Group To Hold Competing Parade In Tulsa After 'Christmas' Controversy

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Some Tulsans say they are taking matters into their own hands and holding a Christmas parade this year.

The decision was made after a controversy concerning the name of the annual parade downtown. The word "Christmas" was dropped from the official title in 2009.

12/6/2010 Related story: Controversy Over Tulsa's Christmas Parade Continues

Now, Green Country has a choice. Tulsa's Holiday Parade of Lights will start in the Blue Dome district and wind through downtown's streets.

But down at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center, the Tulsa "Christmas" Parade will compete with the downtown parade on the same day, at the same time.

Two parades but with two different names that could be the deciding factor on which one to attend.

Last year, Senator Jim Inhofe said he would not participate in Tulsa's Holiday Parade of Lights if "Christmas" wasn't a part of the name.

That sparked a controversy. Many people agreed and decided to do something about it this year.

"It's time for us to say hey, we want a Christmas parade. Not a holiday parade or a festival parade. But a real Christmas parade for Christians and everyone to enjoy," said Mark Croucher, Tulsa Christmas Parade.

The Tulsa Christmas Parade board says keeping "Christ" in the name is the root of the celebration.

"Why not? It's Christ and Christ stood up for us. It's time we stood up for him," Croucher said.

Coordinator David Arnett says the parade was formed to put Christmas back in the heart of Tulsa.

"What are they celebrating? I'm just curious. As far as we know, we're celebrating Christmas here," Arnett said.

A spokesperson for Senator Jim Inhofe says the Senator supports Christmas parades around the state that refuse to bend to political correctness by keeping Christmas in the parade title.

"We don't want to start a fight with them or dispute them but wish them the best of luck for whatever they are doing," Arnett said.

The Tulsa Christmas Parade will stage in the Tulsa Hills shopping center. The parade will march one mile down Olympia from 71st to 81st.

It's on Saturday December 10th at 6 p.m., which is when Tulsa's Holiday Parade of Lights will also kick off in downtown.

Larry Fox with the holiday parade of lights says he has no comment regarding the other parade.

If you want to find out more about the Tulsa Christmas Parade, call 918-583-2345.