Mother Nature cooperated and the rain turned to mist for the annual West Plains Chamber of Commerce “Christmas Memories” Parade which started at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 10th. The West Plains High School Football Team served as the official Grand Marshals leading the Christmas parade this year. “After their impressive year and the community excitement by these fine athletes, we thought they were the perfect fit to lead this year’s parade.” noted Chamber Executive Director Collins.
The West Plains High School band, led by longtime Director Rocky Long, set a festive mood with Christmas music selections. All Bands participating in the parade were sponsored by Ozarks Healthcare, 37 North Realty Group and Ramona Heiney- State Farm Insurance.
Entries that chose to be included in the judging process were graded on originality, workmanship and relevance to the theme. The judges’ top picks were:
- The $350 Arlee Home Fashions Overall Grand Prize awarded to Brookhaven Healthcare.
- The $300 AirMedCare Network 1st Place Commercial Prize awarded to Ozarks Healthcare.
- The $200 Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply of West Plains 2nd Place Commercial Prize awarded to Honey Bee Septic.
- The $300 Brown Furniture 1st Place Religious Prize awarded to China Union Church.
- The $200 Don’s Auto Service 2nd Place Religious Prize awarded to First Christian Church Youth Group.
- The $300 West Plains Optimist Club 1st Place Miscellaneous Prize awarded to the 37th Judicial CASA.
- The $200 Community First Banking Company 2nd Place Miscellaneous Prize awarded to Southern Missouri Community Health Center.
Chamber Executive Director, Jessica Collins, once again thanked our long-time volunteers Steve Gleghorn, Ramona Heiney, Greg P. Collins and Bryan Adcock. Every year you show up without fail…you are the glue that keeps it going! Thank you to this year’s parade judges and all of our volunteers, sponsors and contributors. “Their kindness is the reason this event continues to be a wonderful part of the holiday season”, adding, this year’s Parade sponsors also included: Butler Heating & Air, Great Rivers Distributing, Simmons Bank, Mega Motorsports, Outpost Motorsports, Penmac Staffing Services, Andy & Judy Ingalsbe, TNK, Inc., Towne & Country Lighting, Brill Title Company, Southern Bank and Ozarks Healthcare Medical Equipment. Thank you!
Collins thanked everyone at Outpost Motorsports, Mega Motorsports and Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles – West Plains for the use of their off-road vehicles and golf carts, “we really cannot thank them enough!” “Thank you to Missouri State University-West Plains for the use of their campus” and Collins also thanked ALL those who entered floats in the parade and noted; “A special thanks has to go out to the West Plains Police and Fire Departments, all area Emergency Services, the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Howell County Sheriff’s Department, 1149th MO National Guard and the West Plains City Workers, especially the City Street Department Crew”. “Their dedication to this event ensures everyone’s safety”. “We are so grateful for ALL of the volunteers working in the parade, including our good friends at Genesis Church who really came through for us…we couldn’t have done it without you!” Collins added “We thank the community for their continued support of this annual event and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!”
