Gainesville’s ‘Wonders of Christmas’ is canceled this weekend
Starr Meyers was part of the “Candy Land” float created by Girl Scouts Troop 71227 for last year’s Jingle Bell Parade.This year’s Christmas events in Gainesville have been canceled due to predicted bad weather.
Gainesville’s annual holiday celebration, “Wonders of Christmas,” including the Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas contest, scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 8, has been canceled. Organizers made the decision late Tuesday morning after after discussing the predicted wintry weather that’s forecast for the area this weekend. Organizers say the event most likely will not be rescheduled this year.
Ozark County Toy Drive Dec. 15
The Ozark County Toy Drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 15, with doors opening at 9 a.m. in the old senior center on Third Street in Gainesville. The gift-give-away, which operates completely with community donations and volunteers, is open to all parents who can show “some kind of something” proving they live in Ozark County, says chairperson Nancy Walker.
The toy drive distributes children’s gifts, treats and clothing items to parents for their children. Admission into the toy drive will be by numbers that will be handed out by a volunteer beginning around 7 a.m. Saturday. At that time, the First Baptist Church, across the street from the old senior center, will be open to offer parents coffee, hot chocolate and restrooms.
To support this longstanding charity, make checks payable to Ozark County Toy Drive and mail to chairperson Nancy Walker, 378 Harlin Dr., Gainesville, MO 65655.
Christmas music and a Christmas tea and brunch
Gainesville Health Care Center will host its annual Ladies Silver Teac at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. All area women are invited to join the staff and residents for homemade holiday treats, coffee and tea served from traditional silver tea sets. For more information, call GHCC at 679-4921
Clear Springs Church, at PP Highway and County Road 318 near Dawt, will host the Community Choir performing its annual Christmas cantata at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The choir will also perform the cantata at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the musical performances as well as refreshments after the program.
Theodosia United Methodist Church will present a Christmas caroling service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the church on Highway 160 in Theodosia across from Lutie School.
First Christian Church, off Highway 160 east of downtown Gainesville, will host its annual Christmas Brunch (formerly the Christmas tea) at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in the church’s fellowship hall. For information, call the church at 679-3520.
Ongoing: Christmas light drive-through display at RockyTop
Rocky Top Campground and Cabins in Tecumseh invites area residents to enjoy its elaborate Christmas light drive-through display that includes 24 illuminated inflatables, a nativity scene, candy cane lane and more than 10,000 lights decorating the resort’s cabins and clubhouse. The free display is open every night through the holiday season, and owners Joe and Diane Easterday also invite everyone to a special evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, when hot chocolate, cookies and coffee will be served from 6 to 9 p.m. Rocky Top is off Highway 160 at the top of the Tecumseh curves.