Conroe officials are exploring options to keep the city’s Christmas parade alive after the Conroe Noon Kiwanis Club announced it will disband. City leaders say they hope another nonprofit will step in to continue the tradition.
The future of Conroe’s annual Christmas parade hangs in the balance following the announcement from the Conroe Noon Kiwanis Club that it will disband. This development has led city leaders to explore alternative organizers in an effort to preserve the cherished holiday tradition that has been a staple of the community for years.
On Thursday, City Council members engaged in discussions regarding the next steps following the receipt of a letter from club president Dorcy McGinnis, which confirmed the group's decision. The parade, a longstanding tradition, takes place on the second Saturday in December, aligning with the city’s Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration in the downtown area.
McGinnis stated that the organization’s decrease in membership has rendered it unsustainable to continue hosting the event. As of late February, the group has made the decision to disband, with only eight members remaining.
“We have faced challenges in retaining active members who can contribute to the fundraising efforts and activities essential for the club's continuation,” she stated. The club has experienced a decline in membership in recent years, with the impact of COVID-19 proving particularly challenging. Efforts have been made to address the situation, but results have not met expectations.
Council members David Hairel, Shana Arthur, and Marsha Porter have expressed their support for city staff to engage with local nonprofit organizations that might be interested in assuming responsibility for parade operations. Nancy Mikeska, the deputy city administrator and director of community development, announced that officials are currently assessing various options.
“We have numerous activities planned for Christmas, and we seek clarity on the city's vision for the future of the parade,” Mikeska stated.
Conroe is set to welcome a variety of seasonal events, featuring the Toby Powell Christmas Celebration, the Conroe Christmas Tree Lighting, and Donuts with Santa. In 2025, the city unveiled a drive-through holiday light trail at Candy Cane Park. Historically, the city has not organized a Christmas parade in the downtown area.
Hairel underscored the pressing need for a resolution, stating, “I appreciate the concept of engaging with other nonprofits, but we need a prompt response.” The community expresses a strong desire to ensure the continuation of the Christmas parade.
Mikeska said that if the city takes over the parade, the convention and visitors bureau budget may fund it.
The Conroe Noon Kiwanis Club, established in 1952, has dedicated its efforts to youth initiatives, including events like Kids Day at the Park, fishing activities, and providing scholarships for high school seniors. The club has announced plans to allocate its remaining funds to the international Kiwanis organization, as well as to local groups it has previously supported. Their list includes the Key Club at Covenant Christian School and Montgomery County Yes to Youth.
The parade has undergone changes in leadership in the past. The Conroe Friendly City Kiwanis Club previously organized the event, but a decline in membership during the pandemic prompted the Noon Club to assume responsibility.
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