Christmas parade season underway

By DAVID A. WILSON

Democrat Staff

The season of Christmas parades will begin in the area Friday, Nov. 29, and continue through Dec. 14.

Tipton

The first of the Christmas Parades is the Tipton night parade with a theme of "Christmas Through the Years." Line-up will be at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. parade. The parade starts west on Cooper Street, north on Osage, west on Morgan, north on Moreau (Highway B), east on Moniteau and south on Osage. Rain date of Sunday, Dec. 1.

The season continues in the area over the next two Saturdays with parades in Jamestown, Prairie Home and California Dec. 7 and Prairie Home and Russellville Dec. 14.

Jamestown

The first of the Saturday, Dec. 7, parades is the Jamestown Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club. Line-up begins at 10 a.m. and the parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. at the Jamestown School. The theme will be "A Traditional Christmas." The parade will wind through town and return to the school where Santa will hand out treats to the children. In case of inclement weather, Santa will hand out the goodies in the school lobby. For additional information, contact Brooke Imhoff at 660-849-2252.

California

Last up for Dec. 7 is the California Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. The parade theme is "Classic Christmas" and will begin at 5 p.m. with line-up at 4 p.m. on Stella Street by the swimming pool. The parade entries must be lighted. Because it is a night parade, no candy will be thrown.

Santa will hand out candy prior to the California Christmas parade as he appears at the California City Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. He will be available to listen to children's Christmas lists. For information contact the California Area Chamber of Commerce at 573-796-3040.

Russellville

The Russellville Christmas Parade in Russellville, sponsored by the Lions Club, is scheduled for Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. Line-up is at 9 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church parking lot. Santa Claus will pass out sacks of peanuts to children.

Prairie Home

Last up is the Prairie Home Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 14, sponsored by local businesses. Line-up is noon at the school with the parade to start at 1 p.m., with a theme of "A Patriotic Christmas." All decorated floats, pets, bikes and tractors must be at the school by noon for judging.

There is a prince and princess contest for children ages 3-5 and a "festive baby" contest for children newborn to 2 years. Contestants need to be in the school gym at noon so judging can begin. The parade float for the winners of the prince and princess contest will be provided.

The poster contest for all ages also has the theme of "Patriotic Christmas." Posters need to be in the school gym before 11 a.m. for judging.

There will be a craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Prairie Home School junior class will be serving a dinner 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa Claus will be on stage in the gym after the parade.

For additional information, contact Megan Alpers at 660-841-5683.