2025 Christmas Parade
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
Santa and Mrs. Claus were among the 95 floats, cars, machinery, and walkers that made an exciting 2025 City of Stilwell Christmas parade on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Citizens of all ages lined the streets after dark, many waving back at the people riding in the parade and waving to the crowd. An honor guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion members Roy Brown, David Hall, Derrick Godfrey, and Ted Bell led the parade and presented the colors at the intersection in front of the bandstand. Ralph Keen volunteered to run the sound, and played the National Anthem during the flag ceremony.
Diane Kelley announced the parade, something she used to do every year. Committee member Lora Gallardo assisted Kelley with announcing. Other committee members include Rosita Gallardo, Kathryn Rackliff, Miranda Rankin, Chris Davenport, Renee Fite and the mayor.
A lot of entries had colorful lights and represented the “Favorite Movies” theme set for this parade. Children scampered to gather candy as it dropped near by. There were several Grinches, and Nativity’s scenes are always popular on church floats. Strawberry Queen Karlee Jo Ingram rode on a firetruck. Big machines from the County Commissioners rolled by like dinosaurs.
Photo above: The Stilwell Nursing Home took first place in the Open division of the Christmas Parade. Click here to watch a short video of the parade. Complete results are posted at the bottom of this page.
photo: Renee Fite
An honor guard consisting of American Legion and Veteran’s of Foreign War members Roy Brown, David Hall, Derrick Godfrey and Ted Bell led the parade.
photos: Renee Fite
Salem Baptist Church presented a Nativity scene on their float.
photo: Renee Fite
The Stilwell High School band students performed Christmas carols as they marched, along with the pom squad and flag team. There were also many princesses wearing crowns and waving.
After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus--First Dude Shawn, and Mayor Jean Ann Wright--were on the bandstand to take pictures with children. The Strawberry Queen handed out coloring books and crayons provided by the mayor, and Dream Star Connections gave out 250 hot dogs and chips. Council member Barrett Harris provided the chips.
Anna Shamblin brought her granddaughter Maizley Smith to the parade and to have her picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“Everything was wonderful, from the construction vehicles to the Church Nativity scenes,” said Shamblin.
Assisting children and families as they waited in line to see Santa, Miss Poinsettia Chloe Ward said she enjoys getting to help people.
“I love waving to all the kids in the parade and I’m grateful for this title,” said Chloe.
Also helping was the Stilwell Strawberry Queen Karlee Jo Ingram.
“I enjoyed seeing all the kids having fun and being everybody. I’m so glad everybody came out even if it’s cold,” said Karlee.
So many children wanted to hug Santa. Kendal Bishop brought her twin sons Callen and Colson Ross, age 3. One went straight to Santa, while the other started that way, and did an about face back to mom. She coaxed him over with his brother, and photos were taken.
Strawberry Queen Karlee Jo Ingram hands out coloring books and crayons to children after they have a picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
photo:
Renee Fite
Maizley Smith poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the Christmas parade.
photo: Renee Fite
“I loved all the lights, and the boys enjoyed it,” said Bishop.
As always, children love Santa, and some ran up to the vehicle that Santa and Mrs. Claus were riding in, along with council members Debbie Johnson and Coy Nettles, and driven by elf Chad Smith, aka Stilwell Chief of Police.
“It was the most exciting Christmas parade in the history of Stilwell I ever remember, with 95 entries,” said Mayor Wright. “I loved the enthusiasm and excitement of kids of all ages, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
2025 City of Stilwell Christmas Parade winners
Winners of the 2025 City of Stilwell Christmas parade:
Mayor’s Choice, Stilwell High School Band;
Best of Show, ICTC;
Civic - First place, Dahlonegah School, grades first - fourth, Second place, Dahlonegah School, T’was the Night Before Christmas, Cherokee Class, Third place, Stetson Russell Frosty the Snowman theme, Model T car;
Open - First place, Stilwell Nursing Home - Rudolph theme, Second place, La Guadalapana, Jesus and manger lights scene, Third place, Stilwell Smoke Shop, All Grinched Out; and
Religious, First place, Beaver Baptist Church, Second place, Salem Church, Third place, Fairfield Church.
