FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 15, 2018) — The holidays are more than four weeks away, but several communities surrounding Fort Leonard Wood are already celebrating with holiday parades.
The Lebanon Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Boswell Park. This year’s parade theme is “A Toyland Christmas.”
Like many parades, Lebanon’s holiday parade features a number of floats, which compete for trophies in multiple categories, including entries by civic and fraternal organizations, churches, local businesses and youth, along with area bands and a visit by Santa Claus.
The parade will proceed along Elm Street and Jefferson Avenue, ending at the old junior high school campus.
Held annually by the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce, you can get more information about the parade by calling the chamber at 417.588.3251 or visiting the chamber’s website at lebanonmissouri.com.
Other upcoming holiday parades include:
— The Lions Club Parade in Laquey begins at 11 a.m. Dec. 1, starting at the junction of Highways P and AA in Laquey. The parade’s theme is “Country Christmas.” The parade is held in conjunction with the club’s annual Christmas Bazaar and Parade. For details, call 573.528.8840 or visit the Buckhorn-Laquey Lions Club page on Facebook.
— The Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Rolla. The parade begins on Pine Street and proceeds from 6th Street to 12th Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “A Reel Christmas.” For details, visit www.rollachamber.org or call 573.364.3577.
— The St. James Christmas Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Held annually by the St. James Chamber of Commerce, the theme of this year’s event is “Home for the Holidays.” The parade also features a special event “Santa at the Texas hold’em tournament Gazebo,” where visitors can visit with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. For more information, visit stjameschamber.net or see the event listing at the chamber’s Facebook page.
— The Kiwanis Club of Pulaski County will hold its annual Christmas Parade from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 with the theme “Christmas Memories.” Parade entries will line up at the Waynesville Middle School parking lot starting at noon. Jessica Ward will serve as the parade’s grand marshal this year. For more information, call Tim Berrier at 573.774.3001 or visit the Kiwanis-Club-of-Pulaski-County Facebook page for details.
— A lighted parade is part of Crocker’s annual Christmas on Main Street, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2. The celebration will include photos with Santa and crafts, along with free hot dogs, hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, visit the Crocker Community Park Facebook page, or call the Crocker Park Board at 573.528.5681.
— Dixon’s Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in Dixon. Held by the Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade promises, “an evening of bright lights and Christmas cheer,” with plenty of floats, music and a visit by Santa Claus. For details, see the event listing on the chamber’s Facebook page.
— Also Dec. 8, the Richland Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Shady Dell Park. The parade is part of a day of celebration events, including Christmas in the Park, scheduled from 3:30 to 6 p.m. that evening at the park, and a Christmas Bazaar. For more information, email the Richland Parks Department at richlandoparksdept@gmail.com.
