EMINENCE, Mo. -- Ozark National Scenic Riverways will celebrate the holiday season with special open house events at Van Buren and Eminence in December.
A Christmas Open House will be held at our Van Buren Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The official park Christmas tree will feature traditional, old fashioned Ozark ornaments made by the Van Buren and East Carter third grade students. Handwritten stories about the students' favorite Ozark Christmas traditions will also be on display for visitors to enjoy. The Visitor Center is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren. For more information please contact Ranger Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806 or cathy_runge@nps.gov.
An Ozark Christmas Celebration will take place at Alley Spring from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The historic Alley Mill, Storys Creek School and General Store will all be decorated in the holiday fashion. Alley Mill will be open during the event and will feature Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments created by the fourth grade classes from local schools. Take home the memory by creating your own unique traditional tree ornament. Bring the family and sip hot chocolate while listening to traditional Christmas music. Ole Saint Nick himself might even stop by and join in the festivities. Alley Spring is located six miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information please contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945 or josh_chilton@nps.gov.
An Akers Holiday Celebration will be held at the Mt. Zion Church from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. Music will be provided and people with a connection to the Akers community will have an opportunity to share holiday stories from long ago. All are invited to attend and learn more about Christmas celebrations on the Current River. Items for a special display about the Akers Community will be provided by the Shannon County Museum. Those attending are encouraged to bring a special ornament and a memory (picture or story) to share. Bring your favorite holiday treat and enjoy refreshments, music and a short program about past holidays along the Current River. Mt. Zion Church is located approximately one-half mile north of Akers Ferry on State Route K in northern Shannon County. For more information, please contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093 or dave_tobey@nps.gov.