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The Checotah Chamber of Commerce and the City of Checotah went all out this year lighting up the town, so of course the theme of their holiday lighted parade on Dec. 2 was “All I Want for Christmas.” This was Checotah’s second annual lighted parade and one of their longest lighted parades to date. It definitely was a cold one with wind chills in the 20’s. However, everyone was wrapped up in blankets as lighted floats, Jeeps, participants and spectators were lining the streets an hour before the parade began in anticipation. The Checotah PD and the local Boys Scouts led the parade, along with the Class of Checotah, the Checotah Color Guard and all their Mini Guard members following.
Of course the Shriners were present with clowns wanting kisses to clowns on bikes and in cars doing wheelies. Children of all ages were full of excitement as float after float
See PARADE, page A3 lit up the downtown area and parade participants tossed out candy on the streets for the kids.
The floats were spectacular this year. In fact, some of the best Checotah has ever seen with elves, hippopotamuses, the Grinch and more. There were 17 floats entered into the Chamber’s competition and even more individuals and organizations. Winners of the float competition were: 1st place – The City of Checotah 2nd place – Unique Touch 3rd Place – Wood Co. Outdoor Living There were also several churches with lighted crosses saying All I Want for Christmas is Jesus and school organizations singing “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Of course Santa brought up the rear as he rode in on a local firetruck. One of many that joined the parade.
After the parade, town folk packed out Veterans Park to get their lucky ticket for the Shop Checotah drawings and to see the Color Guard and Mini Guard perform. Over $5,000 in Checotah Bucks and prizes was given out with several people winning $100 and $250 in Checotah Bucks to be spent at participating local businesses. One lucky winner, Bob Winkle, walked away with $500 in Checotah Bucks.
Hot cocoa and cookies were served by Checotah Perk and Santa stopped by for pictures in the park with the children.
