West Plains, MO. – Two major holiday-themed events took place over the weekend in West Plains: the West Plains Christmas Parade and Shop with a Cop at Wal-Mart. Both events appeared to be quite successful this year, with many people joining in and numbers being high despite any difficulties in 2023.
This article will be focused on posting the video of the parade our own Drew Joice captured of the event with commentary by Gerry Elam and James Hurtt.
The West Plains Chamber of Commerce has also released their own statement on the parade, which we’ll be posting below along with this article.
In addition, we will be posting an article within the next week with a gallery of photos from Howell County Shop with a Cop, which held very high numbers over previous years.
Mother Nature cooperated, and we had a beautiful day for the annual West Plains Chamber of Commerce “The Joys of Christmas” Parade which started at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9th.
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 Southern Bank , 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 Southern Missouri Community Health Center.
The $300 AirMedCare Network 1st Place Commercial Prize awarded to Hart Family Eyecare.
The $200 Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply of West Plains 2nd Place Commercial Prize awarded to Brooke Haven Healthcare.
The $300 Brown Furniture 1st Place Religious Prize awarded to Faith Chapel FWB Church.
The $200 Don’s Auto Service 2nd Place Religious Prize awarded to First Christian Church.
The $300 West Plains Optimist Club and Community First Banking Company 1st Place Miscellaneous Prizes awarded to the Ozark Christian Academy and West Plains Special Olympics for their tie score.
Chamber Executive Director, Jessica Collins, once again thanked our long-time volunteers Steve Gleghorn, Ramona Heiney 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: Simmons Bank, Mega Motorsports, Outpost Motorsports, Ozarks Coca-Cola, Penmac Staffing Services, Andy & Judy Ingalsbe, TNK, Inc., Brill Title Company, and Ozarks Healthcare Medical Equipment. Thank you!
Collins thanked everyone at Outpost Motorsports and Mega Motorsports 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 this year, Genesis Church, MSU-West Plains Basketball team, MSU-West Plains Volleyball team & their coaches, City employees, and Howell-Oregon Electric Coop. employees. We cannot forget to thank our core volunteers that help us make this happen year after year, Ramona Heiney, Bryan Adcock, Steve Gleghorn & Joe Kammerer. 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!”
