Freeman, City of Joplin to unveil the 2024 Christmas Parade theme

Freeman and City of Joplin will unveil the 2024 Joplin Christmas Parade theme in a Joplin City Hall news conference this Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The theme for the 54th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade will be officially announced in a joint news conference by Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker and Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez Wednesday morning.

This year’s parade is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Parade entries will slowly make their way up Main Street from 15th Street to 2nd Street in a tradition that Freeman officials and employees view as a gift to the community.

Freeman volunteers have organized the annual parade since 2014. Countless man-hours are spent organizing and orchestrating the parade, a commitment that includes coordinating parade entries and ensuring everything flows smoothly down Main Street.

In recognition of Freeman’s continued involvement in Joplin’s largest holiday tradition, Mayor Cortez will present Baker with the official 2024 Christmas Parade Permit during the joint news conference.

Parade entries – ranging from floats to school bands – will be judged as they pass the viewing Grandstand located at 8th and Main Streets. Traditionally, a jubilant St. Nick will end the parade as he waves to the gathered masses.

Funds generated by the 2024 Joplin Christmas Parade will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®, an organization that makes miracles happen for local children with medical needs.

Those interested in having an entry in the parade can submit contact information to joplinchristmasparade@freemanhealth.com. For more information, please visit https://freemanhealth.com/christmasparade.