Preparations for the 55th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade could not proceed until an all-important exchange took place Tuesday morning between Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry and Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez.

There, with cameras flashing, Cortez handed Fry the official Joplin Parade Permit.

“We can’t have a Christmas parade unless you get the permit,” Cortez said to Fry with a grin.

This was one of several highlights that took place during a joint press conference between Freeman and City of Joplin officials, at which this year’s Christmas parade theme and emblem were revealed to the public: “100 years…Then & Now.”

The theme ties directly into Freeman Health System’s centennial celebration in 2025. Freeman was established as a small community hospital in 1925, in honor of founder John W. Freeman’s son Orley. Freeman volunteers have organized and managed the annual Joplin parade since 2014.

Participating in his first Christmas parade as Freeman’s leader, Fry said he’s honored to be part of such a storied event.

“A Christmas parade speaks to me in many ways,” Fry said. “One of the things that is the most touching about something like this is that it is intended to draw communities together. We are 100 percent adamant in spreading our mission, vision, and values to the communities that we serve, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than to bring cheer to all and fellowship to the community, and drawing everyone together in a positive way.”

The Joplin Christmas Parade is set for 6:00 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The parade begins at 15th Street and ends at Second Street.

“It’s a huge undertaking, and we truly appreciate [Freeman’s] work as hosts of this special event,” Cortez said. “We value the parade’s team members, who give their time and talent to host this annual holiday event. And if you don’t think they put in the work, you should talk to them after the parade is over.

“From event planning and logistics to parade line-ups and traffic control, the City is proud, very proud, to partner with Freeman as we work together to bring joy and holiday cheer and spirit to our community,” he continued.

Every good parade needs a leader, and Joplin Historian Brad Belk was named this year’s Parade Marshal.

“I’m overwhelmed and greatly honored to serve as this year’s grand marshal. I have so many fond memories as a young boy watching the parade on Main Street,” Belk said. “It’s also an honor to be a part of the 100-year celebration of Freeman Health System. I know my wife is excited to be a part of it and I hope Bambi, my dog, can be a part of this as well.”

All proceeds from the 55th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®, an organization that makes miracles happen for local children needing help with medical issues. Monies raised help purchase specialized equipment, travel funds for out-of-town visits to pediatric specialists, or funding for individually trained service dogs for qualified children.

Registration is now open. Online entry forms can be found at freemanhealth.com/christmasparade. Freeman is limiting entries to the first 75 organizations that register. Email JoplinChristmasParade@freemanhealth.com for questions or additional information.