The holiday season officially began recently with the 73rd Annual Chillicothe Chamber Holiday Parade that featured more than 70 entries and lasted for an hour and 15 minutes. "The Holiday Parade is a treasured community event that kicks off the local Christmas season. The Chamber is happy to be part of such a wonderful tradition." Crystal Narr, executive director of the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce reported they were grateful for all of the organizations, businesses, and families that took the time to enter the parade. Next year's parade will be the 74th annual holiday parade and will be hosted on November 21, 2020. Find more pictures and a list of the winning floats at chillicothenews.com
BUTCH SHAFFER/CT PHOTOS
Learn More >>

Even when Christmas was still a month away, volunteers at 55 & GO JOY TOYS Project had been hard at work all year. Recently, the volunteers hosted a three-day distribution event for area families in need of assistance with Christmas gifts. The project began in 1984 and has helped thousands of children and families over the years. Volunteers collect donations year-round, then work to make sure they are in good shape and in working order before the annual distribution days. Parents or grandparents are allowed to pick from an array of donated gifts like bikes, books, puzzles, games, dolls and more. Donations are accepted year-round. Call 660-646-0010 or stop by the 55 & GO office at 440 Locust Street for more info.
Angie Talken/CT Photo
Learn More >>

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Simpson Park in Chillicothe. Community members are invited to see the dazzling display as the lights and decorations which were turned on for the first time this season at 5:30 p.m. on November 23 at Simpson Park. Santa was the guest of honor with time to visit with each child. Horse-drawn sleigh rides went on throughout the evening. Families may walk or drive through the park to view the lights. Festival of Lights is made possible each year through the donations of Chillicothe and area individuals, businesses, and foundations. Donations may be dropped in the Festival of Lights donation box at Simpson Park or mailed to Festival of Lights, P.O. Box 1032, Chillicothe, MO.
Learn More >>

The Veterans Memorial Plaza on the south side of the Livingston County Courthouse now includes a black granite bench that has been dedicated in honor and in memory of all military veterans. The bench was the Eagle Scout project of Dalton Ripley who planned, organized, led, and managed the project from the initial concept to its dedication on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Ripley extended appreciation to the Livingston County Commission for working with him and allowing him to place the bench on the courthouse grounds and to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for permitting the placement of the bench adjacent to the Veterans Memorial. Ripley is a member of Boy Scout Troop 120 and a junior at Chillicothe High School.
Learn More >>