By: Joshua Danker-Dake | Category: Other | Issue: November 2007
Betty Calley, Kayla Parnell and Janet Sherwood are organizing this year’s Jingle Bell Sweepstakes.
Many events are held annually in Sapulpa to get the community in the holiday spirit. This year is no exception. From the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes and Lights On to the Holiday Stroll, fun is in store for both children and adults.
The widely-popular Jingle Bells Sweepstakes is here at last. Why is it such an anticipated event among the Sapulpa community? Every year, a lucky winner is awarded $10,000. The Jingle Bell Sweepstakes is in its ninth year and has over 100 participating businesses. Playing is simple. All one has to do is shop at participating Sapulpa merchants from November 3 through December 15. Shoppers earn tickets for their purchases, and each ticket is then entered into the grand prize drawing.
On December 15, shoppers can gather up all their tickets and bring them to the Creek County Courthouse, located at 222 E. Dewey in Sapulpa, for the cash drawing at 1 p.m. In addition to the grand prize of $10,000, three prizes of $1,000 and two prizes of $500 will be given away. Santa himself and a photographer will be on Martha’s Corner from 9 a.m. to noon to capture the Christmas spirit in both adults and children. Be sure not miss out on the excitement. Shoppers must be present to win.
“This is a fun and festive event,” says Janet Sherwood, director of Sapulpa Main Street. “We play Christmas music, and people come out and have a good time.”
The Jingle Bells Sweepstakes began as a downtown event and has grown to include all of Sapulpa. “Our mission with the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes is to keep sales tax dollars in Sapulpa for the holidays,” says Sherwood. “It’s also a great way for our businesses to give back to the community. It’s a lot of fun. Everyone likes to show up and take their chances.”
KOTV’s Lori Fullbright will add to the excitement of the Jingle Bells Sweepstakes as this year’s master of ceremonies. Fullbright is an Emmy-winning anchor from The News on 6.
Lights On, another Sapulpa favorite, will be held November 15. The community is invited to come out and see dazzling downtown Sapulpa and get a head start on Christmas shopping. The entire area will be covered in Christmas lights for a magical effect. Santa will make a stop at this event, too. This time it will be at the courthouse gazebo.
“Lights On has such a great atmosphere,” says Sherwood. “It’s a special kind of event. It’s a lot better than going to the mall to shop.”
Kids can get involved with a penny drive to help buy the lights for Lights On. “Elementary schools will be participating,” says Sherwood. “They’ll compete for our traveling trophy. They’ll also compete between grade levels within their schools. This is great because kids take ownership, and they feel like part of the community. They help make downtown beautiful.”
“There’s a lot of community support for the lights,” says Sherwood. We get a lot of volunteer help, as well. Lights On is a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
The Holiday Stroll will be held again this year, as well. Back by popular demand, it will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on two nights: December 6 and 13. Santa will be taking pictures with guests on Martha’s Corner. There will be carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate and Christmas music. “This event has a very old-fashioned feel to it,” says Sherwood.
During the Holiday Stroll, businesses will have extended hours, as well as treats. Many will be hosting sales. With businesses open late, this is a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done.
“We’re also having a window decorating contest,” says Sherwood. “Cash prizes will be given out to the winners. People really do a good job with this, and we want to reward them.”
Given the number of appearances Santa is making in Sapulpa this year, it is a wonder he has time for anything else. Come on down to any or all of these events and enjoy yourself. For information on all the Sapulpa Main Street events or for information on sponsorship or volunteering, visit www.sapulpamainstreet.com or call (918) 224-5709.
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