CHRISTMAS

62^nd ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE
"Musical Notes & Holiday Floats"
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 10:00 a.m.

Download our entry form here!
(81.5KB PDF Document)
Entry is free until November 3, 2008.

Sponsored by:

Grand Marshal - Dave Goodwin - CHS Band Director

 Pam Jarding, Parade Chairperson 2008

Kids Christmas (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm) & Mayors Christmas Tree lighting (6 pm - 9 pm)

PRESS RELEASE

CHS Band Director Dave Goodwin to Lead Procession
Published: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Constitution-Tribune

“Musical Notes and Holiday Floats” has been chosen as the theme for the 62nd annual holiday parade to be in downtown Chillicothe on Saturday, Nov. 22. Hedrick Medical Center will sponsor this popular community tradition that attracts hundreds of local and area residents and kicks off the local holiday shopping season. Dave Goodwin, longtime Chillicothe Marching Hornets band instructor, has been chosen as the grand marshal.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and includes floats, bands, vehicles, animals, favorite characters and, of course, Santa. The parade is organized by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce through its parade committee, co-chaired by Pam Jarding. They have been meeting regularly for the past few months. “Hedrick Medical Center is proud to cosponsor the annual holiday parade as part of their ongoing commitment to the Chamber of Commerce and local economic development,” Jarding said.

Entry forms are required for parade participation and may be obtained at Chillicothe Commerce Center, 514 Washington Street. Entries can be placed in either judged or non-judged categories. All participants are asked to decorate their parade entry. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each judged category. The judged categories are business, youth organizations, and non-profit organizations. Entry is free if submitted by Nov. 3.

For more information, contact the chamber office at 660-646-4050 or email us.

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61^st ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE
"Unwrap the JOY"
Saturday, November 17, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

‘Unwrap the JOY'
Published: Monday, November 19, 2007, C-T

CAPTION: Brownie Troop No. 8162 received the Grand Marshal Trophy during the 61st annual Holiday Parade held on Saturday. The winning float was named, Blow Out the Candles and “Unwrap the JOY” of the Birth of Jesus and featured an extra large birthday cake. The parade was sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center and was presented by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce.

C-T Photo/Megan Neis

The joy of the holiday season was unwrapped in Chillicothe Saturday with thousands of people lining the streets for the 61st annual Holiday Parade, sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center and presented by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce. With the theme of “Unwrap the JOY,” 109 entries paraded down Washington Street for the annual event, which lasted just shy of two hours. “It was a beautiful day and there was a wonderful turnout for the parade,” said Jennie Tipton, parade co-chair. “We congratulate the winners and thank everyone who entered for making it a special holiday event. We especially thank those who spent the time and effort to create floats and other special entries.” Tipton added that the entries were so beautiful and really appreciated. “We also want to thank the many volunteers who line-up the parade and keep it running smoothly.”

Brownie Troop No. 8162 took home the Grand Marshal Trophy Winner with their float, Blow Out the Candles and “Unwrap the JOY” of the Birth of Jesus. The group's float featured an extra large birthday cake to celebrate the birth of Jesus (see photo above.)

The Mrs. Missouri America Pageant received first place in the business category and Livingston Manor Care Center received second place in the business category. Third place winner in this category was Skillpath.

Grace Episcopal Church took home first place honors in the non-profit organization category during the Holiday Parade. St. John's Lutheran Church received second place and third place honors went to Hedrick Medical Group & Tiffany Acree's third grade class.

In the animal category, the Missouri Llama Association received first place. Ponies Are Us - The Mammen Family received second place, and third place went to NCMC Trail Riders - Bill Hinkebein.

Along with receiving the Grand Marshal Trophy, Brownie Troop No. 8162 was named first place winner in the youth category. Bishop Hogan Memorial School fifth and sixth graders received second place in the youth organization. Cub Scout Pack No. 120 and 123 were named third place winners.

In the vehicle category, 1st place went to a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster entered by Darrel Rinehart, 2nd place to a Replica 1931 Model A Ford Roadster entered by Bill and Martha Thorne, and 3rd place to a 1969 Chevy Pickup owned by John and Marj Locker.

The band category winners were 1st place - Gallatin R-5, 2nd place - Penny High School at Hamilton, 3rd place - Southwest R-1, and 4th place - Green City R-1.

CAPTION: KC Wolf, mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs, visited with children who lined the streets on Saturday for the 61st annual Holiday Parade. KC Wolf's appearance was presented by Citizens Bank & Trust.

C-T Photo/Megan Neis

FOR MORE 2007 HOLIDAY PARADE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE!

Holiday Bazaar Attracts Many Vendors, Shoppers
Published: Monday, November 19, 2007 C-T

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

From holiday wreaths and rustic furniture to gourmet chocolates and cotton candy the Chillicothe High School gymnasium and commons area were filled with crafts and food items for the Constitution-Tribune's 4th annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday.

An estimated 100 vendors from throughout north Missouri and from as far away as Iowa and Kansas were in Chillicothe for the bazaar which attracted a large, steady crowd, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 4 p.m. Adding to activities of the day, Santa made an appearance at the bazaar, talking with children and posing for around 300 photographs taken by Bailey Studio. In the lobby of the performing arts center, members of the Chillicothe Optimists Club helped children make holiday crafts.

This year's holiday bazaar was the largest in the Constitution-Tribune's history of sponsoring the event in terms of vendors and shoppers. As in past years, the bazaar was part of a full weekend of activities centered around the community's Holiday Parade. “It was a great day,” C-T Publisher Rod Dixon said about the bazaar. “We feel it is a great augment to what goes on during the weekend.”

CAPTION: A small crowd gathers around the picture of a framed Christmas tree at Kathy's Korner during the C-T's Holiday Bazaar Saturday. The booth is operated by Kathy Tolle of Trenton and was among 100 at the bazaar.

Hedrick Medical Center to Sponsor 61st Annual Holiday Parade

Hedrick Medical Center will present the 61st Annual Holiday Parade “Unwrap the Joy” at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2007 in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Entry forms are required for parade entry and were recently mailed to past participants. Forms are also available at the Chillicothe Commerce Center, 514 Washington St. and on this web site by clicking the link above. Judged and non-judged categories are available. All participants are asked to decorate their parade entry. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each judged category. Entry is free if submitted by November 2nd.

For immediate release: September 26th, 2007
Contact person: Jill Smith, Holiday Parade co-chair, 646-2165
Jennie Tipton, Holiday Parade co-chair, 646-4281
Barb Burton, Chamber President, 646-4050

“Unwrap the JOY” is Theme for 61st Annual Holiday Parade Sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center

“Unwrap the JOY” has been selected as the theme for the 61st Annual Holiday Parade to be held in downtown Chillicothe on Saturday, November 17th. Hedrick Medical Center will sponsor this popular community tradition that attracts hundreds of local and area residents and kicks off the local holiday shopping season. Chuck Haney, longtime community and civic supporter, has been selected as Grand Marshal.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and includes floats, bands, vehicles, animals, favorite characters, and, of course, Santa. The parade is organized by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce through it’s Parade Committee, chaired by Jennie Tipton and Jill Smith with members Christy Grouse and Martha Berry. They have been meeting regularly for the past few months.

“Hedrick Medical Center is proud to sponsor the Annual Holiday Parade as part of our ongoing commitment to the Chamber of Commerce and local economic development. It is an opportunity for us to help bring people to the community for an outstanding family event”, remarked Brian Johnston, Senior Director of Ancillary Services for Hedrick Medical Center. Hedrick was recently named one of the 100 Top® Hospitals: Performance Improvement Leaders in the Saint Luke’s Health System.”

“The Chamber appreciates the support of Hedrick Medical Center, and is proud of their accomplishments and the important role they play in our community, says Jennie Tipton, co-chair of the holiday parade. “Entry forms are required for parade entry and were recently mailed to past participants, according to Jill Smith, parade co-chair. She reminds that forms are also available at the Chillicothe Commerce Center, 514 Washington Street.” Entries can be placed in either judged or non-judged categories. All participants are asked to decorate their parade entry. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each judged category. The judged categories are business, youth organizations, non-profit organizations, vehicles, and animals. Entry is free if submitted by November 2nd.

Chuck Haney Selected as Grand Marshal of the 61st Annual Holiday Parade

Chuck Haney, longtime community and civic supporter, has been selected by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as the Grand Marshal of the Hedrick Medical Center 61st Annual Holiday Parade. Currently serving as the Mayor of Chillicothe, Chuck previously served three terms as councilman-at-large, is a former Chamber President and board member. It was just last December that Chuck announced his retirement after 38 years as the announcer for the Annual Holiday Parade and also stepped down as Emcee for the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Jenkins Christmas Village after 35 years. “I am truly honored and pleased to be selected as Grand Marshal of this year’s holiday parade. The parade has always been a special event for me and one that I have enjoyed being a part of. It is so great to be among so many great people who have previously been selected as Grand Marshals.” , Chuck Haney.

"It was a unanimous decision to select Chuck as the Grand Marshal for our 2008 Holiday Parade. It's the 61st Annual Parade and Chuck has announced more than 30 of the 61 parades. More than that, Chuck is such a treasure to our community as a strong supporter of everything Chillicothe and now, as our mayor. He's a wonderful choice." Jennie Tipton, Co-chair of the Chamber Parade Committee.

Mr. Haney has 49 years in the print and radio business and continues to write a personal weekly column for The Ad Page. His wife, Rita, died unexpectedly in December of 2000. His daughter, Kathy Carlton, son, Kevin, and six grandchildren all reside in Chillicothe. He is a member of the St. Columban Catholic church where he serves on the parish council and as a lector and usher. Mr. Haney served as the public address announcer for the Chillicothe football games for 34 years, and as the P.A. man for all Chillicothe girls and boys basketball games for 40 years. Just this fall he came out of retirement to again be the public address announcer for the Hornet home football games after a 10 year absence. He also formerly did P.A. work at a number of area high school tournaments and has announced for Bank Midwest the past 10 years at the William Jewell Holiday High School Basketball Tournament. In addition to his public address duties, he has been the popular choice as master of ceremonies for various events and functions in and around Chillicothe from sports banquets, RSVP programs and political events. He has received numerous awards and honors from the state and regional press associations, Chamber of Commerce, political organizations and schools. His most recent award came at the Missouri Press Association’s annual convention in St. Louis earlier this month when he received the President’s Award. Last December he was named the winner of the Bill Hoyt Distinguished Service Award and in 2006 he received the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Distinguished Service Award and in 2005 was honored as the Citizen of the Year by the Chillicothe Elks Lodge. He has logged many years on civic, political, press groups, sports and entertainment boards, the Salvation Army, March of Dimes, Rotary Club and others. Haney spent 24 years at two radio stations doing a Coach’s Call-In Show, including the Fifth Quarter Show on KMZU with Ed Crawford and the late Bob Carter and, most recently, on the Coke Locker Room Show on KTTN/KGOZ.

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60^th ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE
"Christmas Blessings"
Saturday, November 18, 2006, 10:00 a.m.

Welcome the Christmas Spirit
C-T Article, Monday, November 20, 2006

CAPTION: Bishop Hogan fifth through eighth grade students took home the Grand Marshal Trophy during the parade on Saturday with their float, “Little Drummer Boy.” They also received first place in the youth organization category.

C-T Photos / Megan Neis

The spirit of Christmas was evident in Chillicothe this weekend as thousands of people lined the streets for the 2006 Holiday Parade held Saturday morning on Washington Street. Nativity scenes, winter scenes, antique vehicles and bands playing Christmas music, all celebrated the theme “Christmas Blessings” as they participated in the parade.

Bishop Hogan School's fifth through eighth graders took home the Grand Marshal Trophy for their float.

The 60th annual Holiday Parade had a total of 113 entries and was sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center. Grand Marshals were Jim and Norma Johnson of Chillicothe and Santa Claus made a special trip to town on Saturday to end the parade with the CHS Cheerleaders. Parade entries were judged on use of theme, originality and appearance.

The Mrs. Missouri and Missouri Princess float received first place in the business category and SkillPath's entry, “Sleigh Ride,” took home second place honors. Livingston Manor Care Center received third place in the business category.

C-T Photos / Megan Neis

Chillicothe Medical Clinic and their Partners in Education, Brandi Ellis' second grade class, received first place in the non-profit organization category. Second place in this category was awarded to The Baptist Home. St. John's Lutheran Church received third place in the non-profit organization category.

“CeCe Lady” by Phyllis Collier from Laclede received first place in the animal division of the parade. Second place was awarded to “Ponies Are Us!” by the Mammen Family, and the Missouri Llama Association received third place.

We also gave awards for vehicles, bands, and youth entries.

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Contact: Jill Smith, Holiday Parade co-chair, 646-2165
Jennie Tipton, Holiday Parade co-chair, 646-4281
Barb Burton, Chamber President, 646-4050

Hedrick Medical Center to Sponsor 60th Annual Holiday Parade

Hedrick Medical Center will present the 60th Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Chillicothe on Saturday, November 18th. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and includes floats, bands, vehicles, animals, favorite characters, and, of course, Santa. This year’s Chillicothe parade has been designated as the “Fall Shrine Ceremonial Parade” which means there will be 20 shrine entries in the parade including many crowd favorites like the Keystone Cops, Rollin’ Rascals, Sand Buggies and Mounted Patrol. The parade is organized each year by the Chamber of Commerce Parade Committee.

“Hedrick Medical Center is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Annual Holiday Parade. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Chamber of Commerce and local economic development, it is an opportunity for us to help bring people to the community for an outstanding event”, remarked James K. Johnson, CEO, Hedrick Medical Center, recently named one of the 100 Top® Hospitals: Performance Improvement Leaders. “The Chamber appreciates the support of Hedrick Medical Center, and is proud of their accomplishments and the important role they play in this community, says Jill Smith, co-chair of the holiday parade.

Longtime announcer, Chuck Haney, and newcomer, Jerry Englert, will do the play by play from their post at the courthouse downtown. Betty Preston and Dave Rogers will broadcast live on KCHI and Time Warner Cable. “Christmas Blessings” was chosen as the theme for the 60th Annual Holiday Parade by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Holiday Parade Committee, which includes Jill Smith and Jennie Tipton, co-chairs, Adam Warren, Christy Grouse, Martha Berry, Julie Jones, and Pam Jarding.

“The Holiday Parade Committee agreed the citizens of Chillicothe and the surrounding area have much for which to be thankful. The theme, "Christmas Blessings," was selected with this in mind”, says Jennie Tipton, parade co-chair.

Entry forms are required for parade entry and were recently mailed to past participants, says Barb Burton, President, of the Chillicothe Chamber. She reminds that forms are also available at the Chillicothe Commerce Center, 514 Washington St. and on this web site. Judged and non-judged categories are available. All participants are asked to decorate their parade entry. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each judged category. Entry is free if submitted by November 3rd.

Jim and Norma Johnson Are Grand Marshals of the 60th Annual Holiday Parade

Jim and Norma Johnson have been selected to serve as Grand Marshals of the 60th Annual Holiday Parade. Jim is a former president of Habitat for Humanity and Rotary, and served on the board of the YMCA. He spends many hours working on behalf of the organizations he represents. He was the Chamber’s 2003 Outstanding Personal Community Service Award winner. He is the CEO of Hedrick Medical Center.

“We are proud to honor Jim Johnson as the 60th Annual Holiday Parade Grand Marshal because of his commitment and dedication to community service and the betterment of Chillicothe, “says Jill Smith, parade co-chair.

This year, in consideration of the parade theme, “Christmas Blessings”, local ministers will be honored as Honorary Grand Marshals.

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Parade Ushers in Holiday Season
Monday, November 21, 2005, C-T article, Megan Neis

Girl Scout Daisy Troop No. 162 (above) was named the Grand Marshal Trophy Winner with its float “Gettin' Home for the Holidays” in the 59th annual Holiday Parade held in Chillicothe on Saturday. The troop also received first place in the youth organizations category. C-T Photo/Megan Neis 

CONGRATULATIONS: Grand Marshal Trophy Winner, Girl Scout Daisy Troop #162; 1st Place Winners: Citizens Bank and Trust; Welcoming Hands Coffee Club; Bryant Nelson family and the Happy Hustlers 4 H Club; Bud Constant Family; Polo Panther Pride Marching Band

Caption: Kids of all ages waved at Santa Claus and other characters during the parade. Thousands of people lined the streets of to view the 115 entries. This year's theme was “Home for the Holidays” and was sponsored by Pepsi and Hedrick Medical Center. C-T Photos / Megan Neis 

Thousands of people lined the streets of Chillicothe on Saturday morning to watch the 59th annual Holiday Parade which featured numerous floats, team mascots, horses and bands.

The parade, which began at 10 a.m., lasted for 65 minutes and featured 115 entries, according to Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce organizers. The parade was sponsored by Pepsi and Hedrick Medical Center.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

 Forensic Float... photo by Mark Garr
Click to see a closer view!

“It was great to see so many participants in this year's parade,” said Chamber President Dan Leatherman. “Everyone seemed to be having a great time and it was a nice way to kick off the holiday season.”

Holiday Parade Marshals, Ken and Brenda Lauhoff,
owners of Lauhoff Jewelry. Picture courtesy of Mark Garr.

Ken and Brenda Lauhoff, Chillicothe business owners (Lauhoff Jewelry), led the parade as grand marshals. Mayor Todd Rodenberg and his wife, Jody, along with their two granddaughters also participated. Dan Leatherman rode in the parade with Field School second-grader Tommy Thompson, who was chosen to flip the switch during the two lighting ceremonies held in Chillicothe over the weekend.

As in years past, the parade ended with Chillicothe High School cheerleaders and Santa Claus riding on a Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services fire truck.

Mrs. Missouri float.. photo by Mark Garr
Click to see a closer view.

The entries of the parade were judged on the use of the theme, “Home for the Holidays,” originality and appearance. Chamber officials report that awards were given to those placing first through third in six different categories.

The grand marshal trophy winner and first place youth organization winner was Girl Scout Daisy Troop No. 162 with its float, “Gettin' Home for the Holidays.” Chamber officials report that the Girl Scout troop will be presented with a trophy this week.

THANK YOU PARADE VOLUNTEERS

Pam Jarding, Judy and Mike Murrell, Eric Turner, Martha Berry, Darrin Fravel, Gary Constant, Archie Hull, Tony and Ronni Clark, Jill Smith, Bill Hayen, Kristy Grouse, Johnie Alden, Dana Rinehart, Chuck Erke, Deanna Kepner, Janet Urton, Amy Supple, Megan Perry, Bubba Maxwell, Chuck Haney, Don Wilson, Betty Preston, Dave Rogers, Brian Johnston, Butch Shaffer, and Brenda Wright, Johnston Rental, the Chillicothe Police Dept. and Dept. of Emergency Services, Chillicothe Street Department, and CMU.

Plans Underway for 2005 Holiday Parade

Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and Hedrick Medical Center will sponsor the 59th Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 19, in downtown Chillicothe according to Pam Jarding, Holiday Parade Chairman for the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce. “We welcome PEPSI and Hedrick Medical Center as sponsors of the holiday parade and appreciate their involvement and commitment to our community and the area”.

“Home for the Holidays” is the theme for the parade that year after year continues to draw large crowds from Chillicothe and the surrounding area. Jarding states, “This year’s crowd can look forward to seeing KC Wolf, the MO Western Drum Line, Mr. Pig, Curly the ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, Hamburglar from McDonalds, Mr. Peanut, Kool Aid Man, and Muddy the Mudcat.” The holiday parade is planned each year by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce through their Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony Committee and involves the help of many volunteers. This year the committee includes Pam Jarding, chair, Gary Constant, Martha Berry, Judy Murrell, Eric Turner, and Darrin Fravel.

Santa will be on hand to turn on the lights at two lighting ceremonies. The first is Jenkins Christmas Village on Friday night, November 18, at 6 p.m., followed by the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony downtown on Saturday night, November 19. Downtown merchants are planning holiday festivities following this downtown holiday lighting event.

Entry forms are required for parade entry and were recently mailed to past participants, says Barb Burton, Executive Vice President of the Chillicothe Chamber. She reminds that forms are also available at the Chillicothe Commerce Center, 514 Washington St. and online. Judged and non-judged categories are available. All participants are asked to decorate their parade entry. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each judged category. Entry is free if submitted by November 4th. Entries submitted after November 4th must pay a $10 entry fee. After November 11th, a $25 entry fee will be charged.

Ken and Brenda Lauhoff, longtime residents of Chillicothe and owners of Lauhoff Jewelry, have been chosen as the 2005 Grand Marshals of the 59th Annual Holiday Parade sponsored by Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and Hedrick Medical Center. “Always helping, always giving, always actively participating in and supporting events that benefit others, and promoting Chillicothe seven days a week… are Ken and Brenda Lauhoff. Ken serves as Livingston County Commissioner and their family-owned business was honored with the Chamber’s 2004 Business and Community Service Award. The Lauhoff’s are truly worthy recipients and the Chamber is pleased to honor them in this way”, says Dan Leatherman. Chamber President.

The Grand Marshal and parade theme are selected each year by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Holiday Parade Committee.

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Changing of the Bulbs
Around 35 people attended a "changing of the bulbs" event held on Thursday, November 10. Chamber members, ambassadors and community members helped change the bulbs in the Chamber of Commerce's holiday street ornaments which are hung in Chillicothe. With Christmas music playing and plenty of snacks for munching, Chamber members made merry while replacing over 6000 bulbs. There are 106 ornaments with 60 bulbs each, and every bulb was changed. Thanks to Chamber members and their families, the Grand River Technical School and staff for the use of their great facility and the Chillicothe FFA sophomores for removing the old bulbs to get us started.

To see all the photos, click here!

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