The community prepares for holiday brightness as the annual Iola Christmas Parade steps off Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4:30 p.m. Local residents, businesses, and community groups are assembling their rosters now to bring festive spirit to the heart of Iola.

The main event begins at Iola-Scandinavia High School, where participants line up starting at 3:45 p.m. before marching down Main Street. Organizers encourage entries to deck out floats, vehicles, and walking groups with plenty of Christmas lights to make this the brightest parade year yet. Entry is free for all participants, though teams and organizations must submit their online registration forms and announcer scripts by Dec. 1 to guarantee a spot in the lineup.

To ensure a smooth run down the Main Street course, event coordinator Megan Melum and parade volunteers enforce strict safety rules. Drivers must be licensed and insured, and all entries must maintain a steady walking pace with safe spacing. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited during the lineup and parade, and any entries featuring animals must provide handlers for cleanup.

Once the parade crosses the finish line, the celebration shifts to the Machine Shed at the Iola Historical Society campus on Depot Street for a post-parade Santa Meet and Greet and family activities. Attendees can snap holiday photos with Santa Claus, visit with baby Highland cows acting as Santa’s live reindeer courtesy of Rolling Ridge Acres, or pose with the Grinch dog from Personal Touch Pet Salon.

Local sponsors are stepping up to keep spectators warm and entertained at the Depot Street venue throughout the evening. Melum Masonry provides free hot chocolate and candy canes, while the Iola Lions Club distributes goodie bags to children writing letters to Santa. Additional festivities include Christmas crafts, face painting by Ali, and cookie decorating hosted by Sammy’s Sweets.

Those looking to enter a float or needing more information on the event schedule can contact Melum at 715-310-2399 or via email at Melummarketing@gmail.com.