Two holiday celebrations in Miller County

Santa Claus and his reindeer brought up the rear of the 2015 Eldon Christmas Parade.
Santa Claus and his reindeer brought up the rear of the 2015 Eldon Christmas Parade.

Two Miller County communities will celebrate the holiday season Saturday with parades, visits with Santa and an assortment of Christmas activities for the whole family.

Eldon organizers will start its annual Community Christmas celebration with a parade at 3 p.m. in downtown Eldon near Second Street and move to Whittle's Pocket Park. Open until 6 p.m., families can enjoy visits with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, performances from several church choirs and local performers, and sing Christmas karaoke.

The celebration finale includes the lighting of the big tree after dark. Guests are asked to bring an ornament for the tree.

In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of window displays on Maple Street.

For more information, call the Eldon Chamber of Commerce at 573-392-3752 or visit www.eldonchamber.com.

Also at 3 p.m. Saturday, the 32nd annual Lake Ozark Christmas Parade will get under way with dozens of parade participants will line up along Route 242 and make their way down the Bagnell Dam Strip to the dam.

With a theme of "Christmas Through the Years," parade grand marshals are Lake Ozark Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos and his wife, Courtney. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Lake Ozark's incorporation as a city, the 10th year of Franzeskos' term as mayor and the 40th anniversary for two businesses that have contributed to making the Bagnell Dam Strip historic, according to a news release.

The Franzeskos will ride in the world champion 48-foot catamaran from Wake Effects, a new addition this year courtesy of David Place.

Between the leading Marine Corps League color guard and Santa Claus finale, guests can expect music, bands, walkers and riders, horses and fire trucks, boats and floats tossing goodies to children.

Creative entries could win $100 cash prizes in three categories: civic organizations, businesses and youth/church groups. A "Best of Parade" will be awarded with a $200 prize.

When the parade ends as Santa's sleigh reaches the dam, the Iguana Group will open Two-Bit Town for a community celebration featuring Santa visiting with the children for a photo opportunity. Additional activities include a community bonfire, coffee, hot chocolate, sweets and s'mores.

"We do this for the kids," parade chairman Jeff Von Donsel said. "For some of the kids, seeing Santa is a big deal. Maybe they don't get so many presents under their tree and this event gives us a chance to give to the community and to the kids who might not get so much for Christmas."

For more information, visit www.lakechristmasparade.com.