By Cathy Spaulding
Area communities have a variety of ways to march into the Christmas spirit.
Wagoner seeks to tell the Good News. Fort Gibson will top its massive tree with an angel. Tahlequah goes to the movies. Okay plans a new old-fashioned parade.
The Wagoner Christmas parade steps out first with its parade, “Let the Whole World Know,” on Thursday.
Wagoner Chamber of Commerce Director Meredith Zehr said she expects more than 70 entries, including floats and marching bands.
“I know we have nine bands,” she said. “We have two from Wagoner, Stilwell, Oologah, Inola, Kansas, Oktaha and the Tulsa Pipes and Drums.”
As for floats, Zehr said, “a lot of churches have neat floats, just about every church in Wagoner will have one.”
She said this year’s theme is about “letting the world know about Jesus’ birth.”
Some bands will do a lot of marching Saturday.
Muskogee will have its first afternoon parade Saturday with the theme, “O’ Christmas Tree.” Grand marshal will be two-time former Muskogee City Manager C. Clay Harrell, who founded A More Beautiful Muskogee.
Checotah has its Christmas parade later that afternoon. The theme will be whatever people want, said Wilma Hays, office manager of the Checotah Chamber of Commerce.
“People can decorate their float in any manner they want,” she said, anticipating as many as 50 entries.
Hays said she expects several high school bands and most area volunteer fire departments.
Fort Gibson’s Christmas Parade is set for Monday night, following the lighting of the community Christmas tree. The tree will be topped with an angel made by costume designer Bette Bradley of Uniforms of Antiquity.
Okay’s parade, set for Dec. 12, is the town’s first, said Mustang Grill owner Jamie Ellis, who is helping to plan the event. The theme of the parade is “Old Time Country Christmas.” State Rep. Wade Rousselot will be grand marshal.
“We have just over 25 entries so far,” Ellis said.
After the parade, people can decorate the community Christmas tree, located in front of City Hall, she said. “People can bring their own ornaments.”
The parade is one of several community activities Okay has going on through the year, Ellis said. “We are just trying to do things to keep the kids in town.”
Area parades
• Wagoner Christmas Parade — 7 p.m. Thursday, Cherokee to Main Street, left on Church to the United Methodist Church. Theme: “Let the Whole World Know.”
• Downtown Muskogee Christmas Parade — 1 p.m. Saturday, beginning at Muskogee Civic Center. Theme: O, Christmas Tree! Clay Harrell, grand marshal.
• Checotah Christmas Parade — 4 p.m. Saturday, downtown Checotah, sponsored by Checotah Chamber of Commerce. Grand marshals are veterans of recent history. The lighting of the Christmas tree will be at 5:30 p.m. in Pocket Park.
• Fort Gibson Parade — 7 p.m. Monday, following the 6:30 p.m. Christmas tree lighting.
• Tahlequah’s “A Christmas in Cinema” — 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Schools, churches, businesses and other groups will show off their floats and compete for the Santa's Choice award.
• Okay Old-Country Christmas Parade — 4 p.m. Dec. 12.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email
