Scores of Freeman Health System volunteers helped pull the 55th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade off without a hitch Tuesday evening.

Freeman volunteers—many dressed in yellow parade vests, others holding blinking red wands—were strategically placed along Main Street, from 26th to Third streets. They helped stage the parade’s 99 parade entries, from floats to marching bands, while also ensuring public safety. 

“I definitely see this as our gift to the community,” said longtime Freeman parade volunteer Melody Dickey, who serves as Freeman’s Service Excellence Coordinator. She has helped organize the parade dating back to 2014, when Freeman first took over as the parade’s host and sponsor. “Freeman and the Joplin community have been so good to me. This is my (opportunity) to give back.”

This year’s theme, “100 Years—Then & Now,” directly tied into Freeman’s centennial celebration in 2025. Freeman Hospital first opened to the public in 1925, in honor of founder John W. Freeman’s son Orley.

“I think a Christmas parade just brings the community together to start celebrating the holidays,” said Kelli Perigo, Freeman’s Vice President of Provider Services. “It’s just exciting for Joplin to be able to continue to host the parade and for Freeman to be able to collaborate to make sure this storied tradition continues.”

Winners for the 2025 Joplin Christmas Parade are: 

• Best Use of Theme: Joplin Schools Transportation Department 
• Overall Judge’s Choice: Joplin Area Catholic Schools 

The parade generated $3,640 from entry fees, which goes to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®, an organization that makes miracles happen for local children with medical needs. All money raised stays local. Local CMN children featured in the parade were Zakiyah Crow, Vincent Wilkowski, and Addison, Lauren, and Reagan Harper.

“We are grateful to partner with the City of Joplin to help bring the 2025 Joplin Christmas parade to life,” said Brandy Miller-Turner, Freeman’s Development and CMN manager. “This annual tradition is a meaningful way for our Freeman employees to volunteer their time to give back to the community we love. Seeing the streets lined with families and welcoming nearly 100 parade entries was a wonderful indicator of a truly successful event.”