Puxico community unites for historic Final Four send off parade

Puxico residents have spent this week gearing up for a Final Four send off that will include a send off parade at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The team bus will leave through the FEMA parking lot and make a pass through town. Community members were asked to line the route rather than coming to campus.

It is the first time the Indians have made the Final Four since 1953.

Ahead of the send off, an athletic fundraiser was held Sunday followed by prayer invitation.

Through the efforts of community donors, a chili supper, silent auction and cornhole tournament were held.

“Let’s rally together to uplift our teams, from the state title run to new seasons starting, and show them the strength of our support,” district officials said in a call out via Facebook.

Community members also organized a prayer circle, saying they gathered in prayer, “not only to honor their dedication and hard work but also foster a spirit of unity and encouragement.”

School is canceled for Wednesday and parent teacher conferences originally planned for Thursday have been rescheduled, “to allow our staff and students to support the team during this historic event.”

This district will make up the Wednesday missed day, officials said.

Preparations have included special Final Four T-shirts printed by J.Co Apparel & Promotions. Work has been done to make the shirts available for pick up ahead of the send off.

Puxico plays Canton at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Columbia. Tickets must be purchased digitally in advance and are $12.

“It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to support our athletes during this pivotal time in their sports journeys,” the district said.