Entries sought for parade, pageant

The annual holiday parade and Miss Merry Christmas pageant organizers have begun taking registrations for these holiday events, to be held on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5. Entry forms are available at the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce office located at 225 West Austin, Lower Level, Carnegie Building and on line at www.nevada-mo.com.

The holiday parade will have as its theme: "Home For The Holidays." All entries must be decorated with a variation on this theme. As is always the case, no candy or items may be thrown from parade entries, but may be hand tossed and walked around the square in order to keep small children from danger. no live Santas are permitted in the parade, as the guest of honor himself will be on hand to meet and greet local children following the parade. This year's holiday parade will line up at 1:30 p.m., from Cherry and Washington Street crossings, proceed west to Main, circling the square north and exit the square on Walnut, heading east to disburse past the Ellis Furniture lot. No entry fee will be charged for participants. Judging of all entries will be centered around the theme, originality, use of lights or other appealing decorations.

The Miss Merry Christmas pageant is open to all area school age young women (kindergarten through grade 12.)

A short talent portion, as well as personal interview time will be spent with a judging panel to determine pageant winners. This year's pageant is sponsored by Heartland Behavioral Health Services in cooperation with the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce.

All participants will receive a commemorative item and will have a royal spot in the annual holiday parade the evening of the pageant. Entries are limited to 15 contestants in each category.

All entries must be received by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 24, to be included in either the parade or Miss Merry Christmas event. For more information on these holiday events, call the chamber office at (417) 667-5300.