KANSAS CITY - The 2025 May Day Parade in St. Louis has been cancelled, the event organizers of the parade announced Tuesday.
The annual Annie Malone May Day Parade, which was originally scheduled for May 18th, has been indefinitely postponed.
The event organizers, Annie Malone Children & Family Services, cites rising inflation, housing instability, and increasing food insecurity as a reason for the decision, and says this decision was not made lightly.
"This parade is woven into the fabric of St. Louis—it’s a celebration of our history, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to each other," said CEO Keisha Lee.
"But right now, we have families who can’t afford their next meal or a safe place to sleep. We have to make the difficult decision to put their needs first and ensure we are directing as many resources as possible toward providing real, life-changing support."
The parade, which has been a cherished tradition in St. Louis for 115 years, have brought families, schools, and organizations together to celebrate community pride and resilience.
The funds raised from the parade directly support programs that provide shelter, mental health services, and economic mobility opportunities for children and families facing crisis in St. Louis.
Although the parade will not take place this year, Annie Malone Children & Family Services is calling on sponsors and partners to stand with them as they double down in the face of economic uncertainty and shifting political landscapes.
The foundation says next year, in 2026, the parade will come back stronger and better than ever before.