The annual Roland Christmas Parade and A Day in the Park with Santa will be held Saturday.

Jaci Pitts, one of the organizers of the Christmas events, said the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce is being assisted this year by the Quality of Life Vision Area of the Roland Strategic Planning Committee.

“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,” Pitts said.

The parade line up will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Pitts said, and the parade will begin at noon. Parade participants must enter the shopping center from Roland Road at the entrance by Dollar General store.

“The parade will end at the park and other Christmas activities will take place at the park from after the parade until 4 p.m.,” Pitts said.

She said the parade will have three competition categories — open, non profit and antique cars. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three placers in each category. First place will receive $250, second place will receive $150 and third place will receive $50.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Cherokee Casino — Roland for sponsoring the cash payouts for the Christmas parade,” Pitts said. “The winners will be announced at the park at 1:30 p.m. There will be no entry fee for the parade.”

Pitts said anyone who wants to be in the parade should contact her at National Bank at (918) 427-5551.

The Christmas park activities will include caroling by area churches and schools and free hot dogs and refreshments. A Christmas train will be available to give rides to children, a bounce around will be open, Christmas cookie decorating will be available, and Mrs. Claus will be reading stories for the children.

Santa Claus is scheduled to make a special appearance so that area children may tell him their Christmas wishes.