Have Yourself a Merry Little Tea-Off

The Main Street Merchant Association in Broken Arrow will be hosting its 25th  Annual “Tea Off” on the streets of the city’s historic Rose District Thursday, November 15, from 6-9 p.m.

Shops will be decked out for the holiday and offer guests refreshments and an opportunity to start their holiday shopping early with Tea-Off specials and drawings for a chance to win prizes. The festival chairwoman, Patsy Terry of Arrow Flowers, reminisces about past Tea-Offs and loves not only the festive atmosphere, but, “it’s such a good chance to visit with store owners, as well as other attendants. “It’s such a wonderful way to kick off the season and see many old friends who make this event a holiday tradition.”

The vouchers, ranging in denomination from $50 to $500, can be used at any participating Rose District shop. “You can actually start entering to win November 10,” states Patsy, adding that you don’t need to be present to win.

But shopping is only a small part of the festivities. A free trolley will travel the streets, taking attendees from one end of the district to the other. A lighted horse-drawn carriage, fit for a princess, will be available for rides. “Many people have their pictures taken for Christmas cards because it is so majestic,” boasts Patsy. If walking is your choice of transportation on this magical evening, you’ll enjoy the thousands of sparkling lights and holiday music piping from the speakers up and down the district.

Of course, no Christmas would be complete without a visit from Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick himself. “He wanders the street and takes the time to visit with the little ones about their upcoming lists. You never know where you’ll spot him. He seems to appear in the stores, the streets and even the trolley.”

Completing the merry gala is something fairly new to the event . . . a giant ice-skating rink located on the south end at the Farmers Market. “Kids from ages one to 99 enjoy this new addition to the Tea-Off,” explains Patsy. “It just adds to the enchanted atmosphere of the once-a-year evening.”

The event draws nearly 5,000 people each year to the celebrated Rose District.