🏠 Luminaria of Holiday Lights 🕯️

Nathan Cheever
December 12, 2024

Good morning, Stillwater. This week concludes finals and welcomes commencement ceremonies for OSU Fall grads! For Cooper Covalt, Katelin Bean, Judd Earp, Jonathan Shawver, Landen Thornton, and all the other Fall 2024 grads, our hearty congratulations!

For those finishing another semester–congrats! One more semester down. Grab some egg-nog, get some well-deserved rest, and happy holidays!

In today’s Lokal Life Letter:

It’s Luminaria, not Illuminati 🕯️
Where to catch Santa photos 📸
A weekend-load of festive entertainment 🤩

Let’s dive in.

– Nate Cheever

WHAT’S UP IN STILLWATER

I wish I could give a shout-out to all the fun Christmas events happening this week, but you’d be stuck here reading till Sunday, which would defeat the purpose. So, here’s my quick-fire roundup of events:

Holiday Entertainment and Performances 🎼

🎻 Thursday, Dec. 12 - Stillwater High School Holiday Concert held at the SHS Performing Arts Center. It starts at 7 PM (but I’d come at least a half hour early to find a decent parking spot).

🍿 Friday, Dec. 13 - Classic Cinema at the Center: The Polar Express at 7 PM. Head over to Stillwater Community Center for a free big-screen heartwarming movie. The free popcorn, water and snacks are calling!

🎺 Friday, Dec. 13 - Just down the hall from the movie is what some call the best concert of the year: the Stillwater Community Band and the Stillwater Big Band Holiday Concert. Come hear festive favorites like Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Auld Lang Syne, The Holly and the Ivy, and lots more. Plus, they will be debuting their new set of chimes! It’s free and at the City of Stillwater Community Center at 7 PM.

👻 Friday, Dec. 13, 14 - I hope you reserved your spot! The long-awaited A Christmas Carol “A Christian Adaption of Charles Dickens’ Classic” starts at Bible Baptist Church at 7 PM.

⛪ Sunday, Dec. 15 - The Stillwater Chamber Singers performing at 2:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church. The concert will feature carols, sing-along numbers, and a couple of choruses by Mozart. Admission is free.

🐫 Sunday, Dec. 15 - Later that evening, bop over to another fine Protestant church to see what Christmas is really all about. First Presbyterian Church (NE corner of 6th Ave & Duck St.) is putting on A Night In Bethlehem. It starts with a Chili Supper & Character Dinner (5:30–6:10 PM), followed by a Carol Sing (6:10–6:45 PM) in the fellowship hall, and then the Living Nativity (6:45–7:45 PM). Witness four scenes of Jesus’ birth with live animals, cider, and hot chocolate.

🎶 Thursday, Dec. 19 - This is definitely not one to miss! The Stillwater Community Singers at the Winfrey Houston Auditorium in the Stillwater Community Center at 7:30 PM. Enjoy lively favorites like Holly Jolly Christmas and serene classics like Silver Bells from the singers. The Acapella Group and Gospel Ensemble will be there too, and the solo performances by pianist Kim Strom and cellist Tommy Cabeen will inspire you. Bring a handkerchief 🥹.

Honor Our Local Veterans 🎖️🇺🇸

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

This Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 AM, Fairlawn Cemetery is hosting the annual Wreaths Across America Remembrance Service. Arrive by 10:30 AM to join the ceremony and help lay live balsam wreaths on the graves of over 1,500 veterans. Each veteran’s name will be called aloud and thanked for their service.

You can sponsor a wreath for $17 as a gift of gratitude to the veterans. If you’d like to lay a wreath for a specific veteran, or if your family wants to help, contact Sally Smith at [email protected] as soon as possible.

This is a special way to give back this holiday season while remembering those who served. 🫡

See the Lights of Luminaria🕯️💚✨

Although it sounds like an elvish kingdom from The Lord of The Rings, it’s actually a 47-year tradition held by the Park View Estates neighborhood (really close to Sunnybrook Christian Church on Perkins and Richmond Rd). Every Christmas season, residents light luminaria– typically small paper bags with sand in them holding a candle. Here, the tradition is to use old milk jugs with sand. Over 2000 lights will be set up and you can drive through and behold the lights and house decorations.

Don’t forget to stop by the Christmas House – 4502 N. Davis Ct. to see some special visitors–Santa, the Grinch and Ms. Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than two). It should be a memorable display and fun for the kids.

Where: Park View Estates, E. Rogers Dr. and N. Perkins Rd
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 6 PM - 9 PM
How much: Free

And speaking of Santa…

Santa Sightings 🎅🏼 👀

He’s been busy bopping around town already, but if you haven’t had a chance yet, here are still a few options for getting pictures with Santa.

🎅 Meet Santa at Memory Lane Vintage MallSanta will be on the porch at Memory Lane Vintage Mall. You can come by and take photos (free of charge) on Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM.
📍 Memory Lane Vintage Mall

☕ Cocoa and Pictures at Wandering BrewThe Grinch and Santa will be there for free pictures and kid cocoa on Saturdays from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sundays 11 AM - 2 PM.
📍 Wandering Brew, Perkins

🍪 LaQuinta Inn & Suites Christmas CarnivalCookies, hot cocoa, raffles, games, and Santa! Manager Jennifer Castoe says a free night stay is up for grabs. All proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread. Check it out on Saturday, December 14, 5 PM–8 PM.
📍 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham

✈️ Holiday Fun at the Regional Airport

Enjoy free cookies, cocoa, and photos (say that ten times fast!) with Santa for an uplifting experience at the Airport next Thursday, Dec. 19, 5:30 PM–7 PM
📍 Stillwater Regional Airport

A message from Lucas Grounds, State Farm Agent in Stillwater

As a proud member of the Payne County community, I bring a strong work ethic and neighborly values to my role as a local State Farm agent. My experienced team provides personalized insurance solutions for every stage of life, from auto and life coverage to complex needs. Beyond policies, we focus on building relationships-whether supporting you after an accident or connecting in the community. Grateful for this thriving area, I’m here day and night to serve. Let’s discuss your options today, including ways to save by switching to State Farm.

Call for a free quote or advice!

CIVIC NEWS

🚨 Library Construction Update 📖

Starting December 16, the Stillwater Public Library will begin replacing its fire suppression system, a critical upgrade for safety and preservation. Phase 1 will close the north building and main lobby entrance for about three months, with the entire project expected to last 4–6 months.

👉Storytimes and book clubs will continue to be in the library.

For more updates, visit stillwaterok.gov/libraryconstruction.

Stillwater MS & JH Band Holiday Concert

The 7th Grade Blue Band, directed by Ms. Katie Genevro (left), after finishing their final piece "Christmas Spectacular".

I attended the band concert last night and I was so impressed by the bands. The performers dressed in black shirts and pants with shined black shoes. Their practice showed in their precise timing and posture. I saw no visible goofs and everyone kept their eyes on Ms. Genevro. These kids are going places!

Congrats to the several NCDA Honor Band Members! 🏅
- Blake Linsenmeyer, Bassoon
- Bella Barton, Clarinet
- Mariyah Carr, Clarinet
- Emerson French, Clarinet
- Benjamin Woods, Clarinet
- Ryan Nord, Bass Clarinet
- Ahmad Mobaraki, Trumpet
- Tanner Reeder, Trumpet
- Tony Torres, Trombone
- Lyla Wingate, Trombone
- Daniel Wingate, Euphonium
- Max Goen, Tuba

WEATHER

Thursday, December 12
60 🌡️ 44 | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 SSW 12 mph

Friday, December 13
55 🌡️ 44 | 🌧️ | 20% | 💨 NW 15 mph

Saturday, December 14
61 🌡️ 32 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 S 8 mph

Sunday, December 15
67 🌡️ 53 | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 SW 10 mph

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

Rockin' around the Christmas tree ♫🎸♬

Friday December 13
STW. Community Center | Stillwater Community Band & Big Band Holiday Concert | 7 PM | Free

Thanks to our supporters, Visit Stillwater!

SPORTS

Upcoming games & matches

MS/JH Basketball at Yukon
12/12 @ Yukon Middle School 7th G | 4:30 PM 7th B | 5:30 PM 8th G | 6:30 PM 8th B | 7:30 PM

HS - Swim vs. Moore/Westmoore/Southmoore/PC North
12/12 @ YMCA Pool | 5:30 PM - 7 PM

HS/JH Wrestling at Broken Arrow
12/12 @ Broken Arrow Fieldhouse: JH | 6 PM, HS | 7 PM

HS - Basketball Boys Varsity Tournament
12/12 - 12/15 @ Community Christian School Activity Center, Norman | All Day

HS - Basketball Girls Varsity Tournament
12/12 - 12/15 @ Community Christian School Activity Center, Norman | All Day

JH - Basketball 9th Tournament
12/12 - 12/15 @ Union HS, Tulsa | All Day

JH Basketball at Deer Creek JV Festival (8th JVB / 8th JVG)
12/13 - 12/14 @ Deer Creek MS, Edmond | All Day

HS/JH Wrestling Girls at Wrestle Like A Girl Tournament
12/13 - 12/15 @ Cache High School, Cache | All Day

JH Basketball at Sand Springs Tournament (8th VB / 8th VG)
12/13 - 12/15 @ Clyde Boyd MS, Sand Springs | All Day

Cowgirl Basketball vs. McNeese
12/16 @ Gallagher-Iba Arena | 6:30 PM

Cowboy Basketball vs. Tarleton State
12/18 @ Gallagher-Iba Arena | 7 PM

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Stillwater Lokal Life today. If you found something interesting, please pass it on to someone who likes Mannheim Steamroller music.

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