Full Notification

The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce has been granted a permit (#PA-2024-006) for the 2024 Old Tyme Christmas Celebration & Parade that will take place, TONIGHT, (Thursday, December 5^th ) at 6:30 p.m.  The Chamber of Commerce asks that all floats pre-register if they would like to be in the parade, but floats can register tonight.  All floats will congregate at the Tonkawa High School (for the float judging contest). The parade will begin at 3^rd St. and Grand Ave.  The parade will travel westbound to 9^th St along Grand Ave.  All Grand Ave. intersections, from 3^rd St. to 9^th St, will be blocked for through traffic.  Candy will not be thrown from floats or moving vehicles this year, rather will be distributed by “float walkers.”  Float participation rules can be found: tonkawachamber.org or Facebook: Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce or calling the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce: (580) 628-2220.  All parade goers must stay behind the barricades and yellow caution tape (at the end of the Grand Ave. Parking Spaces) while the parade is in progress.  Additionally, per permit, the 100 and 200 blocks of E. Grand Ave. will be blocked off for the celebration activities, following the parade, until 8:00 p.m.  The permitted schedule of downtown road closings, for tonight, is as follows:
3:00pm:  Parking Spaces blocked at 3pm in the 100 and 200 blocks of
               E. Grand Ave.  Vehicles MUST BE moved from parking
               spaces by 3pm.  Vehicles parked in parking spaces, after
               3pm, within the 100-200 blocks of E. Grand Ave. will be
               subject to tow at the vehicle owner's expense.    
               Roadways of E. Grand Ave. will remain open for
               eastbound/westbound travel until 5pm (but no parking
               spaces).
5:00pm:  Roadways and Intersections of the 100 and 200 blocks of E.
               Grand Ave. will be blocked and barricaded.
5:30pm:  Grand Ave. Intersections from 4^th St. to 9^th Street will be
               blocked (EXCLUDING northbound/southbound Main St. and
               Grand Ave.)
6:15pm:  Northbound/Southbound Traffic at Main St. and Grand Ave.
                blocked and barricaded for the parade route.
6:30pm:  Following the lighting of the tree, the parade will commence
               from 3^rd St. to 9^th St. along Grand Ave. 
Following the parade, the road and intersections in the 100 and 200 blocks of E. Grand Ave. will remain blocked and barricaded until 8pm.
8:00pm:  All other roadways and intersections will be opened. 
Parking will be available on Main Street, 7th Street, 6th Street, 5th Street, Tonkawa Street, and N.O.C. Drive.  Nearby parking lots will also be open for use.  Shuttle Service(s) are arranged to transport to the downtown area.  Please check out the following sites for recommended parking areas, shuttles, information, announcements, parade route, and event schedules:
Chamber of Commerce Website:  tonkawachamber.org
Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
City of Tonkawa Website:  tonkawaok.gov
City of Tonkawa Facebook Page

Come and enjoy the fun and help make this year's Celebration the BEST EVER! Photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus or The Grinch, Tonkawa High School Vocal Performances, Fireworks display, Hot Chocolate, Make & Take Crafts, Decorated Float Contest, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, and MORE! Check the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page for a full list of attractions and schedules. 

[WARNING] This parade will feature strobing, flashing lights, and loud music (from speakers/PA systems).  Sensory-sensitive parade attendees, please take caution if necessary.   Additionally, a fireworks display is scheduled at the beginning of the parade.  Please use proper hearing protection and safeguard animals (in the area) if needed.   
 

Instructions:

No Parking in the 100 - 200 blocks of E. Grand Avenue after 3pm. Grand Avenue and all intersections, from Main Street to 6th Street, will be blocked and barricaded at 5:00pm. For full details, please check the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce Website at: tonkawachamber.org or their Facebook Page: Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce. The City of the Tonkawa Website and Facebook Page may have information, as well.