Chamber of Commerce sets parade theme, dates

The annual El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be in the El Dorado Springs Park starting at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21.

The Christmas Lighting Ceremony is a Chamber of Commerce tradition that spans many years, bringing joy to children of all ages.

As dusk settles upon western Missouri the darkness of the eve gives way to the glow of holiday lights. There will be entertainment by El Dorado Springs School Choirs and Bands, Miss Merry Christmas will be crowned, and the Little Mr. and Miss Santa candidates will be introduced, courtesy of GFWC Generation III. The Spring City Revitalization Group will host politicians grilling hotdogs. Plus Santa Claus will come straight from his workshop to make his first visit of the season to El Dorado Springs.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 1 p.m., businesses and organizations will trot out their finest floats, bands will march melodiously down Main, and Santa will shower salutations upon spectators. Join us for the 2016 Christmas Parade through downtown El Dorado Springs.

The parade’s theme this year is “A Hollywood Christmas!” Committee chairman, Dr. Neil Linsenmeyer mentioned “The theme encompasse’s many different ideas.  You can go with a traditional religious theme or cartoons like “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.” There are also classics like “Home Alone,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” and many more.”

There will be several divisions of floats again this year with lots of prize money up for grabs. Divisions include Youth Organizations, Business, Church, and Not for Profit or Civic Groups. The Chamber of Commerce recognizes automotive clubs, ribbons for horse clubs and individual riders and even for children’s decorated bicycles.

Santa will conclude “A Hollywood Christmas” Parade by visiting with children in the Park at the Lions Club Santa House.

Christmas events committee chairman Dr. Neil Linsenmayer said “We’re expecting a great turnout of participants again this year.” For more information, contact the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, 876-4154 or director@ElDoradoSpringsChamber.com.