To the editor:

The 30th Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is in the books and it is time for us to thank all of those who helped make it happen. Each year we receive financial support from the City of Lawrence through the TGT Grant Program, plus outstanding support from Explore Lawrence. In addition, almost every city department is involved in some way with helping make the parade happen. Also, Thanks to the local businesses and individuals who donate either funds or in-kind products or services to the parade. All of you make it possible for the parade to host the entries and their animals who travel to Lawrence from across Kansas and four surrounding states at their own expense. We are able to give them one night’s lodging, a stall for their animals and a buffet dinner the night before the parade.

Most of all, thank you, citizens of Lawrence, for coming out (in person) to support this event. I think this year we had the biggest crowd ever throughout East Lawrence and especially downtown on Massachusetts.

On behalf of the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Board and Committee, I thank you for your support and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Marty Kennedy, president, Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc.