UD Editor Neal A. Johnson was selected to serve as this year’s grand marshal at the Linn Lions Christmas Parade, which will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday with a theme of “Winter Wonderland.” 

Lions Club President Tracy Winslow said Johnson’s involvement in the community for the last 20 years led to his selection.

“Neal does a great job of covering activities in Linn and throughout Osage County,” said Winslow. 

Johnson joined the UD in May 2002 as the sports editor and added news editor to his duties in 2006. He has earned several awards for writing and photography through the Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Johnson is also chairman of the Linn Planning & Zooming Committee, and a member of the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) board of directors. He and his wife, Karima, live in Linn.

The parade will feature marching bands, floats, horses, and Santa, and parade entries must register upon arrival; no pre-registration is not necessary.

Parade participants will enter from 12th Street and line up behind the ballpark grandstand from 12:30 to 1:50. Trailers may be unloaded and parked in the lot owned by Ron Helmig on Lee Street.

Those with classic cars in the parade are asked to line up on Hwy. 50 westbound in front of the St. George Cemetery entrance.

Linn Fire Protection District personnel will be collecting food and money for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry during the parade.

Award plaques will be presented for first, second, and third place for best entry overall.

For more information, call Ron Hoffman at 573-291-8597.