Lake Ozark Christmas Parade Still A Go For 2020

The city of Lake Ozark says their annual Christmas Parade is still on for this year.

Officials say the Bagnell Dam Strip Association’s “We Need A Little Christmas” parade will not require any fees for 2020.

The throwing of candy or anything from parade entries however, is not allowed this time due to COVID 19.

Instead you may designate individuals to hand them out while walking.

The parade takes place December 12^th.

From Press Release:

For Immediate Release

11/6/2020

A huge sigh of relief could be heard around the lake as the Bagnell Dam Strip Association announced that there will, indeed, be a Christmas Parade in Lake Ozark.

The parade will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with lineup on Rt. 242 and then down Bagnell Dam Blvd.

With an abundance of caution in mind, this year’s parade will feature a few changes.

The theme, “We Need A Little Christmas,” guides the BDSA’s plans which include:

• All entries are welcome. The only requirement is a phone call, e-mail or other notice of participation. Rickie Smith will take reservations at 573-434-3552 or rickie@mylaketv.com.
• Fees and forms are not required for 2020.
• Important Note: No throwing of candy, trinkets or anything from the parade entries is the official policy of BDSA parades. These items can be distributed with walkers. Safety is the reason for the change in policy.
• There will be no separate categories, but there will be first, second and third place overall winners who will receive cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50 for their best representation of the theme.
• Entry lineup will begin at 11:30 on a line-up-as-you-show-up basis, with the exception of a few spots saved for bands and horses (if those entries will be participating).
• Santa will make his appearance exclusively in the parade and elves will distribute gift bags along the route in lieu of a personal visit by Santa after the parade as in past years.
• Children will be encouraged to write letters which will be collected by the elves along the route for Santa to read before Christmas.
• The parade will have live updates on 93.5 ROCKS
• The Marine Corps League Honor Guard will lead the parade.
• The Grand Marshal will not be a person, but will emphasize the spirit of gratitude for essential workers. This concept is still evolving, and creative ideas are welcome.
• While parade organizers are awaiting word on the horses and the band, parade participants are asked to follow the theme, and that music and action are what make a parade. An entry can be as simple as a family, neighborhood or church group riding or walking and provide music or action to liven the crowd.
• The BDSA strongly suggests following CDC guidelines including masks, sanitizing and distancing.

Sponsorships are available. These sponsorships fund the parade and with them each organization will be featured in an ad campaign built around the parade.

And remember: No Santa suits, but hats are okay. Only one Santa appears in this parade, and he and his entourage will be the finale of the parade.

For more details, contact Mike Page 573-280-4589, email pagestoresllc@sbcglobal.net; or Loretta Srch, 573-793-6914, lorettasrch@windstream.net.

Comments, suggestions, volunteers and sponsors are welcome.

The next BDSA meeting is 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Willmore Lodge.

From Website:

36th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Christmas Parade

Presents

Saturday, December 12, 2020, 1:00 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO

And what’s a parade about anyway if not refreshing the joy of youth in celebration of the holidays?

Gather your gang – your business, club, talent, grass roots group, friends and family to join the festivities of the 36th Annual Lake Area Christmas Parade.

The parade kicks off at 1:00 pm. Line-up starts at 11:30 a.m. at the junction of HH & Bagnell Dam Boulevard.

Entries line up on 242 in the order they arrive. Judging of entries occurs before parade during line-up. Promptly at 1:00 the Maine Corp League Honor Guard leads the parade turning right on the Boulevard and proceeding down to Bagnell Dam.

Grand Marshals: Our Grand Marshal will not be a person, but the spirit of gratitude for our essential workers.

Floats, boats, bands, cars, trucks, bikes, queens, celebrities, Shriners, firetrucks, marchers, twirlers, clubs, scouts, horses and more are anticipated to fill the ranks to make this a parade to remember. Entries forms are downloadable in the header above.

Consider while planning your entry –There will be no separate categories, but there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners who will receive cash of $200, $100 and $50 for their best representation of the theme. No full Santa costumes. Hats are okay.

Santa Claus arrives in Lake of the Ozark’s style. The parade finale. Pulled by his reindeer Santa’s ride is a beautiful Red Sleigh with over 2,000 lights, garland, music and Santa helpers. The sleigh was designed and built by Steve Lemens and his late wife Pat, who embarked on this labor of love for the joy of children at Christmas time. Many contributed to the original project. A special thanks to Steve Lemens, Brian and Angie Schuster, Summerset Boat Lifts and Big Thunder Marina for continuing this tradition.

Santa will make his appearance exclusively in the parade and elves will distribute gift bags along the route in lieu of a personal visit.

Children are encouraged to write letters which will be collected by the elves along the route for Santa to read before Christmas.

BDSA is strongly suggesting following CDC guidelines including masks, sanitizing and distancing.