Lawrence cancels parade amid horse virus

The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade normally features dozens of human and horse participants from across the region. The Dec. 6 event is now canceled because of the virus outbreak affecting eight states.

By

State News

December 2, 2025 - 2:30 PM

The parade normally draws dozens of participants with horses from across the region. Photo by Stephen Koranda/Kansas News Service

Organizers of the 2025 Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade canceled the event Tuesday because of a horse virus outbreak affecting multiple states.

The event, scheduled for Dec. 6, has been a Lawrence tradition for more than 30 years. Event organizers estimate it typically draws tens of thousands of people to the city.

The parade normally travels through downtown Lawrence and features horses dressed in holiday attire provided by dozens of participants. The

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