Christmas parade season underway

One of the highlights of the California Christmas season is the Christmas California-style parade and decorations. (California Democrat file photo)
One of the highlights of the California Christmas season is the Christmas California-style parade and decorations. (California Democrat file photo)

The season of Christmas parades now underway continues in the area through Dec. 10. Parades scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, are in Jamestown and California.

Jamestown

The Jamestown Christmas Parade, with a theme of "A Christmas Movie," is first. Starting at 10 a.m. at the Jamestown School, the Lions Club-sponsored event will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be a float contest. The parade will wind through town and return to the school where Santa will listen to the children and hand out treats. In case of inclement weather, Santa will hand out the goodies in the school lobby. For additional information, contact Nicole Koonce or Kacey Clay.

California

The California Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is also on Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade, with the theme of "March of the Toys," will begin at 5 p.m. Entries will 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. No live Santas can be on the floats. The parade will travel up Stella to Owen to Smith to Oak to South to High streets and then to the courthouse. Winners will be announced at the courthouse. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children after the parade. In California, the Christmas Parade is a part of a day-long "California Christmas Style" event which begins at 8 a.m. in businesses and continues with a soup supper at the Christian Church after the parade and features entertainment at the Finke Theatre and the California Nutrition Center. For more information, contact the California Area Chamber of Commerce at 573-796-3040.

Russellville

The 66th Russellville Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club, is scheduled for Dec. 10 a.m. Lineup is at 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church parking lot.

Prairie Home

Last up is the Prairie Home Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10, sponsored by local businesses. Entries will line up at noon at the school with the parade to start at 1 p.m.; the theme is "Inside Santa's Workshop." All 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 those newborn to 2 years. Contestants need to be in the gym at noon so judging can begin. The parade float for the winners of the prince and princess contest will be provided. A poster contest for all ages with the theme of "Inside Santa's Workshop" will be held. Posters need to be in the gym before 11 a.m. for judging. Friday, Dec. 2, is the deadline for the craft show which is Saturday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Prairie Home School junior class will serve a dinner from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Santa will be on stage in the gym after the parade. For more information, contact Megan Alpers at 660-841-5683.