Parade, lighting contest, cocoa crawl set in Portageville

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — There will be plenty of hot cocoa to keep the public warm as they take in Portageville’s first Christmas parade.

The parade is slated to get underway at 6 p.m. today kicking off the Portageville’s Chamber of Commerce’s “Christmas in the ‘Ville.”

Floats in the parade will vie for a first place prize of $200. The second place winner will receive $150 and third prize is $75.

The walkers and wheels categories will each award prizes of $35 for first place,$25 for second and $15 for third.

Dr. Clint Klipfel, Chamber president, said adding a parade to the town’s holiday festivities has always been a goal.

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year and the people are excited to have something else to do in Portageville,” he said.

Klipfel estimated the town’s first Christmas parade will draw about 15 to 20 entries. “We understand this is an event that is going to have to grow,” he added.

From 6:30-8:30 p.m., visitors can sip hot cocoa at participating Main Street businesses during the town’s second annual Cocoa Crawl. A “People’s Choice” Award will be made to the business voted by visitors as having the best cocoa.

Also Friday evening there will be free gingerbread cookie decorating at Health Connection Chiropractic, 300 E. Main St.

In addition, the Chamber of Commerce is encouraging area residents to light up by participating in the “Deck the House” Christmas lighting contest with judging planned to begin the evening of Dec. 11.

The categories include: brightest lights, most traditional, most animated, best of Ward I, best of Ward II, best rural, best overall and honorable mentions for Ward I, Ward II and rural. 

Those living outside city limits who wish to compete in the rural category should submit their judging request by calling Health Connection Chiropractic at 573-391-2155 no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 10.

The Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Open House in November went well, the Chamber president said.

“There was a huge turnout for the tree lighting. It really put people in the holiday spirit,” Klipfel said. “It may be a little cold for the parade, so we want everyone to bundle up and come enjoy the festivities.”