A new Fort Scott Christmas Parade route will happen this year.
The 2021 annual parade is Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and this year will start line up in front of Central Communications, 2 N. National Avenue, the radio station. Participants will line up north of that site, extending to possibly Twister Trailer, across the bridge over the Marmaton River. Each entry is to be in place no later than 5:50 p.m. that evening.
“We feel like people go to a lot of work on their entries,” Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison, said. “We wanted to give them more blocks for people viewing their entries. In the past, it has been four blocks.”
Floats, foot units, horse units, car/trucks, golf carts, marching bands or other entries will start at Wall Street and National Avenue, head south on National, to Third Street, turn left on Main Street, then north on Main until Skubitz Plaza is reached, where the Fort Scott Mayor’s Christmas Tree will be lighted immediately following the parade. Josh Jones is mayor this year.
The theme is Marching Into Christmas.
Entries are encouraged to feature toy soldiers to showcase the new downtown decorations.
“We looked at Christmas decor availability and felt that these complemented the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the history of Fort Scott,” Madison said.
Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is sponsoring cash prizes of $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.
Following the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, children may visit with Santa in Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10 N. Main. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos of their kids with Santa.
While waiting to visit with Santa, Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will be providing crafts that children can make.
The Chamber is booking for its annual Christmas Light Trolley Tours from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23 at 5:45 and 7 p.m. each evening.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids and includes hot cocoa and cookies and a festive glow necklace. Pre-paid reservations are required.
For more information contact the Chamber office at 620.223.3566.
