The Christmas holidays will get underway Saturday in Bakersfield and Gainesville with a appearance by Santa Claus himself expected in both communities, according to the Ozark County Times.
Christmas in the Ozarks is the theme of this year’s Bakersfield Christmas with events beginning Saturday morning with Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 in the Bakersfield School cafeteria. The breakfast of pancakes and sausage with milk or coffee is $2 per person. Parents are welcome to take photos with Santa.
The annual Christmas parade in Bakersfield begins at noon with lineup starting at the parking lot of the Jerry Taylor gym at 11. Cash prizes will be awarded to floats, and the best decorated horse. There is no fee to enter the parade. For information on all events in Bakersfield, call Diana Stover at 417-284-3739 or Carol Bales at 417-284-3782.
Gainesville’ Christmas celebration, Wonders of Christmas, will be held on the square with vendor and crafter booths set up on the west side of the square. The Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas contest will begin at 12:30 p.m.. Christmas music will be performed inside the Ozark County Historium from 1:30 to 2:15 in the afternoon followed by a reading of the Christmas story.
The annual Jingle Bell parade in Gainesville begins at 2:30 in the afternoon followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree in the gazebo. The parade lineup begins at 2 p.m. behind Town & Country Supermarket with cash prizes awarded to winning floats. To enter a float in the parade, contact Paula Rose at 417-989-1282.
Anyone interested in making donations to the annual Gainesville Christmas events is asked to send checks, made payable to Ozark County Christmas Committee and send the to Century Bank of the Ozarks, PO Box 68, Gainesville, 65655.
The Ozark County Toy Drive, to provide Christmas gifts to local children in need, is underway with plans for the annual toy giveaway set for Saturday, December 17 at the old Ozark County senior Center located on Third Street in Gainesville with doors opening at 9 a.m. and lines forming at 6 a.m. Parents wishing to take part in the event must show proof of residency. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Toy Drive can mail a check to Nancy Walker at 378 Harlin Drive, Gainesville, 65655.
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