McALESTER —
More than 20 entries have registered for Tonight's Christmas parade themed in the Victorian era is scheduled at 7 p.m.
“It was in the Victorian era that we began to celebrate Christmas as we know it,” Director of McAlester Main Street Virginia Webb said. “Including caroling, decorating Christmas trees and exchanging gifts. The theme should result in fantastic floats.”
“We are encouraging a resurgence of floats over vehicles in this year’s parade,” Webb said.
She said floats will be judged for appearance, originality, adherence to theme and difficulty of workmanship.
Those who enter the parade must hand out candy and not throw it from motorized floats and entries to ensure the safety of spectating children.
First prize is $300; second prize is $200; and third prize is $100, she said.
Prizes are awarded courtesy of parade sponsors; the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home and Cable Law Firm.
“In keeping with Victorian ambiance, churches and other groups who do not want to construct floats are encouraged to enter the parade as caroling parties,” she said.
Webb said there will be no fee for caroling entries, but a form is still required.
Webb said many applications to register for the parade are still out, but she already has many entries.
“I have police and fire departments from McAlester and the surrounding area,” she said. “Public officials and other individuals.”
“For lineup, the check-in will be at the C Street entrance to Komar,” Webb said. “Lineup will stretch from there to A Street all the way to Carl Albert Parkway.”
She said the parade route officially begins at Carl Albert Parkway and Main Street. It turns right on Fifth Street and then right on Choctaw Avenue.
The parade ends at Choctaw Avenue and Main Street, Webb said.
“The stage will be at Choctaw Avenue and First Street,” she said. “After the OSU Alumni float passes the stage, it will stop in the Choctaw parking lot to begin photos with Pistol Pete.”
The local chapter of the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Extension Service will be serving hot chocolate and apple cider to those who are taking pictures with Pistol Pete while they wait.
Webb added that MPower will be offering free photos with Santa from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. MPower is asking participants to bring their own cameras or have photos uploaded to facebook.
For entry, Web said to call McAlester Main Street at 918-423-8888.
She said the entry fee is $25, and applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 to the Main Street office at 215 E. Choctaw Ave., Ste. 112.
Contact MJ Brickey by email at mjbrickey@journalist.com.
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