ENID, OK - My family and I set out to participate in the annual Enid Lights Up The Plains in 2013. Thousands of people streamed to the court house lawn for the pre-holiday event.
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Christmas music filled the air and was drawing the crowds to the downtown gazebo. Multiple bands played all of the Classic Christmas tunes and kept the onlookers entertained the entire evening.
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Many businesses and vendors were set up around the square. We discovered Southard House B&B setting up a wonderful antique snow sleigh. They were inviting anyone that wanted to sit in it to snap a few memorable family photos.
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Many businesses were open late to accommodate shoppers including Bell Jewelers who served up punch and cookies. We stopped in to thank the owners for donating crowns to the Miss Waller pageant.
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On our way out the door we ran smack dab into Santa and Misses Claus arriving in a horse drawn wagon. They circled the square building anticipation in the children who had already formed a line at lest a block long to greet them.
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We ran into event organizers Ty and Kelly Tompkins who seemed relatively calm for having put together such a large event. Ty gave us a big sigh of relief as the large Christmas light tree came to life in the middle of the court house lawn. It was the first time the lights had actually been turned on.
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We made a bee line to one of the great restaurants serving food throughout the evening. On The Sidewalk Cafe gave us a fantastic vantage point to keep an eye on the festivities.
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Right on schedule the first annual lights parade began as thousands of Enid residents lined the square to watch. There were lighted pick up trucks, delivery trucks, cars and even golf carts! Frank Baker played emcee as each entry rolled down Randolph.
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The lights parade led into more Christmas music, photos with the giant snowman and lines enjoying conversation while waiting for hot chocolate. Park Avenue Thrift had their moment in the lights as they announced a thousand dollar winner for their Thanks A Million campaign. Park Avenue has given away one million dollars to local charities and organizations since they first opened their doors.
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The evening came to a grand conclusion as the annual fireworks display began over the east side of Grand. With the Broadway Tower as a backdrop many of us were reminded of the great stores that have lined that block over the years including Coldirons, Herzbergs, Evans, Lambertz and even Newmans at one time.
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The fireworks went off as the Christmas music filled the cool air and colored lights highlighted the Broadway Tower as it became part of the show. It was just warm enough that everyone stayed comfortable and yet cool enough to feel like the holidays. Thousands of people enjoyed the free event and left with a little more magic in their hearts and one more Enid memory that will last forever.
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Enjoy the photos below from the 2013 Enid Lights Up The Plains.
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Christmas In Enid w/Photos
