The Town of Roland has several events planned for this holiday season. Annual holiday events for the Town of Roland have been scheduled and everyone in the community is encouraged to participate.

House Lighting

A Christmas House Lighting Contest will begin Dec. 1. Judges are looking at small, medium and large display categories. Judging will be Dec. 15 and winners will be contacted and an award presentation will be made after Dec. 15. There is no charge to enter the contest and registration forms must be turned in by noon on Dec. 15.

Keith Wasson, Roland Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) president, said there were 10 or 12 contestants during last year’s contest.

“I’m hoping more will enter this year.”

Applications can be picked up and turned in at First National Bank in Roland, National Bank of Sallisaw in Roland and the Eastern Times-Register. Forms will also be available on line at www.rolandchamber.com.

Cherokee Nations Entertainment LLC is sponsoring this year’s awards and cash prizes will be presented to the winners. Cash prizes for the winners are $150 for best large display, $100 for best medium display and $75 for best small display.

Tree Lighting

The Town of Roland and the RACC will hold the second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Lions Park in Roland. Roland Public School choir will sing Christmas carols. The Cherokee Nations Entertainment LLC group will be passing out free hot drinks.

Parade, party in Park

The annual Roland Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park with Santa will be held at 12 p.m. Dec. 12.

“This year the parade will begin at the Roland Shopping Center and proceed to the Lions Park behind the Roland Town Hall, next to the Roland swimming pool,” Greg Wilson, Roland town administrator, said.

Wilson said the grand marshal will be the Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Wilson is expecting this to be one of the largest parades Roland has had. Parking space will be available in local business’ parking lots.

The Roland Public School Marching Band will be performing Christmas music, The Roland Volunteer Fire Department will be handing out Christmas candy.

Wilson said after the Christmas parade Christmas in the Park will begin. Everyone will be treated to free events. Bounce Arounds will be available for children, Christmas cookie decorating, Christmas caroling and a Christmas video will be shown.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be at the Lions Park to visit with all the boys and girls and be taking free pictures.

Several area churches will be caroling throughout the day and the Living Waters Church of Roland will provide free hot drinks. Roland Area Chamber of Commerce will provide free cold drinks and Cherokee Nations Entertainment LLC will provide free hot dogs.

Also the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department will have a Christmas Train at the park providing free rides.

Anyone interested in entering the parade can complete a parade registration form, which is available at First National Bank in Roland, National Bank of Sallisaw in Roland, and at the Eastern Times-Register. Registration forms are also available on the chamber Web site at www. rolandchamber. com.

Wasson said there were 105 contestants entered in last year’s parade and he is expecting more entries this year.

Deadline for turning in registration forms is Dec. 11. For additional information or questions call Wasson, at (479) 651-0321.