The parade march begins in Roland and Sallisaw Saturday.
The Roland Christmas parade will begin at noon Saturday. The theme of this year's parade is "Embracing Simple Blessings." Those in the parade will line up at 11 a.m. at Roland School.
For more information about the parade, contact Jaci Pitts or Ella Redden at (918) 427-5551 or by fax at (918) 427-5545.
The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce conducts Sallisaw's Christmas parade.
Judy Martens, chamber executive vice president, said the parade and Santa's Workshop will be held Saturday. Martens said the theme of this year's parade is similar to Roland's - "Christmas 2005: Embracing Simple Blessings."
"The theme was chosen due to the fact that so many people throughout this region have lost everything due to natural disasters," Martens said.
Martens said the parade will line up at 5 p.m. and begin at 5:30 p.m., following the usual route east on Cherokee Avenue. Cash prizes or services will be given to the top three places in each category, business, schools and non-profits or civic organizations.
Santa's Workshop will be held at the chamber following the parade. Santa's Workshop booths offer games with prizes or candy, make-and-take ornaments, face painting, T-shirt painting, etc. The workshop will run from about 6:30 to 8 p.m., Martens said.
For more information on the parade or Santa's workshop telephone 775-2558. Martens said there is no admission charge to Santa's Workshop.
She said, "The event is intended to bring smiles to the faces of all children in this community."
Other communities planning parades are Vian, Gore and Muldrow. Marble City is also planning a parade on Dec. 10.
The Vian Lions Club's 26th annual Christmas Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 8.
Rhonda Hutson, Lions Club member, said the theme of this year's parade is "Songs of Christmas."
Hutson said this year's parade will offer a variety of prizes in several categories. The grand prize float will receive $100 and a trophy, and the honorable-mention float will receive $50 and a trophy. Plaques will be given to the best band, best car or truck, best 4-wheeler, best 2-wheeler, best animal, and best clown.
Hutson said the lineup will be at 5:30 p.m. and judging will take place at 5:45 p.m. The parade will begin at 6 p.m.
Entries should be submitted to Seth Reed, parade chairman, at 36204 S. 552 Rd., Vian, Okla. 74962.
Gore's Christmas parade, with the theme "Back to the 50s, Celebrating 50 Years of Christmas," will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 10.
Judy Merrill, one of the parade organizers, said trophies will be awarded to the entry demonstrating the Best Theme, Best of Show, to the first, second and third Best Floats, the Best Motorized Vehicle, the Best Horseman, Best Bicycle, Best Antique Car and Best Entertainment.
For more information contact Merrill at (918) 869-0707, Larry Carter at (918) 489-2072, or Penny Morton at (918) 489-2636.
Muldrow Lions Club members will be sponsoring their annual Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
Marvin Brant, Lions Club member, said the parade theme is "Joy to the World."
This year's parade will feature a float contest with prizes. The first place float will receive $200; second place will receive $100; and third will receive $50. Floats will be judged on originality.
Brant said the parade begins at the east end of Muldrow and travels west along U.S. Highway 64 to the stoplight, then turns right and travels north on old Highway 64 to city hall where parade participants disperse.
Bags of candy and fruit (apples, oranges and candy bars) will be handed out along the route.
Brant said, "Santa may also be spotted!"
State Rep. Glen "Bud" Smithson will be the parade grand marshal.
Those who want to enter the parade may register at Tim's Movie Store, 209 E. Shawntel Smith Blvd, Muldrow, or call (918) 427-7565 by Dec. 3.
Brant said, "Let's make this one the best yet!"
