December 2022 Events

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Upcoming Events Occurring in Pulaski County, MO

Pulaski County USA Signature Events Notated in Red

December 1st thru Jan 3rd: Christmas Lights at Devils Elbow Bridge and Community – Displays on from dusk to dawn. A free event and must see for all who love Route 66 and love Christmas light displays! All ages are sure to enjoy this bridge and community lit up in full display, perfect for that one of a kind picture! It’s a pure deLIGHT to see!

Thursday, December 1st: Christmas on The Square – 6 pm to 9 pm A free event including food, drinks, Christmas music, living nativity and giveaways from many different organizations. Christmas pictures with the Grinch & Santa also available, and holiday vendors selling goods. Located on the Historic Square in Waynesville, MO 65583

Saturday, December 3rd: Winter Ball – 5 pm to 8 pm Dancing, Food, Raffles, Silent Auction and Live Music presented by Pulaski County Voice benefiting those in Pulaski County with developmental disabilities. Event at the Ark, 25625 Hwy 17 in Waynesville, MO 65583

Sunday, December 4th: Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade – beginning at 2 pm Celebrate the holiday season with the “Songs of Christmas” this year’s parade theme. Parade begins at Waynesville Middle School and concludes at the Historic Square in downtown Waynesville, MO 65583

Sunday, December 4th: Holiday in the Park – 3 pm to 6 pm Continue to celebrate the holiday season at the St. Robert Community Center immediately after the Kiwanis Parade with free soups, drinks and snacks (while supplies last.) Christmas activities, music & vendor booths too!  114 J H Williamson Jr. Drive in Saint Robert, MO 65584

December 8th thru 26th: Light Up Pulaski County– Holiday Lights Celebration and Contest. Grab your family, friends, or coworkers and follow the holiday lights tour throughout Pulaski County, making memories along the way. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite holiday tunes!

Friday, December 9th: PJ’s & Pancakes – 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Get your jammies on and go have pancakes for dinner and see Santa! Reindeer games, holiday crafts, activities, and movies and be sure to bring your camera to snap a pic with Santa!  Free event at Waypoint Methodist Church at 301 Hwy T in Waynesville, MO 65583

December 9th thru 11th & 16th thru 18th – Anne of Green Gables presented by Pulaski Fine Arts Association Fri. & Sat. showtimes begin at 7:30 PM and Sun. showtimes begin at 2:30 pm. Live show at Theater on the Square at 312 Historic Route 66 E. in Waynesville, MO 65583

December 9th & 10th Journey to Bethlehem – 5 pm to 9 pm Free guided walking tours through this Living Nativity Scene and Old Towne Bethlehem, presented by Crocker Christian Church 16200 Highway 17 South in Crocker, MO 65452

December 17th: Squirrel Tournament by the Fallen Outdoors – Hunting anywhere begins at first light and weigh in is at 3 pm. Snacks, raffles and weigh in at Storiebook Moments 25530 Republic Road in Waynesville, MO 65583

December 17th: Dixon Hometown Christmas – 1 pm to 7 pm Join us in downtown Dixon at Olde Oak Station for a day of shopping with some wonderful vendors and see Santa when he arrives at 4 p.m. Olde Oak Station is located at 300 North Elm Street in Dixon, MO 65459

December 17th: Christmas on Main Street – 5 pm to 7 pm Lighted Christmas Parade begins at 5:30 pm followed with food, drinks, and fun activities, even a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Be sure to drop by the Christmas at the Frisco Depot – 3 pm to 7 pm, in coordination with Christmas on Main Street; they will have a special opening time with museum displays representing the Frisco Railroad in Pulaski County and holiday sweets to share. All events are in downtown Crocker, MO 65452

Reoccurring or Weekly Events

By Appointment Only: Through December 17th Frisco Depot Museum – 109 10th Street in Crocker, MO 65452 Call 573-528-3550 to make an appointment.

December 19th:  FFG Free Donut Run 5K  8 am to 9:30 am – Come RUN, WALK, BIKE, or RUCK this family and stroller friendly 3.1-mile Fun Run at the Roubidoux Park in Waynesville, MO. 65583 Free donuts to follow. This event occurs every third Saturday.

Saturdays: 8 am – 12 pm Pulaski County Farmers Market  – Near Roubidoux Campground in Waynesville, MO 65583

Every Wednesday and Thursday:  BINGO – Begins at 6:30 pm at American Legion Richland Post 240, 1100 N. Pine Street in Richland, MO 65556

Other Community Events

December 10th: Second Saturday Art Show – 9 am to 2 pm Local artisans and Route 66 Community Art Gallery display their works of art for sale. Perfect for gift giving! 26062 Highway 17 Unit D, in Waynesville, MO 65583

December 10th: PJ Party with Santa & Mrs. Claus – 11 am to 1 pm Wear your best Christmas Pajamas (or whatever you would like) and join us for some pictures with Santa! Jessie E. McCully Memorial Library 200 South Pine St. in Dixon, MO 65459

December 17th: Wreaths Across America – 11 am to 12 pm Veterans evergreen wreath laying ceremonies at Missouri Veterans Cemetery – FLW in Waynesville, MO 65583 & Oak Lawn Cemetery in Richland, MO 65556

December 22nd: Christmas Wrapping Party – 1 pm to 7 pm A wrapping party event for the Adopt a Family Program to wrap all the gifts, prepare food baskets and stocking stuffers! There will be raffles, cocoa, snacks and Christmas music! Come join us in giving back to the community! Rendezvous Event Center at 743 Missouri Avenue, Suite. 2 in Saint Robert, MO 65584

December 25th: Christmas Dinner – 12 pm to 2 pm A Community Christmas Meal provided and sponsored by Still Usable Ministries Church and Greater Faith Church. They are offering meals via delivery, carry out, or dinning in. There is no charge for this event; all are welcome to attend a great afternoon of fellowship and fun. Still Usable Ministries Church at 956 Old Route 66 in Saint Robert, MO 65584

Be sure to check out the PulaskiCountyUSA.com community event calendar for additional community events like: Shop Local in PJ’s, Small Business Bingo & 5 year Celebration, COMC Parade Watch Party fit camps, training classes, library events and More!

To add your Pulaski County event to our Event Promotion Program, visit our online calendar 

Be sure to visit our event calendar for upcoming Signature Events, and other community or local events. Click to view our full PulaskiCountyUSA.com calendar.

During these times changes can occur rapidly, contact event planner to confirm event details before attending!

Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving

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The following restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day in Pulaski County, Missouri.

OPEN Thanksgiving Day

Cracker Barrel – 128 Saint Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert  – 573-336-7273 – Open 7.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m. Carry-out catering is also available.

The Hub German Restaurant – 777 VFW Memorial Drive, Saint Robert – 573-336-9990 – Open 10.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Please call for Reservations and Carry out Orders, Full menu will also be available.

Route 66 Diner – 126 Saint Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert – 573-336-8989 – Open 7.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.

Ruby Tuesday – 135 Saint Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert – 573-336-5140 -Open 11.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m. Carry-out catering is also available.

Waffle House – 321 Highway Z, Saint Robert – 573-336-4331 -Open 24 Hours

28 Shots Bar & Grill – 13850 Highway 28, Dixon – 573-917-4280 – Annual FREE Thanksgiving Day feast! Snacks will be served at noon and a full meal will be served at 4.00 p.m. Refreshments will be served all day!! Want to bring a dish? Desserts are always needed! Need a ride? Let us know!! Calling all service members not going home, this is a place for you!!!

Ichiban Japanese Grill – 240 Marshall Drive, Suite 8, Saint Robert  – 573-336-5036 -Open 11.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

B & B Patriot Grill – 1200 GW Lane Street, Waynesville – 573-774-6533 – Open during movie times.  Regular menu.

JCJ’s Place – 948 Old Route 66, Saint Robert – 573-855-7360 – Open 6 a.m.-11.00 a.m. Limited breakfast menu.

For information regarding Fort Leonard Wood dining options for service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of Defense ID cardholders, Gold Star families, retirees, and their families. Visit the Guidon new article

Catering Options

Price Cutter Plus 300 Ichord Avenue, Waynesville – 573-774-8489

Calls were made to 100+ area restaurants between 11/8-11/22. If your business is open for Thanksgiving dinner, and not on the list, please email Mitzi at mitzis@pulaskicountyusa.com

New Businesses in Pulaski County – November

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We like to think of Pulaski County as a cool community in the Ozarks. We have friendly and welcoming communities, with thriving downtowns and lots of fun opportunities. The Pulaski County Visitors Center is always excited to share information about area businesses, activities, and opportunities with travelers and locals!

Tater Patch – Fort Leonard Wood

Hungry for something new on post to eat?  Tater Kegs are on the menu as an appetizer.  They are deep fried seasoned mashed potatoes that are formed in the shape of kegs and covered with queso cheese, bacon, chives, and cajun seasonings!  They are to die for!  Baked potatoes – with either pulled pork, buffalo chicken, chicken pot pie, and loaded baked potatoes!!  Catfish baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, and sides!  Come on down to Food Court at the Main PX!!

Image courtesy of Tater Patch

Bowl Gogi – Saint Robert

You can now get your Gogi at their new food truck location on Missouri Avenue!

Tender, savory Bulgogi with rice and/or Japchae with your favorite toppings and your favorite homemade sauce!  Their hours are now Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and you may place your orders online and pick up from 10:10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Also available are Crab Rangoons, Egg Rolls, Yaki Mandu (Potstickers), Butterfly Shrimp, Miso soup, Cucumber Kimchi, and Ramen.

Image courtesy of Bowl Gogi

The Oak Room Lounge – Saint Robert

Do you need a terrific local spot that is swanky and cozy for a great cocktail, a bite to eat, and great conversation? The Oak Room Lounge is the perfect place!  They are located on Missouri Avenue and are open Wednesday – Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 1.00 a.m.  A great place to enjoy!

Image courtesy of The Oak Room Lounge

Calabria Italian Restaurant – Waynesville

OPENING SOON!  The newest restaurant features fine dining Italian cuisine.  Italian classics include chicken, veal, shrimp, mussels, clams, along with pasta.  All entrees come with garlic rolls and salad. Pizza Neapolitan and desserts!! They add the joy of the best taste to your favorite food.  The restaurant will feature fine dining and are located at the former Price Cutter Restaurant.

Image courtesy of Calabria Italian Restaurant

Fitness Court– Waynesville

The new Fitness Court® by National Fitness Campaign is an open-air wellness center that allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout. The court features seven functional training zones, thousands of body weight exercises, and digital programming for adults of all ages and abilities! Created with adults of all ages in mind, the Fitness Court is adaptable for all fitness levels. 

Image courtesy of City of Waynesville

LUXE Med Aesthetics & Wellness – Waynesville

Luxe Med is a premier aesthetic injection and wellness studio. Luxe Med is a  certified, licensed and insured cosmetic injection company that provides professional, safe and personalized wellness services. They provide the best solutions for your aesthetic concerns! Call today and book a free consultation to help you reach your facial rejuvenation goals.

Image courtesy of LUXE Med Aesthetics & Wellness

Olive Branch Clinical Massage Therapy – Waynesville

Olive Branch Clinical Massage Therapy is a professional private practice that specializes in manual therapy and pain management. They primarily work with clients who present with muscle imbalances and dysfunction or those who need post-surgical soft tissue therapy.

Image courtesy of Olive Branch Clinical Massage

Route 66 Community Art Gallery – Buckhorn

The new location for Route 66 Community Art Gallery is located at 26062 Highway 17, Suite D in Buckhorn (south side of Exit 153).  This is where Sterling Wells had his last ‘Hillbilly/Western Store’!  A true community of Route 66 artists from many of the eight states that comprise the Mother Road!  We are excited to visit the new gallery! This is the start of something NEW!! 

Image courtesy of Route 66 Community Art Gallery

Opening a business in Pulaski County? Please visit our Industry Login section of PulaskiCountyUSA.com to learn more about the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau programs available to area partners, or email us at email@pulaskicountyusa.com to schedule an appointment.

Veterans Day & Weekend Activities

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Pulaski County Veterans Day activities begin November 9th, at 3PM during Vietnam Era Commemoration Pinning Ceremony presented by the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri AUSA Chapter located at the VFW Post 3176, (17305 Superior Road Saint Robert, MO).  The Commemoration is providing Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins to Commemorative Partners for dignified public presentations to U.S. military veterans, living at home or abroad, who served during the Vietnam War period as a lasting memento.

November 10th, beginning at 12 am, the ASYMCA  Field of Heroes tribute located at the USO Chimney and Historical Monument (403 VFW Memorial Drive, St. Robert) if a must-stop along Missouri Ave.  Flags are arranged in the style of Arlington National Cemetery, with each flag recognizing a specific hero in the sponsor’s life.   If you want to recognize a hero in your life, visit the ASYMCA Sponsorship page to learn more.  The display is available for viewing thru November 13th at 10 am. The public is invited to walk through the Field of Heroes, and photos are permitted.

November 11th at 11 am the Waynesville-St Robert Chamber of Commerce,  Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade will be held in Waynesville. The Parade will depart at 11:30 am from the Waynesville Middle School Parking Lot, travel east along Historic Route 66, and end in Downtown Waynesville.  The communities will also be honoring Veteran of the Year, Edward Conley.

From 5 pm to 6 pm the City of Crocker invites the public to the  Paul Akers Jr. Bridget Dedication, Parking is available at the Crocker Christian Church North Parking Lot. (16200 MO-17, Crocker MO)  This Bridge Dedication Ceremony is honoring Fireman Apprentice Paul Akers, Jr., U.S. Navy, who while serving on the eighth vessel to bear the name U.S.S. Enterprise, the United States’ first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, died as a result of fighting a fire on the deck of the historic ship on January 14th, 1969.

While in the area for these special events, incorporate the American Hero’s Tour.  This self-guided tour highlights community veteran memorials and tributes throughout the county.  Reflect on those veterans that have passed at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery and fountain.  And browse the artwork at the Freedom Rock and Military Tribute.

City of St. Robert Patriotic Welcome
St. Robert MO Freedom Rock

The John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex, will be closed Friday due to the federal holiday but is available to tour Monday-Thursday 8-4, and Saturday 9-3.  Access the installation by processing through the Main Gate Visitors Center.  Learn more about the history of Fort Leonard Wood by accessing the Historic Fort Leonard Wood Driving Tour which will guide you to the museum complex.

Make this a relaxing weekend away by booking your overnight stay.  Head over to the City of Crocker to attend the Penaroyal Antiques, Bear Ridge, and Triple Creek Antiques Christmas Open House events scheduled for Friday and Saturday.  Enjoy Saturday morning exploring the Pulaski County Farmers Market and community shops.  Choose an amazing dinner at one of our restaurants, before heading out for the evening with Award Winning Performer Mathew Boyce for “A Night with Elton John”  at the Rendezvous Event Center. Make it a great weekend, in America’s Heartland, Pulaski County, Missouri.

Pulaski County, Missouri Authors, Part 1

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As cool weather seeps in, it’s the perfect time to slow your roll, wrap up in a cozy blanket, pour yourself a warm cup of coffee, and enjoy the creative works of Pulaski County authors. 

Local authors have written about their experiences, history, and adventures.   Others have works of fiction bringing to life unique characters.   We invite you to stop by local shops to discover the world of Pulaski County authors and stories about our area. Don’t forget, the holidays are here – books make great gifts for friends and family! 

Eclectic Originals – Waynesville, MO

Lone Oak Printing – Waynesville MO

Lost In The Woods Antiques – Waynesville, MO

Pulaski County Visitors Center – St. Robert, MO

Tammy Allen – (Dixon) An educator who has a flourishing career in the field for twenty-five years, has completed her new book, “Hope Grows Elementary”.  This colorful picture book is intended to highlight the friendly atmosphere within the elementary school. Enjoy “The Ozark Gingerman”  while visiting some of the most scenic places in Missouri while chasing an elusive Gingerbread Man!

“Hope Grows Elementary, a fun place to be! Join DeAnn, a third-grade student, as she talks about her principals, Mrs. Shine and Mr. Sharp, and the exciting things they do that make their school one of the best in Missouri.” – Tammy Allen, Author

Ellen Alexander – (Dixon) Retired teacher and author of “The Dinswood Chronicles”, a series of mystery-adventure featuring 12-year-old Emma Higsby and her friends.   Emma is desperate to get away from a home where she no longer feels wanted and she is elated when she wins a scholarship to the prestigious Dinswood Academy boarding school.  Rumors surface that the school is undergoing financial difficulties and she begins to look for ways to save the school and her home. Readers 10+

JB King – (Waynesville) Retired law enforcement officer and author of multiple books related to Civil War history, collections of short stories and a major crime novel during his career with the Missouri Highway Patrol.  “Frozen Tears”, is a terrifying case, also known as the MP Murders, which has haunted the locals and those that worked the case.  “The Stories of Missouri Highway Patrol Volume 1 and II”, will leave you shaking your head and laughing at the capers and situations of JB’s 20-year career in law enforcement.  Nearly 40 years ago JB’s love of history brought to light his first book, “The Tilley Treasure”, a true story of Civil War action in Missouri and the tale of a lost treasure.  “Justice” soon followed, which features seven Civil War Trials with transcripts regarding military tribunals in Missouri.

Books written by JB King
Image courtesy of Author JB King

Luge Hardman – (Waynesville) Retired history teacher and former Mayor of Waynesville, MO.  Shares her story of political adventures in a small Ozark town.  This enjoyable read, “Small-Town Mayor” will leave you snickering, laughing out loud, groaning, and you might even shed a tear or two.  Her second book “Life After Loss” is very touching, consisting of personal interviews of friends that have lost their life partner and how they are adjusting to a new reality.

Image courtesy of Author Luge Hardman

Page Peterson – “Love with a View”, is a work of fiction, taking the reader on the journey of Audrey as she maneuvers life through college, graduating, and love.

Is writing your dream?  Start today!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual, international, creative writing event in which participants commit to writing a 50,000-word novel between November 1st and 30th.   If writing quips your Interest – join the local Facebook group – Roubidoux Writers Society. This is a great group of novice and published authors that gather to support each other on their passion of the written word.

Many do not realize that the Missouri Film Office offers an educational and marketing program that brings to life short films from the Missouri Stories Scriptwriting Fellowship.  Learn more by visiting the links!

Are you a local author? Does your shop sell books by local authors? Email us at email@PulaskiCountyUSA.com and let us know!