Optimist International is an association of more than 2,600 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be.

Each Optimist Club determines the needs of the young people in its community and conducts programs to meet those needs. Every year, Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people.

In Arthur the Opti-Mrs Club works very closely with the Optimist Club and completes many projects in the town. Most notably is the annual Opti-Mrs Santa Claus Parade which is an evening parade starting at 7:00pm on the last Saturday of November.