COMMUNITY & CULTURE
The Turkey Trot STL 5K, also held on Thanksgiving Day, runs along the
parade route and begins with registration at 6 a.m. The race is family-, pet-
and stroller-friendly, and features a free, 1/2-mile Youth Race for children
12 and younger. Other plusses include a free pancake breakfast, and the
opportunity to scope out prime parade-viewing spots along Market Street.
The parade is just one of several events presented by Christmas in St.
Louis and the Christmas in St. Louis Foundation, two complementary,
volunteer-based nonprofits that work to coordinate holiday displays
throughout the community and support local charities during the season.
The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday,
Nov. 17, takes place at Kiener Plaza. Live entertainment, a Christmas
Village, the lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, free ice
skating, and a fireworks finale are among the highlights.
A float in the
2017 Ameren
Thanksgiving
Day Parade
NEAR/ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE
The Gateway Arch
While the museum, trams and Old Courthouse are closed on
Thanksgiving Day, the arch grounds will be open. And if you haven’t
been there since the grand unveiling of the new-and-improved national
park, do yourself a favor and stroll through the grounds - how can you
beat that view? Of particular interest: the enhanced landscaping and
newly installed walkway lighting, which was adapted from a design by
Eero Saarinen, the man behind the Gateway Arch. gatewayarch.com
Citygarden
Located within walking distance of the Arch - between 8th and 10th, and
Market and Chestnut streets - this open and accessible oasis in the middle
of downtown is sure to make you smile. Two dozen sculptures, from the
abstract to the whimsical, dot the spaces of this 3-acre park, along with
vibrant landscaping and water features. Walk along rows of gingko trees,
or sit back and watch the water and light show at Spray Plaza. Citygarden
also has a smartphone app featuring the likes of famous St. Louisans like
Jenna Fischer, Ozzie Smith, Christine Brewer and more. citygarden.org
2018 AMEREN THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Downtown St. Louis
8:40 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 22
The parade kicks off at Union Station, and will
feature more than 130 floats, displays, giant
balloons, novelty cars and marching bands from
across the region. Of course, no holiday parade
would be complete without an appearance from
Santa Claus - just make sure you’ve been nice
this year!
christmasinstlouis.com
Trish Muyco-Tobin
at Citygarden
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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