The West Plains Chamber of Commerce “Celebrating 125 Years of Chamber Christmas Cheer” Parade took place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th. The parade kicked off with our Grand Marshals, Past Chamber Chairs through the years- Bryan Adcock, Dick Davidson, Reid Grigsby, Rick Grigsby, David M. Gohn, S. David Gohn, Judy Ingalsbe, Ken Joplin, Joe Kammerer, Jay Padgett, Myles Smith, Joann Strosnider and Dave Thomas. Chairs traveled in vehicles generously provided by Taylor Grubaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC. We enjoyed the festive sounds of the West Plains High School band, under the direction of Zane Johnson, filling the air with holiday cheer. Bands participating in the parade were generously sponsored by 37 North Realty Group, Ramona Heiney – State Farm Insurance and Southern Bank.
Entries in the parade that chose to participate in the judging process were evaluated on their originality, workmanship, and relevance to the Christmas Past, Present & Future theme. The following entries were selected as the top winners:
- Ozarks Healthcare Overall Grand Prize ($350) – United Freewill Baptist Church
- AirMedCare Network 1st Place (Past) Prize ($300) – Always a Future for Kids
- Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply of West Plains 2nd Place (Past) Prize ($200) – First Christian Church
- Brown Furniture and Appliance 1st Place (Present) Prize ($300) – Special Olympics Howell County
- Don’s Auto Service 2nd Place (Present) Prize ($200) – Air Evac Lifeteam & tied with them for 2nd Place – Advance America
- West Plains Optimist Club 1st Place (Future) Prize ($300) – Just Another Human
Jessica Collins, Executive Director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, expressed her deep gratitude to long-time volunteers and partners. A special shout-out was given to Genesis Church, Southern Bank and West Plains Bank for their steadfast support year after year. She also extended heartfelt thanks to this year’s monetary parade sponsor Great Rivers Distributing.
Special thanks were given to Outpost Motorsports and Mega Motorsports for their donation of off-road vehicles, which made the parade logistics run smoothly. “We really cannot thank them enough!” Collins said. She also expressed appreciation to Missouri State University-West Plains, West Plains Civic Center, West Plains Public Library and Victory Family Worship Center for the use of their campuses during the event.
The West Plains Chamber of Commerce extends their gratitude to all float participants, volunteers, and sponsors. Collins added, “Many thanks to the West Plains Police and Fire Departments, South Howell County Ambulance, Missouri Highway Patrol, Howell County Sheriff’s Department and the West Plains City Street Department Crew. Their dedication to ensuring everyone’s safety is essential”.
“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Ozark Radio News will be posting a photo gallery from the event later today. IF you would like to watch the parade see our video here.
