In a news conference held Monday, October 29, at Joplin City Hall, Gary Shaw, City of Joplin Mayor, presented a 2018 Joplin Christmas Parade permit to Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer.
The theme of this year’s parade was also announced and the emblem unveiled. “Santa’s Workshop” encourages entrants to decorate accordingly.
“I hope the theme inspires everyone to remember what it was like to be a kid and use their creativity to fly to the North Pole to visit what has to be the busiest workshop in the world,” said Baker. “I can’t wait to see how each organization interprets this year’s theme.”
Funds generated by the 2018 Joplin Christmas Parade will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®, which provides assistance to children from birth to 21 years of age in a 14-county area in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. All money raised stays local, helping children with medical needs and their families. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helps furnish and maintain Freeman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, provides funding for local community organizations’ pediatric needs and provides pediatric emergency equipment for area agencies.
Freeman staff members have already started planning the parade. The parade will take place at 6:00 pm Tuesday, December 4. The parade route starts at 15th and Main Street and runs north to Third Street. For more information about placing an entry in the 2018 Joplin Christmas Parade call 417.347.3962 or email joplinchristmasparade@freemanhealth.com. To register click here.
Gary Shaw, City of Joplin Mayor, presents a proclamation to Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer.