Winterfest coming to downtown Tulsa on Nov. 23
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
10/23/12 at 6:37 AM
Learn more and get the full
schedule at the BOK Center’s
official site
Arvest Winterfest returns to the BOK Center this winter and runs Nov. 23-Jan. 6, venue officials announced Monday.
This is the fifth consecutive year for the festival, located outside on Third Street, between Denver and Frisco avenues.
More than 130,000 visitors hit last year's event, which has grown from its 2008 debut of 35,000 people, organizers said.
The 9,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink is the centerpiece and features $8 skating (including skate rental), or $5 if you bring your own skates, and $5 for children 3 and younger.
"Winterfest is a great way for families to enjoy the holiday season together in downtown Tulsa," John Bolton, BOK Center general manager, said in a media statement.
Oklahoma's largest Christmas tree will be on display, featuring 35,700 glowing lights on the 44-foot tree. Also, a climate-controlled warming tent and seasonal concessions will be available.
This year will feature free live entertainment on the ONEOK Outdoor Stage, including performances by children from area churches, schools, nonprofit organizations and choral groups. "Segway Santa" also will cruise through from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays for free photos and candy canes.
On Dec. 8, the Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights returns with a trek past the Winterfest entrance on Denver Avenue with dancers, floats, marching bands, giant balloons and more. That day, a pop-up holiday market also will run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the BOK Center's main lobby.
Plus, the rink will be open holidays including Dec. 24 and 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, management said. Half-price promotions will benefit area charities: half-price admission Mondays with non-perishable food donations to Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, on Tuesdays with new or gently used books to Volunteers of America-Oklahoma Chapter literacy program and on Wednesdays with a donation of a gently used coat, blanket, scarf or pair of gloves to the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless.
More details will also be announced soon. Winterfest 2012 is presented by Arvest Bank and the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation.
For more information and group rate pricing, call Brian Smith, special events coordinator, at 918-894-4268 or email bsmith@smgtulsa.com.
Original Print Headline: Winterfest coming on Nov. 23
Jennifer Chancellor 918-581-8346
jennifer.chancellor@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
A "Peace on Earth" globe balloon floats down Denver Avenue in front of Winterfest at the BOK Center during last year's Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights in downtown. The parade returns on Dec. 8 and will again pass in front of Winterfest. Tulsa World file
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