It may not be as big as the Macy's Parade in New York, but the St. Louis Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday tradition in the Gateway City for 25 years. Each Thanksgiving morning, crowds line the streets of downtown St. Louis to watch marching bands, floats, balloons and more.

This year, the parade begins at Broadway and Washington, then heads down Market Street past City Hall to 14th Street. The theme of this year's parade is "Holiday Magic." If you can't make it downtown, you can also watch the parade live on KMOV Channel 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you're looking for something to do after the parade, check out my article on the St. Louis Area Restaurants, Stores and Attractions Open on Thanksgiving.

2009 Thanksgiving Parade
November 26, 2009
8:45 a.m.
Downtown St. Louis

The holidays are almost here, and local communities are already getting into the spirit. Kirkwood is kicking off the holiday season with an annual event for the whole family. The 2009 Holiday Walk is Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy free coffee, cookies and hot chocolate while browsing through many of the unique stores in downtown Kirkwood.

For the kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a visit to the Kirkwood Train Station. Children can drop off their letters and get their pictures taken with Santa. There will also be storytelling and live entertainment.

Ice skating is back at Forest Park. Steinberg Rink opened again last night and will be open every day until the end of February. Steinberg is the larest outdoor rink in the Midwest and is a favorite destination for many St. Louisans during the winter.

Steinberg Rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Skating fees are $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for children 12 and younger. Skates are available to rent for $3. Those who don't wish to skate are admitted for free. Steinberg Rink also has a cafe offering burgers, pizza, sandwiches, snacks, beer and wine.

Local health departments are finally getting shipments of the H1N1 vaccine. There are two free clinics this week for those who are considered most at risk for the disease.

Residents in St. Clair County can get the nasal mist H1N1 vaccine at a free clinic Thursday, November 12, 2009. The vaccine is available for health care workers, children and young adults ages 2 through 24 and those caring for children ages 6 months or younger. The clinic will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the health department at 19 Public Square in Belleville. For more information, call 618-233-7703 or check out the St. Clair County Health Department website.

St. Charles County is offering the H1N1 vaccine on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. County officials expect to have about 500 doses available at the Stegton Conference Center at 1450 Wall Street (near I-70 and Zumbehl.) Vaccinations are for pregnant women, health care workers, children and young adults, those caring for young children and adults with medical conditions that make them more at risk for the flu. Anyone wanting the vaccine is urged to pre-register at www.flushotstoday.com