(West Plains, MO) The West Plains Christmas Parade will return this December, thanks to Give Local First.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, at 1:30 p.m., and organizers are now accepting registrations from businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, and individuals who would like to participate.
The future of the annual parade was uncertain earlier this year after the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce announced it would no longer organize the event. The Chamber had hosted the parade for decades but cited rising costs, staffing challenges, and a shortage of volunteers in its decision to step away.
Give Local First has since stepped up to organize this year’s parade and is asking the community to get involved.
This year’s parade will follow the same route as last year, beginning on West Main Street, traveling around the downtown square, and ending at the West Plains Civic Center.
Those interested in entering the parade can register online here. Registration forms, along with parade rules and guidelines, can also be picked up at the Ozark Marketing Company studios, located at 983 E. US Highway 160 in West Plains.
In addition to accepting parade entries, organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the event possible. Businesses, churches, civic clubs, and other organizations interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out.
Those interested in helping can contact Give Local First organizer Crystal Cook at 417-255-3716 or by email at GiveLocalFirst@gmail.com.
Give Local First has been active in the West Plains area since 2014, raising money and supporting local nonprofit organizations.
The 2026 West Plains Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 12, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about Give Local First, visit givelocalfirst.org.
