This Saturday, area communities will offer something for everyone including parades, craft activities, vendors, music and even Santa Claus.
Here is a rundown of the area activities.
Starting with Neosho, the 8th Annual Dickens Christmas Faire will be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Civic and Historic Downtown Square. It will feature vendors, breakfast with Santa, carriage rides, craft activities for kids and adults. Following the activities, the Neosho’s Christmas Parade will be held on at 5 p.m. The theme is “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Lighted entries are not required, but they are encouraged. The snow date will be Saturday, Dec. 12.
The Freeman Southwest Family YMCA will host a “Drop & Shop.” Drop your children (ages 2-12) off at the YMCA for a fun-filled day of activity. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, call the YMCA at 455-9999.
Santa Claus will pay a visit to Service 1 Federal Credit Union, 816 W. Harmony St., Neosho, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The first 20 children in attendance will receive a special treat from Santa Claus. A free photo will be provided for all visitors. Everyone in the community is welcome.
State Farm Insurance invites the public to attend its Open House and welcome their new agent, Eric Norris from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 437 W. Coler. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chili will be served. They will have children’s photos with the State Farm Good Neighbear Mascot, and a coloring contest with the winner getting their coloring framed and hung in the office. There will be several giveaways, and items that will be raffled off including: State Farm afghan, two folding lawn chairs, holiday cookbooks, Mag light, trunk cooler, BBQ set, and several other certificates and gifts.
But there is more outside of Neosho.
The city of Diamond will host a Christmas parade beginning at 10 a.m., line up at 9 a.m.
Fairview Fire Department will host a chili supper, stew, chili dogs, pies and beverages starting at 5:30 p.m. at the John Q. Hammons Center, Fairview. Donations accepted.
Pierce City will also have a parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade runs down Commercial Street (Hwy. 37) through downtown Pierce City. For more details, call city hall at 476-2323.
Wheaton will host a Christmas parade starting at 6 p.m.
Ozark Christian College in Joplin, will host two performances of the 25th annual Living Christmas Tree production with a program titled: “Let’s Make a Memory.” The first program begins at 4 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m. A pre-show will begin 30 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children and $5 for overflow seating. For more information call the school at 626-1221.
