Christmas on the River is Tonight!

By Mark Vasto


It’s hard to consider now, but there was a time when Parkville did not have a Christmas on the River.

 Conceived by Bill Grigsby as he was driving home one winter night, considering the lights playing off the river and comparing them to a place he remembered in Sausalito, California. That led to him formulating a plan for a Christmas festival, a plan he ran by Parkville Community Development Corporation president Tim Rice. Rice suggested a choir...Grigsby suggested getting all of them – a “Thousand Voice Choir.”
 Nobody really counts the choir, of course – it’s beside the point – but the event has grown into a rite of passage for literally thousands of Park Hill students over the years.  On December 4, the tradition will continue in downtown Parkville.

Once again emceed by Bill Grigsby, the festivities will kick off at 5:30 with carolers on

Main Street

. A horse drawn carriage will bring revelers through English Landing Park and the center stage show will feature musicians and dance troupes before the choir takes the stage. As always, the event will culminate in a fireworks display set to music.

 Free shuttles to the Festival will be available starting at 5:45 p.m. at West Parking Lot of Park Hill South High School, the Platte County Community Center South (YMCA) and Park University.