LAWRENCE, Kan. (November 25, 2025) – The Board of Directors of the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 6, due to the current outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) affecting horses in multiple states.

EHV is a highly contagious virus among horses, and veterinarians and equine health experts recommend limiting travel and avoiding large gatherings of horses during active outbreaks. While EHV poses no risk to humans, it can spread quickly between horses making this precautionary action necessary.

“The health and safety of the horses and our community come first, always,” said Marty Kennedy, president of Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, Inc. “Canceling this year’s parade was an extremely difficult decision, but it is the responsible one. We are grateful to the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who bring this parade to life each year, and we are committed to coming back next year bigger and better than ever.”

The parade is made possible each year by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. The organization thanks the City of Lawrence, Explore Lawrence, Cans for the Community, Bo Killough, The Chamber, Eldridge Hotel, Bishop Business Services, Kennedy Glass, End Wrench Horses, Rademacher
Financial, Standard Beverage, and media sponsor Lawrence Business Magazine, as well as the many
Friends of the Parade whose contributions sustain this long-standing tradition.