JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System today announced the theme of the upcoming Joplin Christmas Parade as ‘Christmas in Candy-Land’.

The 2022 Joplin Christmas Parade, one of Joplin’s biggest holiday traditions, will once again be managed by volunteers from Freeman Health System.

Freeman says they are doing their best to ensure the logistics of the parade are running smoothly.

“To see everybody line the streets of Main Street for the parade will be great. COVID has interfered with it in previous years, so we know that people are going to want to be out there this year,” said Paula Baker, Freeman CEO. “They’re going to rush to get their specific spot on Main Street that they want to be in every single year to watch the parade.”

Funds generated by the 2022 Joplin Christmas Parade will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization that makes miracles happen for local children with medical needs.

“When we think of Christmas, we often think of our childhoods. We think of Christmases past and what is more iconic than Candyland,” Paula remarked. “Most people have played it themselves as children or play it now with their children and grandchildren. So I think it will be a lovely reminder of home, a family and all the traditions we hold dear.”

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