Gainesville’s Christmas festival and parade will be held Dec. 4
A new prize category has been added for entries in this year’s Jingle Bell Parde in Gainesville’s Wonders of Christmas event to be held Dec. 4. The new, $50 prize will be awarded to the “best lighted vehicle.” In last year’s parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in a a vintage vehicle adorned with a lighted reindeer (elk) rack. Times file photos / Norene Prososki
Gainesville’s “Wonders of Christmas” event will be held Friday evening, Dec. 4, on the square. Organizers urge everyone who attends to follow social distancing recommendations.
Craft, food or game vendors are welcome to set up on the square free of charge. Booths can operate from 5 p.m. until the end of the festival. To sign up or to request more information about booths, contact Allisa West at 417-543-0407.
The event will feature a Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas pageant, open to 4- and 5- year-olds on the stage at 6 p.m. To register your child for the contest, call Kerrie Zubrod at Century Bank no later than Dec. 1 at 417-679-3321.
The Jingle Bell Parade steps off at 7 p.m. Organizer Paula Rose encourages any individuals, businesses, churches or school groups to join in the fun with a decorated float, truck, tractor or any other festively decorated option. Those participating are asked to line up behind Town & Country by 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning entries: $150 for grand prize, $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place. This year the parade will feature a new category, best lighted vehicle, that will also win a $50 award. To sign up to participate in the parade, call Rose at 417-989-1282.
After the parade will be the lighting of the Christmas tree in the gazebo and photos with Santa. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own camera to take the photos.
Organizers say the festival is in need of donations for prizes for floats, bands, signs, banners and other items. To donate, make checks payable to the Ozark County Christmas Committee Account and deliver it to any Century Bank of the Ozarks location or mail it to the bank at P.O. Box 68, Gainesville, MO 65655.