Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade rescheduled to December 13

The Miracle on Kansas Avenue (MKA) Parade, whose motto is “We believe”, celebrates twenty years of a downtown redevelopment focus on the reschedule date of Sunday, December 13.  Created in 1995 as a project by the Leadership Topeka class, the parade was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of the downtown redevelopment for that era.  Here we are in 2015 celebrating an overdue updating of downtown with new infrastructure, friendlier streetscapes and new holiday decorations.  Proof that Topekans never stop believing! The Topeka Rescue Run hosts its benefit run at 5pm.  The lighted, holiday parade follows, starting at 6pm, weather permitting.

This year’s MKA Parade will be similar to last year, except its final leg returns on Kansas Avenue. The route starting at 5^th and Kansas, proceeds south to 6^th, turns west extending to Harrison, south on Harrison to 10^th, east on 10^th to Kansas, and turns north on Kansas finishing at 5^th and Kansas.  All entries are to be “lighted” and “festively decorated” to qualify for entry, entering at 1^st and Kansas starting at 3pm.  New this year in response to the public’s request, the parade committee will allow only one realistic Santa in the parade, the “official Santa and Mrs. Claus” riding on the final float.  Other Santas, like inflatables or Grinch character figures are allowed, but subject to review.  Size restrictions apply to float entries for the public’s safety, banning semi-tractor/trailer rigs.  Full details are available on the facebook link:  Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade & Activities.

Street closures and parking are always topics of interest.  The staging area (Kansas Avenue from 1^st to 5^th) will be closed at 2pm, with the remainder of the parade route closing closer to 4pm.  The Topeka Police Department is banning parking from 3pm to parade close on Kansas Avenue from 10^th to 1st, but people will be allowed to park on the parade route outside that area (6^th Street, Harrison, 10^thStreet).  Handicap Parking is available at 10^th & Harrison in the Judicial Parking Lot, entering from 12^th Street.  Most City Public Garages will be open for free parking, as well as the City Lot at 8^th & Madison.