Participate in PSO Christmas Parade of Lights

This year marks the 19th Annual PSO Christmas Parade of Lights, and what better way to show your community spirit than to participate in the parade?

It’s almost time for Christmas! Well, not exactly, but if your business or organization wishes to participate in the 2008 PSO Christmas Parade of Lights, it is time to submit a parade participant application.

This year marks the 19th Annual PSO Christmas Parade of Lights, and what better way to show your community spirit than to participate in the parade? This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m.

The Annual PSO Parade of Lights is one of the most highly attended parades in the state of Oklahoma. It attracts approximately 30,000 on-street spectators each year, in addition to over 100,000 viewers watching the parade on KTUL News Channel 8.  

This special night is filled with holiday enchantment as Tulsans pack downtown streets to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Participation is a great way to promote your business or organization, foster employee morale, support downtown and enjoy the holiday season.

Parade applications are available for floats, marching bands and specialty units. Opportunities also exist for giant helium balloon sponsorships, which are a great way to promote your organization while you send holiday cheer soaring through the streets of downtown. Other sponsorship options are available as well.

Participating floats will be eligible to win several awards. Float judging takes place on the Friday evening before the parade. Trophies are presented immediately before the parade begins, and winners are featured on the KTUL News Channel 8 live local broadcast as they travel through the parade route. Winners are also announced in the Tulsa World.

Some of last year’s winners include Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Association for Best of Show, Tulsa Public Schools for Best Use of Lights, and Catoosa’s Disciple United Methodist Church for Most Creative.

There is also once again the opportunity for participating high school bands to win a cash award. Last year, for the first time, the parade held a marching band competition for high school bands. The award for the Best Small Division Band went to Tulsa’s Memorial High School band, and Best Large Division Band was awarded to the Bixby High School band.  

The NEO college marching band was also an exciting addition last year as the only college band that participated in the parade. Parade organizers hope to see an increase in local marching band participation.

Specialty unit applications are available for dance squads, drill teams, animal groups, clowns, and horse drawn carriages. Some of last year’s festive entries included the Express Personnel Clydesdales and the Patti Parrish School of Dance Company.

A helium balloon sponsorship is a grand way to participate in the parade. Become a brilliant holiday memory while making a spectacular statement about your company or organization. Spectators can’t help but be impressed by the same type of balloons that have made the Macy’s and Marshall Field’s parades famous.

Last year’s helium-filled fun included a giant gingerbread man, a snowman ornament, and a rocking horse. These remarkable balloons, sponsored by Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Burggraf Restoration, and Connor & Winters, were delightful additions to the annual appearance by PSO’s high flying Louie the Lightning Bug balloon.

Parade participant applications and sponsorship agreements must be turned in by Friday, October 10. For applications, balloon sponsorship details or more information, please visit www.tulsadowntown.org or call Downtown Tulsa Unlimited at (918) 583-2617. Make sure to be a part of this joyful holiday celebration!

For more information, contact

Downtown Tulsa Unlimited 

(918) 583-2617

www.tulsadowntown.org