Tor the 12th consecutive year, Freeman Health System will oversee one of the community’s most beloved holiday traditions: The Joplin Christmas Parade.
The commitment represents hundreds of volunteer hours from Freeman employees who work alongside the City of Joplin each year to plan, coordinate and bring the event to life.
During a press conference Wednesday morning at Joplin City Hall, Joplin Mayor Pro Tem Keenan Cortez presented the 2026 Joplin Christmas Parade permit to Renee Denton, Freeman
Market President for Missouri and Kansas Markets. The permit authorizes Freeman, Joplin’s largest employer, to organize and conduct the parade, a tradition that has delighted families for
more than 50 years.
“Since 2014, Freeman Health System employees have proudly produced this parade as a labor of love for the community we serve,” Denton said. “We embrace this challenge because it’s our
way of giving back to the community that has supported Freeman Health System for more than 100 years.”
Denton and Cortez together unveiled the 2026 parade theme, “Red, White & Merry,” along with the official emblem featuring two American flags affixed to candy canes flanking a red,
white, and blue Christmas tree. The theme celebrates America’s 250th birthday and reflects a spirit of patriotism and holiday cheer.
Cortez said the annual theme reveal is one of his favorite days of the year because it serves as a gateway to the holiday season. He also recognized the many City of Joplin employees whose
behind-the-scenes efforts make the parade possible.
From managing traffic and ensuring public safety to coordinating rail traffic and preparing downtown before and after the event, he said, city staff play a critical role in delivering one of
the region’s most anticipated holiday celebrations.
“There’s a tremendous amount of City of Joplin staff who partner with Freeman Health System each year to make this a memorable event,” Cortez said. “It’s a wonderful, magical time.”
The 2026 Joplin Christmas Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.
“As we look ahead to Dec. 1, everyone at Freeman is honored to play a part in a tradition that celebrates the very best of who we are,” Denton said. “Thank you to our volunteers, partners,
sponsors and everyone who helps make this event possible. Most of all, thank you to the people of Joplin. This parade belongs to you, and we’re honored to help continue a tradition
that means so much to our community.”
Retired Joplin business owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sid Davis was also announced as the 2026 Grand Marshal.
“I was totally touched by the honor,” Davis said.
As Grand Marshal, Davis will lead the procession and greet spectators along the route from 15th Street to Second Street.
Proceeds from the 2026 Joplin Christmas Parade will benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Freeman Health System, helping provide lifesaving care and services for local children with
medical needs.
Parade registration is now open. Entry forms and additional information are available here.
Reference:
The Freeman Health System Christmas Parade Committee
For parade entry inquiries, please use this email.
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