photo by: Mike Yoder/Journal-World

Representatives from Bonnett Farms of Stewartsville, Missouri.,participate the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

In horse talk, the Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade may officially be long in the tooth.

The all-horse-drawn parade will turn 30 years old when it takes to the streets of downtown Lawrence at 11 a.m. on Dec. 2.

The calendar is only one indication of the staying power of the unique event. Longtime organizers of the nonprofit parade have a host of memories that get triggered by a particular horse, wagon or driver.

There’s one buggy driver, for instance, who always draws a smile from organizer Marty Kennedy. The woman has been participating in the parade for 11 years, and Kennedy is always able to remember the year simply by asking how old her first-born child is. The woman was pregnant for her first parade appearance, but that didn’t stop her from riding on a bouncy wagon then or since.

“Now she has four kids,” Kennedy said.

Don’t worry, though. If you attend the parade there’s no risk of you gaining more kids, but it is a great event for both young and old alike. Kennedy said organizers are hoping that Massachusetts Street through downtown Lawrence is filled with families on parade day.

The parade route officially begins at Seventh and Massachusetts streets, although some people catch a glimpse of the parade by lining select streets in East Lawrence, where horses travel from the Douglas County Fairgrounds to the downtown area.

Prime viewing locations are anywhere along Massachusetts Street from Seventh to 15th streets. Kennedy said a particularly good area to view the parade is in South Park, just south of 11th and Massachusetts streets. The city places bleachers in the park for parade-watchers, and parade announcer and Lawrence auctioneer Mark Elston sets up his announcing booth in the park. (No, you don’t have to worry about buying a horse if you scratch your nose at the wrong time.)

In terms of what visitors will see once they stake out a spot on the parade route, many people describe it as one of the most unique holiday parades in America. The parade, always the first Saturday of December, has frequently been called the largest holiday horse-drawn parade in the country.

This year, Kennedy said organizers are pretty confident they’ll have at least 50 entries in the parade.

“At this point, we have five or six new ones that have never been here before,” Kennedy said. “So that’s really exciting.”

There are a few entries that are the opposite of new sights. Robin Dunn of the event business Dunn’s Landing in rural Wellsville, has had her business’ stagecoach in the parade every year except for the inaugural parade. She even gets extra credit for bringing the stagecoach to downtown Lawrence in 2020, when organizers had to cancel the parade due to the pandemic. She drove the coach down Massachusetts Street on what normally would have been parade day. Kennedy said Dunn is among the longtime participants who will be participating in this year’s parade.

Several other longtime participants also will be on hand, plus there likely will be several unusual horse-drawn coaches in this year’s parade, Kennedy said. While entries weren’t yet completed at the Journal-World’s deadline, past coaches have included covered wagons, specialty medical coaches, and even an 1890s English taxi.

“And there are just some beautifully decorated wagons,” Kennedy said.

The parade got its start in 1993 when local hotelier Rob Phillips and others thought a horse-drawn parade during the Christmas season would be a unique way to get visitors to downtown. The parade had 21 entries that year. In previous years it has grown to as many as 70 entries, and has drawn national publicity in a variety of travel magazines and programs.

More recently, the parade has been run by a group of community-minded organizers who formed a nonprofit entity to manage the event. The group attracts sponsors throughout the community to help pay for the event. Kennedy said the event has had such a good long run for a variety of reasons, but one is fairly simple to understand:

“It is a fun time,” he said.

Here’s a look at several other standout events that are scheduled for the Lawrence and Douglas County area this holiday season:

Santa’s Rescue

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Date: Nov. 24

Location: Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Massachusetts St.

Event Details: Come be part of the crowd that watches Santa Claus get rescued from the roof of Weaver’s Department store. The longtime downtown department store partners with the Lawrence Central Rotary Club and the city of Lawrence to execute a rooftop rescue that involves a fire engine and big ladder. This longstanding event often features much merriment on the ground, and is a great way for people to see the extensive holiday light display in downtown Lawrence. Additionally, the event marks the beginning of an extended stay for Santa at Weavers. Santa will be available for children to meet on weekends, beginning in December and running through Christmas.

Historic Lecompton’s Annual Christmas Tree Display

Time: Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Date: Wednesdays through Sundays through Jan. 1

Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson Ave., Lecompton

Event Details: See close to 200 Christmas trees decorated with Victorian, antique and themed ornaments through the ages. This longtime event is located inside the Territorial Capital Museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Places for the role Lecompton played during the Bleeding Kansas period of the U.S. Civil War. Nearby are several other historic sites related to the Civil War and Kansas’ statehood.

Lawrence Festival of Trees

Time: Various times

Date: Nov. 24 through Dec. 3

Location: Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering, 1031 New Hampshire Street

Event Details: It often is billed as the the largest collection of uniquely decorated Christmas trees in Lawrence. And they are all for sale, with proceeds benefiting The O’Connell Children’s Shelter. The trees are designed and decorated by local businesses, families and organizations who come up with themes ranging from the traditional to one-of-a-kind. The trees are on display for more than a week, but mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 2 when the trees will be auctioned as part of a gala event. Check oconnellchildrensshelter.org for more details about the event and specific viewing times. This year the group also plans to have additional events during its festival week, including brunches with Santa, singing performances and some late-night events. Check the website for more details as they become available.

Bizarre Bazaar

Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

Date: Nov. 24, Nov. 25

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

Event Details: This Lawrence tradition dates back more than 30 years, and frequently attracts more than 100 area artists showing and selling their unique creations. The show is run by artists for artists, and focuses on handmade items that convey a sense of community. Expect a festive atmosphere at the bazaar with musical performances frequently part of the event.

Lawrence Lights: Making Spirits Bright

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 24 through Dec. 26

Location: Youth Sports Complex, 4911 W. 27th St.

Event Details: The show, which winds through the sports complex near the Clinton Lake Dam, features many synchronized light displays and a variety of holiday scenes. Organizers request that people reserve a time to view the display in order to minimize traffic issues. Reservations can be made at lawrence-lights.com. The event continues to be a fundraising partnership between the Lawrence Board of Realtors Community Foundation, the Sertoma Club of Lawrence and the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.

Eudora Holiday Market & Christmas Tree Lighting

Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

Date: Nov. 25

Location: Eudora Parks & Recreation 1630 Elm St., Eudora

Event Details: Local vendors with a variety of crafts, food and other merchandise will be on hand with special holiday items. The market serves as a warm-up for an evening event where the Eudora mayor will preside over a Christmas tree lighting. Look for food trucks and other entertainment to be part of the free event.

Van Go Opening Night Adornment Art Show and Sale

Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Date: Nov. 25

Location: Van Go Mobile Arts, 715 New Jersey St.

Event Details: Adornment is Van Go’s holiday art sale that features works made by the student artists enrolled in the nonprofit’s art and work programs. The show historically has featured screen printing, blacksmithing, fused glass, painting, leatherwork and more.

‘Annie’

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Nov. 28

Location: Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: “Annie” is routinely ranked as one of the most-loved musicals of all time, and a traveling production of the show will be at the Lied Center for a one-night performance featuring the famous little orphan. Check the Lied Center box office for ticket availability and pricing.

Theatre Lawrence’s ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’

Time: Various times depending on the day. Check theatrelawrence.com for details

Date: Dec. 1-3; Dec. 7-10; Dec. 14-17.

Location: Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive

Event Details: Follow Ralphie and his family and friends and he does all he can to secure the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts: a Red Ryder BB Gun. The cast of community actors will put this classic comedy to music, but rest assured that you’ll see all the favorite scenes of the original movie. Check Theatre Lawrence’s box office for ticket availability and pricing.

Parks and Recreation Holiday Extravaganza

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 2

Location: Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane

Event Details: This show routinely brings vendors from across Kansas and surrounding states to show their artistic and craft creations. Located inside the city’s biggest recreation center, the event is protected from the weather, and there is no admission charge to enter.

Tails & Traditions Holiday Festival

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Date: Dec. 2

Location: Watkins Museum of History

Event Details: Bring the kids inside for holiday-themed crafts and activities, including the famous Watkins Hobby Horses and the return of a new favorite, the Ellie on the Shelf scavenger hunt. This year you can also enjoy a photo exhibit chronicling 30 years of the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade.

Baldwin City Festival of Lights Parade

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Dec. 2

Location: Downtown Baldwin City, Eight and High streets

Event Details: The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and other organizers promise an evening of “Victorian” caroling and a parade featuring “floats draped in thousands of lights.” The parade ends with a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall and an opportunity for children to see Santa Claus. Baldwin City’s Lumberyard Arts Center will have works on display. Organizers suggest arriving early, as historically there are choirs and other performances before the parade begins.

Kiddie Candle Dipping

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Date: Dec. 2

Location: Waxman Candles, 609 Massachusetts St.

Event Details: Here’s a chance for kids to learn how to make their own candles from the longtime craftspeople at Lawrence’s Waxman Candles.

KU Vespers

Time: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 3

Location: Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: Some of the finest musicians at the University of Kansas’ School of Music gather to perform an array of holiday music for two performances at the Lied Center. This is the 99th year for this holiday tradition. There is a charge for this event, and tickets, which can be purchased at the Lied Center box office, are required.

Holiday Homes Tour

Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 3

Location: Various homes throughout Lawrence

Event Details: Lawrence’s Habitat for Humanity has again found a crop of great Lawrence homes to show off this holiday season. Up to eight homes will be on the tour. Tickets for the event, which benefit the nonprofit in its effort to provide affordable housing, can be purchased on the organization’s website, lawrencerestore.org or stop by the ReStore itself at 2108 W. 27th St.

KU Jazz Vespers

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 6

Location: Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: Holiday jazz takes center stage in this production from the University of Kansas School of Music. There is a charge for this event, and tickets, which can be purchased at the Lied Center box office, are required.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: An undeniable holiday classic, the Charles Dickens tale has a one-night showing at the Lied Center. Perseverance Productions presents a new adaptation of the classic, though it will feature 26 traditional holiday carols woven throughout the story. Check the Lied Center box office for ticket availability and pricing.

‘The Nutcracker: A Kansas Ballet’

Time: Various times depending on day. Check lawrenceartscenter.org for details

Date: Dec. 8, Dec. 9 and Dec. 10

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

Event Details: This the Lawrence Arts Center’s twist on the classic “Nutcracker” ballet. It is set during the Civil War period in Kansas and involves lots of “magic and wonder” as “Drosselmeyer and Clara defeat the Mouse King and liberate the Nutcracker from his enchanted form.” Inquire about ticket availability and pricing at the Lawrence Arts Center or its website.

Big Band Christmas

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Dec. 9

Location: Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.

Event Details: The folks at Kansas Public Radio return to downtown Lawrence for their holiday fundraiser featuring big band music. The event makes use of a dance floor inside of historic Liberty Hall, giving fans the choice to sit and listen to the music or get up and move. This is a ticketed event that frequently sells out. Proceeds of the event support the nonprofit Kansas Public Radio operations.

Holiday Farmers Market

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 9

Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds, 1930 Harper St.

Event Details: For more than 30 years vendors of the Lawrence Farmers Market have been putting on a holiday market. Historically, more than 40 vendors participate with items ranging from meats and produce to baked goods and wine, and even artwork. Some unique items you may find include: pottery, woven items, holiday wreaths and dried flower arrangements, wood arts and more.

Community Hanukkah Celebration

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 10

Location: Lawrence Public Library

Event Details: Get to downtown Lawrence for a fun celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. The event is organized by the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Life, serving the University of Kansas and surrounding communities.

Baker University Christmas Candlelight Vespers

Time: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 10

Location: Rice Auditorium, 404 Eighth St., Baldwin City

Event Details: Candlelight Vespers is a Baker University tradition. Hear both orchestra and choir music from some of the top musicians at the private liberal arts college in southern Douglas County.

Organ Vespers 2023: Christmas Across the Generations

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 10

Location: First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St.

Event Details: Professional organist Tandy Reussner will tell the original Christmas story through musical classics. The performance will feature many pieces on the historic Reuter pipe organ in the FUMC sanctuary in downtown Lawrence. Plus, there will be an intermission with milk and cookies. No tickets are required, but proceeds from a free-will donation will benefit the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program.

Candy Construction

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 13

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

Event Details: A special event for kids age 5 and up will let participants experiment with gingerbread house making. Library staff provide the supplies and instruction. The event is free to attend, but space is limited. Register online at call 785-843-3833.

‘Drunken Christmas Carol’

Time: Various times depending on day. Check lawrenceartscenter.org for details

Date: Dec. 14, Dec. 15 and Dec. 16

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

Event Details: Longtime Lawrence director Ric Averill puts a comedic and adult twist on the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” Check out teetotaling Uncle Morty, Ebenezer Scrooge and a cast of other characters. Audience members serve as singers and other participants in the act. The show is recommended for those 18 and over. Inquire about ticket availability and pricing at the Lawrence Arts Center or its website.

Holiday Concert with the Lawrence City Band

Time: Noon

Date: Dec. 16

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

Event Details: Get in the tinseling and latke making mood courtesy of the Lawrence City Band as it performs a host of holiday classics.

Seasons Readings Book Sale

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 16

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

Event Details: The Lawrence Public Library is hosing a special sale of used books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks just in time for people who are looking for a gift for the holiday season. All items are priced at $2 and under, and proceeds help fund special projects and operations at the library.

Ashley Davis – Winter Solstice Celebration

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 17

Location: Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: A concert by Lawrence native Ashley Davis has become a bit of a local holiday tradition. Davis is one of the leading performers of Celtic music in the country, but also has selections of Americana and even electronic in her repertoire. Check the Lied Center box office for ticket availability and pricing.

Winter Holiday Sing-along

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 18

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

Event Details: This children’s event will feature singing, movement and some play, all around fun songs for the season.