Based on last year’s parade attendance estimates, Kingfisher’s Holly Jolly Christmas celebration is shaping up to be a repeat of the biggest tourist event of the year.

More than 10,000 people filled the streets of downtown for last year’s parade and fi reworks display, but that’s not all that’s on tap for local fun this weekend.

Work Up an Appetite

The Rudolph Romp 5K and Fun Run, raising money for Kingfisher Winter Nights, begins at 9 a.m. at Kingfi sher Park.

Once you’ve got your blood pumping, you can check out the...

Bargains Galore

The annual Winterfest craft and gift show is open at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a chicken noodle lunch and other concessions.

Kristy Lyn’s Flowers & Gifts at the Center of Family Love will be holding a holiday open house during the same hours.

Downtown merchants also will be open for business prior to the parade with lots of great Christmas shopping bargains. (Main Street parking will be blocked off beginning Friday night, but side street parking will still be available.)

Other downtown activities include photos with Santa by Russell Stitt Photography inside Century 21 Goodyear Green, just north of City Hall, from 2-4 p.m. and food trucks serving up tasty treats beginning at 4 p.m.

If you’re ready for a rest before the parade, check out the matinée schedule at 89er Theatre, featured in an ad elsewhere in this edition.

Holly, Jolly Christmas

The lighted parade begins at 6 p.m.

A committee comprised of Chamber of Commerce representatives and city employees have been meeting all year to ensure this year’s event runs as smoothly and safely as possible.

Barricades will be in place to extend the parade viewing area to include the parallel parking spaces as well as the sidewalks.

Additional handicapped reserved parking spaces will be available on Main and Admire Avenues and parking also will be available in lots east and west of Main Street.

For safety, no vehicles will be permitted within the fi reworks staging area, which encompasses the block of Main Street between Robberts and Sykes Avenues, extending to the alley on either side.

That no-parking zone includes the employee parking lot north of Pioneer Telephone Cooperative’s headquarters building.

Parking behind Banc-First and the old Methodist Church building also is reserved for parade vehicles only.

Enough rules, already. Now for the fun part.

This year’s parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, Chamber Manager Shauna Rupp said.

Parade marshal is Dorma Hobbs, whose generous donation kick-started a fundraising campaign to fi nance construction of the new visitor center.

Mrs. Hobbs will lead colorful, musical, festive procession overflowing with floats, bands, classic cars, dancers, prancers and Christmas clowns, all adorned with twinkling lights.

“Our parade roster is full and running over this year,” Rupp said. “And, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus have our parade on their annual schedule and they’ll be here too.”

Thanks to generous sponsors, cash prizes will be awarded to the top entries.

Holiday hearts also will be thumping to the beat of a mass high school band, comprised of Kingfi sher, Cash-ion, Hennessey, Okarche and Cimarron bands.

Like the 4 ^th of July

It may have started as a way to use up some fi reworks from a rained out July 4, but the now annual post-parade fi reworks has become a premiere holiday event.

Spectators are encouraged to spill into Main Street for the best view of the choreographed pyrotechnics, sponsored by Lu-Greg Trucking and Wheeler Bros. Grain Co.

The Night’s Not Over

After the fi reworks, it’s not time to go home.

Grab a hot meal at one of the local restaurants and get in line for a magical ride through Kingfi sher Winter Nights.

At the season opening night last Saturday for the lighted Christmas displays at Kingfisher Park, nearly 300 vehicles made the trip through the park.

But that was just a soft opening for this weekend, when nearly 800 cars are expected, based on previous attendance records.

Crank up some Christmas tunes on your car stereo and settle in for a worthwhile wait in line, or park your car and hop on the train for a different view.

The event is open until 10 p.m.

Sunday Cool Down

Keep your Christmas spirit flowing Sunday with other holiday events.

Local artist Kathryn Leitner is hosting a Christmas open house at her studio at 11809 E. 790 Road from 1-5 p.m.

In addition to framed originals, Leitner will have unframed prints and note-cards available for purchase with her award-winning western-themed artwork.

Friends of the Heart in Okarche is also hosting its annual holiday tour of homes and cookie sale from 4-6 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 on tour day and can be purchased at Bauernhaus, Krittenbrink Pharmacy, First Bank of Okarche and Community National Bank.

Homes on this year’s tour include:

•Dan Bomhoff and Rudy Torrez, 15845 N. Reformatory Road.

•Janelle Grellner, 621 N. 48th St. Northwest.

•Warren and Kim Ahlden, 30155 N. 2830 Road.

Cookies and tickets can be purchased the day of the event at Community National Bank.