From staff reports The Chickasha Chamber and Visit Chickasha are once again bringing festive cheer to the community with the fifth annual Christmas in July celebration.
Launched in 2020 to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic, Christmas in July has become a tradition here.
This year's festivities kick off with the Parade of Stars and Handlebars, inviting participants to showcase their creativity and patriotism at Shannon Springs Park. Registration is available online at www.chickashachamber.com/ christmasinjuly until July 3, or in person at 9 a.m. July 4 at the park's playground parking lot at 12th and Montana.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and proceed from 12th and Montana through the park and end at the front parking lot (carriage parking lot) coming in off Ninth street. The parade will be led by grand marshals, the Chickasha Eagle Riders 4070.
Entry fees are $10 per person or household, and $25 for groups or clubs. All participants receive free snow cone coupons from Jungle Ice Fun Zone, and proceeds support the local Disabled American Veterans.
On July 4, the Parade of Stars and Handlebars will be followed by a fireworks display at dusk at Shannon Springs Park, generously funded by several local businesses and individuals.
“We are excited to expand on the success of the Parade of Stars and Handlebars,” said Whitney Palesano, membership director for the Chickasha Chamber. “We encourage everyone to join us in this fun event to celebrate community spirit and support our veterans.”
The festivities don’t end there. The month-long celebration includes various events and local shopping campaigns, such as the Christmas in July Restaurant Bingo. Bingo participants can win prizes by dining at local restaurants, with drawings held on July 27 during the Christmas CoolDown Block Party at 7 p.m. at the Leg Lamp statue. Bingo cards can be downloaded on the Chickasha Chamber website at www.chickashachamber.com/ christmasinjuly starting July 1 or picked up at the Chickasha Chamber, 221 W Chickasha Ave.
Additionally, the Chickasha Festival of Light will illuminate its 160-foot Christmas Tree every night in July at Shannon Springs Park.
Other special Christmas In July events include Movies at the Leg, featuring free showings of 'A Christmas Story' on July 13 and 'Elf' on July 20 at the Chickasha Leg Lamp. Pre-show activities and snack booths start at 8 p.m., with movies beginning at dark.
Christmas In July festivities conclude with the Christmas CoolDown Block Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 27 from Second Street and Chickasha Avenue to the Leg Lamp. This event will feature snack trucks, children's activities from the Chickasha Area Arts Council, water slides, and a special appearance by Chickasha Cycle Santa who will give away free Jungle Ice snow cones to children from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“There’s no better place to be in July than Chickasha,” said Cheryl Critchfield, Chamber Main Street Manager. “Join us for a variety of free, family-friendly events and make the most of this festive season.”