Christmas Parade 2024 - “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas” – Elf on the Shelf theme! Saturday, December 7. Line up begins at 5:30 p.m., the parade will begin at 6 p.m.
The parade will remain on its regular route, from Grand Street (line up), to Franklin Street (east), down MacArthur, and ending on 4th street near the courthouse. The construction area will be well lit and marked off. Please still use precaution on Fourth Street.
Grand Marshals of the 2024 Christmas Parade are Mike and Dianne Godi.
“We couldn’t be more excited to recognize Mike and Dianne Godi, and all the good that they do within our community. Their hearts for service and of gratitude truly shine! Members in the community like this help it to thrive, and we are so thankful,” said a release from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Godis spent most of their childhood growing up in the St. Louis area. Dianne moved to Salem with her family in 1986. Mike moved his business and family to Salem in 1998. Together their share seven adult children and enjoy 11 wonderful grandchildren.
The Godis enjoy being involved in our community, continued the release.
“They are most proud of the Dent County Toy Drive that they lead. Through donations and a yearly fundraising event “Christmas in July", they, along with volunteers, provide Christmas gifts for over 200 Dent County children.
“Salem should be proud! The toy drive has been supported by our community for over 40 years. We are honored and blessed to be able to continue this tradition by supporting such a worthwhile cause for the children of Dent County," shared Dianne.
Dianne retired from Salem Memorial Hospital after almost 30 years as a medical laboratory technician. She now runs the office for Godi’s Excavating and volunteers in the community. The toy drive is number one, but she also serves on the board for Salem Area Community Betterment Association, Scenic Rivers Industries, Enrichment Services, and Healthy Dent County.
Mike has operated an excavation company for over 40 years. He currently serves as president of the Dent County Fire District Board of Directors and Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. He also enjoys helping with Love Thy Neighbor and Spring Creek Garden Club.
When they have spare time, Dianne enjoys pottery and canning while Mike enjoys gardening and working on the farm. Most of all they enjoy spending time with their family.
Other events this weekend include:
• ONCRC will host Trees & Trains, until Dec. 23. Open hours are Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• American Legion Post 99 will host Merry Christmas with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the Post on Highway 32. Everyone welcome is welcome. There will be a candy bar, crafts, drawings, and much more.
• CHRISTMAS FEST Art Show and Sale with the Ozark Heritage Artisans, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center (behind the ONCRC). Shop for unique handcrafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists. There will be demonstrations, free snacks and a free kid’s craft table, an elementary art show, and a holiday door prize.
• Keeping Christmas at Home is Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m. at Salem Upper Elementary School. It is a craft and vendor fair with dozens of vendors, pictures with Santa, and more. The event is sponsored by the Dent County Dreamsicles Polar Plunge Team for Special Olympics.
Watch for other event announcements at thesalemnewsonline.com and in the printed editions of The Salem News, each Tuesday.
