Mickey Finn, president of Northland Festivals and co-founder of the parade stated, "The parade serves as a major fund-raiser for charitable organizations that benefit Northland citizens. Our goal is to award over $40,000 in prize money. The charitable organization that best conveys this year's theme with colorful decorations and lively music will win $7,000! One lucky charitable organization will also walk away with the North Kansas City Hospital Eagle Trophy award for "Best of Parade". More than 40 such charities are expected to win prize money ranging from $100 to $7,000.00! The continued support from the City of North Kansas City and the North Kansas City Hospital as well as other many appreciated sponsors continues to make this parade and festival one of the largest in the city." The mission of Northland Festivals is 'Helping Organizations that help Northlanders'. The Snake Saturday Parade and Festival is a win-win situation for everyone, the charities as well as those who just come to enjoy a great parade.
Susie Cliff, parade chairperson, has set 115 units as the maximum number of entries. We've been overwhelmed with entries for the last two years which has created too long of a parade for family viewing, plus we want the crowd to have time to enjoy the adjoining barbeque and other festivities.
The 115 entry limit will be on a first come basis. New requirements for commercial entries require floats and theme designated units only. Further changes included all the political entries will be dropped as a time saving measure.
The air will be filled with excitement along with the aroma of Barbeque. The accompanying annual North Kansas City Missouri State Barbeque Championship will also be held in March, featuring over 100 great barbequing teams competing for the Grand Champion Award of $1,000.00 from the $3,000 prize fund. |
