The Lake West Chamber 10^th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will be taking place this year on November 26^th in Lake of the Ozarks. The Christmas parade starts at 6pm at Central bank, proceeds up Highway 5, and finishes at the Laurie Mall in Laurie.

The Annual Lighted Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Lake West Chamber of Commerce and features a long procession of Christmas themed floats and vehicles that are covered in festive lights and adorned with Christmas decorations. Santa Claus takes pride of place in the middle of the lighted parade, which is tremendously exciting for all the small children and their families who line the side of Highway 5 to watch the lighted parade as it passes slowly by.

Once the lighted parade reaches the end of its journey at the Laurie Terrace Mall, Santa disembarks and heads into his temporary grotto inside the mall. This is the opportunity for all the kids to line up and let Santa know what they would like for Christmas—assuming they have not been naughty and forfeited their chance of a few nice presents! Kids can have their picture taken with Santa in return for a $5 donation benefiting a local Lake of the Ozarks charity.

And once you have spent time seeing Santa, you can take the family for a leisurely stroll around the Laurie Mall and enjoy some Christmas shopping opportunities, followed by a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and food outlets.

If you fancy entering a float in the parade as opposed to just watching, there are awards on offer for the best decorated float in the lighted parade. Further information about the parade or an entry form is available from the Lake West Chamber of Commerce website, or you can telephone the Lake West Chamber direct.

The Christmas Craft Market at the Camden County Museum takes place on November 18^th – 19^th and is a great opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping for gifts. The craft market is open between 9am and 4pm on both days and lunch will be available. There is also designated parking for the event and handicapped access.

There will be lots of craft booths and local artisans selling their arts and crafts on stalls at the Christmas market and you will be able to browse through a wide selection of handmade crafts and gift items made by some of the extremely talented artists living and working in the Lake of the Ozarks area.

The Camden County Museum is home to many specialist crafters in Lake of the Ozarks, including quilters, basket makers, weavers, and fiber arts, so a trip to the Christmas Craft Market at the museum could be your chance to stock up on some fine gifts for the whole family. It will also be a good time to think about buying Christmas wreathes and decorations for your home—and what better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than by visiting a local Christmas Market?

The Camden County Museum is very easy to get to. It is located in the small town of Linn Creek, just off highway 54. The museum closes at the end of October for the winter season, but will be open by special arrangement for the Christmas Craft Market, so if you have yet to visit the historic exhibits related to pioneer life in the Ozarks, you will be able to catch a glimpse of some of the exhibits as you browse through arts and crafts at the Christmas market, which should nicely whet your appetite for a proper visit when the museum reopens in the spring time.

If you go along to the Trophy Room at the Old Kinderhook Resort & Golf Club in Camdenton, Lake of the Ozarks, on November 18^th, you might be forgiven for thinking that the man with the famous raspy voice, Rod Stewart himself, is warbling away in the flesh. But no, unfortunately, the real Rod Stewart is too busy with his supermodel wife to find the time to visit Lake of the Ozarks. However, the Rod Stewart Tribute Show featuring the magnificent Don Audette, is more than worth your time and money.

Rod Stewart tribute act, Don Audette, will be performing all the classic Rod Stewart hits from the American Songbook between 7pm and 10pm at the Old Kinderhook. There will also be an all-American buffet served between 6pm and 8pm, although you are advised to make reservations as the evening is likely to be extremely popular and space limited.

The Rod Stewart Tribute Show features all of the best loved hits from the man famous for songs such as Maggie May, Baby Jane, and Forever Young, plus the songbook stuff featuring covers from the 40s and 50s. You can enjoy a lovely meal in sophisticated surroundings while listening to the distinctive raspy singing voice of a very talented performer. What better way to spend a fine evening at Lake of the Ozarks?

Don’s Rod Stewart Tribute Show has become a popular act in the local area and most people agree that not only does Don sound exactly like Rod Stewart, he is also Rod’s spitting image—indeed, Don is frequently mistaken for Mr. Stewart, so if you happen to be doing some grocery shopping and you suddenly spot Rod Stewart in the frozen food aisle, try not to scream too likely—it is probably Don stocking up on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.