Fans, families should plan ahead for Chiefs parade travel

By Riley Funk

Law enforcement is encouraging fans to be prepared for crowds and to have patience if they are traveling to Kansas City for the Chiefs victory parade.

Sgt. Shane Hux of the Missouri State Highway Patrol volunteered his time last year at the parade to keep players and fans safe along the route. He said it was a great and unique experience for him. 

“Going down there before the parade started, we got to socialize with the crowd, toss the football back and forth through the crowd,” Hux said. 

Beyond interacting with the fans on site, Hux said his experience can be a great learning tool for fans looking to attend the parade on Wednesday. 

The first is for fans to plan in advance before heading down to the area.

“If it normally takes you an hour to get to Downtown Kansas City from St. Joseph, I would probably allow for two hours,” Hux said. “You’re probably going to have to walk a couple miles, so figure another hour of just walk and get where you’re going to be.”

Hux said one of the most common safety issues that fans constantly run into is kids getting separated from their families. 

“Something I would recommend before you go to the parade, take pictures of everybody that’s in your family, (especially small children) so you know what they’re wearing. You can pass that information along to law enforcement,” Hux said. 

There will be marked areas along the route designated as child unification areas. There will also be a police presence throughout the route. 

Thousands of people are expected to attend the parade. In order for all attendees to enjoy the celebration Hux said that fans need to practice patience — especially when it comes to phone reception. 

“Not everybody could get out on their cell phones just because there are so many people confined in that area and it jams up the cell lines,” Hux said. “Don’t think just because you get separated from your party that you’re going to be able to call them.”

The parade is set to start at 11 a.m. The rally at Union Station will start at approximately 12:45 p.m. after the conclusion of the parade.