All photos by Matt Choquette
Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell stepped up to the microphone to address the crowd outside Sapulpa’s Creek County Courthouse in front of the Tree of Hope. “Hope in the middle of Route 66, in one of the greatest communities on Route 66. No way was I going to miss this,” he said.
Despite the threat of rain—which thankfully held off until after the event concluded—over 100 people turned out for Sapulpa Main Street’s “Lights On!” ceremony, this year collaborating with Sapulpa Chamber to bring a new tradition to Sapulpa, the 26-ft tall “Tree of Hope,” adorned with a custom-made Sapulpa/Route 66 tree topper.
Pinnell stood next to County Commissioner Newt Stephens as they started the countdown. 10…9…8…7… the crowd joined in. The countdown reached one and at the flip of a switch, a bleak and wet downtown Sapulpa suddenly became a shimmering jewel in the seat of Creek County.
At the flip of a switch, a bleak and wet downtown Sapulpa suddenly became a shimmering jewel in the seat of Creek County.
As a covered lit Cinderella carriage made its way up and down Dewey Avenue with families waving, families began strolling down the streets, visiting shops and watching the animated displays that many had. Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and the Whos of Whoville, even Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. could be found in the windows, waving to the children, building toys, or scolding mischievous elves.
By vote of the viewing public, winners of the holiday window display contest are as follows:
- Whoville and the Grinch (Studio One – 106 E. Dewey Ave)
- Buddy the Elf/Elves’ Toy Workshop (CTX Coffee – 114 E. Dewey Ave)
- Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread Kitchen (Rt. 66 Vintage Market – 115 E. Dewey)
