Joplin Christmas parade has been cancelled
News Release
For immediate release: November 24, 2020
Freeman and City of Joplin Cancel Christmas Parade
COVID-19 Concerns Top Holiday Tradition
Joplin, MO – Freeman Health System and the City of Joplin jointly decided it is in the best interest of public safety for the community to cancel this year’s Christmas parade.
“We are sad to cancel it, but feel citizens are being responsible in their actions by avoiding gathering due to the pandemic,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “Those who regularly participated found it difficult to do so because their groups are not meeting.”
While coordinators are disappointed, they are looking forward to next year.
“We truly appreciate the staff members of Freeman who have worked on this project this year and in prior years,” said Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley. “Their initiative to bring the parade to the public in such a challenging year demonstrates their commitment to bring a quality event to our citizens. They share our community spirit, and it is our goal to partner again with Freeman Health System to have the parade next year. We are confident that with Freeman as the host, the parade will be a spectacular event that everyone can enjoy as we have in years past.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.