Day full of Christmas cheer to be held in Theodosia Saturday
The Amos and Garrison families are pictured here in front of the lit village Christmas tree during last year’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Pictured, from left, are: front row: Jenni Garrison, Bailee Garrison, Rylan Garrison, Aubree Amos, Brilee Amos. Back row: Tyler Garrison holding Huxlee Garrison, Ryan Garrison, Alexis Garrison, Ashbee Amos, Rachel Amos and Jason Amos.
The festive Ozark County Christmas fun continues Saturday as the tiny lake town of Theodosia puts on its season’s best for a rundown of events and activities.
Cookie baking contest
Bring cookies between 9 a.m. and noon
The day will start with a Christmas cookie baking contest, held at Village Hall.
All contestants are allowed one entry. They should bring at least two dozen cookies to Village Hall between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday morning, along with the cookie recipe. One dozen cookies will be tasted by the contest judges and the rest to be shared at the Christmas Tree Lighting later that night. The judges will score the cookies, naming a first, second and third place winner.
Everyone is welcome to enter the contest, but organizers note that those who enter will be required to share a copy of the recipe.
The winners will be announced at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. that night.
Christmas caroling, Tree Lighting Celebration
Fun begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday
The Village will then host its third annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.
The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with Christmas caroling from a group of local singers. Those attending are encouraged to join in on the fun, singing traditional Christmas carols.
At 5:30 p.m. Pastor Bo Harger will lead an opening prayer, followed by an event welcome by Jon Humbert and the official lighting of the Village Hall Christmas tree on the front lawn.
Those attending will be treated to a free chili supper, as well as get to sample cookies from the cookie baking contest earlier in the day. The winners of the contest will also be announced, and free hot cocoa will be served to all. The donation of additional cookies is greatly appreciate from anyone who can help with that.
After the tree is lit and dinner is served, Santa will be visiting with children. Bring a camera or phone to snap photos with him.
‘Let our Light Shine’ Christmas parade
Lineup begins at 6:30 p.m., parade shortly after
After the tree is lit, the festivities continue. The Theodosia Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first annual Christmas parade from Hometown Hardware on Highway 160 in Theodosia to the post office and back.
The Chamber says they’re hoping lots of people will show up with golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, trucks, cars, floats, lawn mowers and “anything on wheels” to participate in the fun. Decorated vehicles are encouraged.
Parade participants will lineup in the Hometown Hardware parking lot at 6:30 p.m. and the parade will start shortly after that, led by the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 417-273-4245 or 417-260-0024.