Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade Grand Marshalls Announced

They are Mark Ruelle, President and CEO of Westar Energy and Scott Heidtbrink, Executive Vice President and COO of KCP&L. Westar Energy has been an important corporate partner in the revitalization of downtown and its continued growth. This partnership is continuing as Westar Energy merges with KCP&L.

Scott Heidtbrink, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, KCP&L A 28-year energy-industry veteran, Scott Heidtbrink has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer since June 2012. Mr. Heidtbrink has management responsibility for all utility operations, including Generation, Transmission and Delivery Operations, Customer Service and Supply Chain.

“Holiday traditions help to unite our communities,” Heidtbrink said. “I look forward to joining Topeka’s long-standing celebration downtown.”

Mark Ruelle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Westar Energy Westar Energy President and CEO Mark Ruelle has worked for the company for 24 years. Mr. Ruelle has also been actively involved in several community organizations and initiatives.

“A vibrant downtown brings cheer to our community,” Ruelle said. “Scott and I are delighted to kick off this year’s lighting ceremony and parade as these traditions return to the heart of downtown.”

The evening festivities will begin with the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 26 in front of Westar Energy, 818 S Kansas Avenue in downtown, followed by the Miracle on Kansas Avenue lighted parade at 6 p.m.

History: The Miracle on Kansas Avenue (also called MKA) Parade began in 1995 as a project by the Leadership Topeka class. The MKA was designed to celebrate the accomplishments made in redeveloping downtown for that era.  It has since evolved into a tradition for families to begin their focus on the holiday season, starting with a Saturday of downtown shopping and dining, congregating and singing around the Community Christmas Tree Lighting and completing their evening, cheering the MKA Parade along.

Additional Information: Saturday, November 26, 2016

-          Small Business Saturday – Downtown Topeka

-          Rescue Run, benefitting the Topeka Rescue Mission – Start time 5:00pm

-          Miracle on Kansas Ave. Tree lighting Ceremony – 5:30pm

-          Miracle on Kansas Ave. Parade – 6:00pm

Following the parade, First Methodist Church on 6th and Topeka is hosting “Cocoa, Cookies and Carols.” The community is invited.