Alton Christmas festivities on Saturday, December 6 will include the crowning of Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas and the annual parade. In addition, a Santa look-a-like contest will be held, and several vendors will be set up on Court Square with food and gift items. Businesses will also be open for shopping and dining during the evening.
Honorees for this year’s event are members of the Alton Volunteer Fire Department and Brian and Jessica Staack. Last spring, devastating tornados ripped through the Rover, Alton, and Thomasville areas. A flood followed during the same month. The Alton Volunteer Fire Department used the fire house as an emergency center for the workers and those whose homes had been destroyed. Brian and Jessica Staack furnished their excellent barbecue and sides to help feed people during these natural disaster clean-ups.
Activities on Saturday start at 4:00 PM on the Oregon County Courthouse lawn. Following the crowning ceremony for Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas, the Santa Contest will be held. At the same time, vendor booths will be open. A variety of photo backdrops will be in place in the empty lot on the east side of court square for “selfie” photos.
The annual parade will begin at 6:00 PM. Those entering the parade will line up at the Alton School. Categories for parade awards are traditional float, religious float, boats, tractors, ATV’s, and horses. Also, an outstanding classic car or pick-up truck will be selected. Following the parade, photographs with Santa will be offered, free of charge, on Court Square.
Alton’s Christmas festivities are sponsored each year by Alton Culture Club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in America.
