Route, parking outlined for Joplin Christmas Parade

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin reminds citizens that the annual Christmas Parade is set for Tuesday, December 1. Freeman Health System is the host for this year’s parade, which has the theme “The Music and Miracles of Christmas.”

Officials with Freeman have announced that the parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The parade route will be from 15th and Main Street through 3rd and Main Street, with the parade judges stationed at 8th and Main Street. Volunteers helping with the parade can be found throughout the route, and will be designated by the orange vests that they will be wearing.

Parking will not be allowed along Main Street, starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday to allow everyone a clear vantage point. Accessible parking will be available at 8th and Main Street.

At the end of the parade at 3rd and Main Street, organizers have asked parade participants to exit according to their category. All bands and school groups arriving on buses will exit to the east when they reach 3rd street. The rest of the entries will exit to the west on 3rd street.

The line-up order for entries can be found by clicking on the link at the end of this article. Line up for the Christmas Parade will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. between the blocks of 15th and 24th Streets on Main Street.

Sgt. Ryan West with the Joplin Police Department reminds residents about the street closures that occur prior and during the parade.

“We close Main Street as well as all intersections along the route for the parade from 26th Street to 3rd Street,” he said. “We encourage everyone to be extra cautious during this event. And if needing to cross Main Street, be sure to plan extra travel time in order to reach the far south or north end during the event.”

For line-up of Christmas parade entries....