Christmas Parade Rescheduled for 12/12/2013

Shawnee Christmas Parade Postponed

Because of the winter weather affecting Shawnee, the Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Shawnee scheduled for this evening is being postponed. The parade will now be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2013.

City officials made the decision based on changes in the weather forecast and the increased impact on public safety. As late as yesterday, it appeared that Shawnee would have a window of opportunity to hold the parade as originally scheduled. However today, the precipitation outlook has changed and the wind chill will be bigger factor than previously thought. The first wave of sleet and snow expected to impact our area will arrive later than anticipated, making travel conditions potentially worse than expected at parade time. The potential accumulating sleet and snow forecast has also gone up. Wind Chill index values are also expected to be in the single digits which will make conditions hazardous for parade participants and spectators.

Rather than cancel the parade all together, the decision was made to postpone the event for a week when weather conditions are expected to be more favorable. Many parade entrants expressed the desire to continue with the event after the many hours of planning and work put into their entries. The nighttime parade has been a Shawnee tradition for years, enjoyed by not only Shawnee residents but people from all around the area. By postponing the event one week, officials know people will be able to enjoy it much more and in a much safer environment.