter Class instructed by the National Weather Service on Thursday, March 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Carthage Fire Station #2 (3000 S. Main St.).
This free, public training will teach participants how to:
✅ Identify severe weather
✅ Report storms safely and accurately
✅ Help keep the community prepared during storm season
This class is great for weather enthusiasts, community volunteers, first responders, and anyone wanting to be better prepared for severe weather.
⚠️ Space is limited. Advance registration is required to ensure adequate room and accommodations.
👉 Register online here: https://www.carthagemo.gov/forms/27437
Help support public safety and learn how trained storm spotters make a difference in our community!
Beginning Monday, February 9th, Mears will be working on River Street between Fairview and Highland.
The road will remain open, but one lane will be closed in the work zone. Please use caution when traveling through the area and watch for workers and equipment.
Thank you for your patience and helping keep everyone safe!
Update: As of Monday, February 9, 2026, the stoplight is fully operational.
The stoplight located at S. Garrison and Fir Road is currently operating under MoDOT standards in flashing red mode for a total of 14 days, beginning January 22, before it becomes fully operational.
Please note this process is managed by MoDOT. We appreciate your patience, as we understand this may be frustrating in the days ahead.
The mobile app allows users to quickly access updates and resources from across City Hall, including events, meeting notices, department information, and commonly requested documents.
App features include:
City department listings and contact information
Community events and announcements
Public meetings, agendas, and minutes
Direct access to city services and online forms
Push alerts for timely updates and notices
Download the “My Carthage” app today through the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.
While some wards have multiple candidates filed, voters will cast a vote for one candidate per ward, with the exception of Ward 1, which includes both a 2-year term and a 1-year term on the ballot.
Voters can review the full list of candidates by ward below as they prepare for the upcoming election.
