More than 50 people withstood near-freezing temperatures to ride in a twinkle-lit “princess” carriage Wednesday night. They rode to the sounds of jingling bells and the clip-clopping of hooves, and were bundled in woolen blankets, hats, coats and mittens.
American T’s served as the night’s sponsor of the chamber-hosted event. “Randy Fulbright, the owner of American T’s, and his whole family did a great job with the event,” said Glenpool chamber Director Sydney Bland. “They not only sponsored the carriage, but also gave hot cocoa, cookies and logo mugs filled with treats to riders.”
According to Bland, carriage proprietors Kathy and Paul Vincent, owners of Ava K’s Carriages, have been extremely accommodating.
“This year was a test,” Bland said. “I wanted to see if people would brave the cold and wind to come out and ride in a carriage, and they did.”
Bland said that the Glenpool chamber would probably hold the event again next year, and on possibly a few more nights.
Riders paid $5 each or brought four non-perishable food items for the adventure.
“I really wasn’t prepared for my SUV to be completely full to the brim with food items,” Bland said. “What a nice surprise that was.”
Bland informed the staff of Mercy Missions II that she had a carload of food for them on Thursday afternoon.
“They were absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed by the amount of food that was delivered,” she said.
One staffer said they never have enough food at the mission, and what a nice surprise it was to have a carload delivered right before Christmas.
Grandview Heights Luxury Apartments hosted last week’s carriage.
“We were fortunate to have two chamber members step up and sponsor this year’s carriage rides,” Bland said. “It’s just another way the chamber can give back to the community.”
