When Parkville’s crown prince, Bill Grigsby, raises his glass in a goodwill toast to benefit the city, one can only expect good fortune to follow.
Organizers of Parkville’s Christmas on the River promotion are counting on the same, after lamenting the prospect of Christmas without Santa gracing the Missouri River valley city this December for its annual holiday spectacular. Rain doused fundraiser’s hopes during the city’s Taste of Parkville event, which traditionally serves as the Christmas on the River Committee’s largest fundraiser of the year.
But, with one call from Saint Nicholas to Grigsby, it appeared that the festivities might be spared.
Grigsby, locally famous as being a voice on the Kansas City Chiefs radio broadcast for years, immediately took Santa’s challenge and devised a Champagne to Save Christmas, a holiday social, wherein the announcer for the Kansas City Chiefs pledged to host five champagne fundraisers to benefit Christmas on the River.
The holiday receptions were designed to rein in the yuletide cheer and welcome the holiday season with complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
The programs will feature readings from local personalities, art displays, and live holiday music. All proceeds will go towards the Christmas on the River celebration.
The merriment will commence Thursday, Oct. 27 with an art presentation at the Northland Exposure Gallery. On Nov. 10, Wines by Jennifer will host a wine seminar accompanied by live music.
On Monday, Nov. 14, Piropos is the site of a live art presentation with big band music. Gomers North then plans to hold a wine tasting featuring New Boujoulais on Thursday, Nov. 17. The cost for the latter event is only $10 per person.
Grigsby will cap off the festivities with a final reception at the National Golf Club on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
Grigsby will serve as host and master of ceremonies for each event, which will feature live big band music, including the Senator sings Sinatra. Costs range from $20 to $35 per person unless otherwise noted. Discounts are available for couples. All times are scheduled for 6 p.m. until 8 p.m..
The Christmas on the River, set to be held the first weekend in December, features family activities including Christmas Carolers, Saint Nick, a lighting ceremony, hayrides, the 1,000 voice choir, and much more to usher in the old-time holiday spirit.
Grigsby was honored as the city’s inaugural member of its new Admiral Club in veneration for his three decades of public service and dedication this past July. Mayor Kathryn Dusenbery bestowed him with the privilege as he prepared to announce the parade processional at the city‘s Fourth of July celebration.

