🏠 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (and Breakfast!)🎅🏻

Nathan Cheever
December 05, 2024

Photo by __ drz __ / Unsplash

Good morning, Stillwater. This is Stillwater Lokal Life, your gift-wrapped guide to what’s happening in town.

In today’s Lokal Life Letter:

Your Thursday night Downtown Festivities Lineup 🎄
Your Hallmark movie moment at McMurtry! 💘
Stillwater has a new City Manager 👑
Breakfast with Santa 🎅🏻

Let’s get into it.

– Nate Cheever

Happy 60th Birthday to Terri “T” Collier!

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!

WHAT’S UP IN STILLWATER

📰 We have a little news of our own to share! I’m stoked to announce our newest addition to Stillwater Lokal Life – a locally-written and heartwarming “Dear Abby” column in our December print edition! 💌

Didn’t know we have a physical newspaper? Yes indeed! Our print edition drops on December 20 – just in time to be the perfect Christmas hot cocoa table companion. You can sign up for delivery here.

Who’s Ready for Some Holiday Cheer Today?

Stillwater City is hauling out the holly and fluffing the garland for the downtown festivities today. And Chris Salmon Plaza (Main St. & 9th Ave) is the epicenter of this community Christmas conviviality.

Here’s the lineup:

🎅🏻🚂 Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s Workshop begins at Chris Salmon Plaza on 12/5 @ 6 PM. Don't forget to bring your Christmas list—Santa’s ready to hear it all!

🥁🌟Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights rolls through Downtown Stillwater on 12/5 @ 6:30 PM. Grab light sticks and candy for the kids, enjoy food trucks, and shop local before the fun starts. But don't leave yet! Once it gets dark then it's time for the...

🎄🎉Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
The Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration kicks off at Chris Salmon Plaza right after the Parade of Lights. Enjoy caroling, festive decorations, and a brand-new tree. Plus Santa and the Grinch will be there to hand out parade awards!

Lights on the Lake 🌟✨

The eastside recreation area of Lake McMurtry is turning up the twinkle factor this weekend with Lights on the Lake. You can walk or ride in your car and look at the winter wonderland-lighted displays along the lakeside. It’d be great for a family outing…or even future family…🧐💡

Guys–listen up–this is a great romantic date idea! Think of it: hand-holding, staying warm together, hot cocoas. And it runs for three weekends, so it shouldn’t be too hard to schedule. Call your lady now! 📞👱‍♀️

📅 When: Fridays–Sundays, starting December 6 @ 5 PM
📍 Where: Lake McMurtry, Eastside
🌹 Romance (or family fun) potential: 8/10
💵 Cost: $6 / vehicle

Payne County Expo Holiday Craft Show = Your Shopping Lifesaver 🛍️🛟

If you’ve procrastinated your holiday shopping (no judgment – I’m right there with you 😅), don’t hand over your money to the rainforest website just yet. Rest from scrolling and shop like it’s the 90s (remember the glory of the Malls?)! Check out the Holiday Craft Show at the Payne County Expo Center this Saturday, December 7, at 9 AM.

There’s a good chance you’ll find what you need for the people on your list while you peruse by 120 booths featuring handmade crafts. Bonus: Shopping local means supporting your neighbors and walking off breakfast while you’re at it.

Breakfast With Santa 🎅🏻🥞

Speaking of breakfast, Santa is making a stop at the Lowry Activity Center in the Stillwater Community Center, and he wants you to join him!

📅 When: Saturday, December 7, 9–10:30 AM
💵 Tickets: $5/person (Register here)

Enjoy pancakes, take your picture with Santa, and soak up the festive vibes with holiday decorations and music. What a perfect way to kick off your holiday weekend. No need to bring cookies—he’s all about pancakes for breakfast. 🥞

Men’s Convergence Faith Meeting Next Thursday 🙏🏻 📖

Next Thursday, December 12, start your morning with coffee, connection, and meaningful conversation at Community Center Room 121. Arrive bright and early at 6:45 AM to grab a free cup of coffee and settle in before the meeting begins at 7 AM. The discussion will focus on Bible passages and how they apply to our daily lives, with guest speaker Ross Alan Hill sharing insights about prayer. It’s a warm, welcoming space to reflect, connect, and start your day with good company and inspiration.

Local Performances to Catch This Week 🎭

🎟️ Junie B. Jones JR. at Town & Gown Theatre

Catch the Stillwater Children’s Theatre’s musical adaptation of Junie B. Jones JR. this weekend!

When: Friday, December 6 @ 7 PM- Saturday, December 7 @ 2 PM & 7 PM- Sunday, December 8 @ 2 PM
Where: Town & Gown Theatre, Stillwater
Tickets: $10 at stillwaterchildrenstheatre.org or at the door.

Note: Two casts are performing, so double-check your tickets! Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly show. 🎶 (Shoutout to SLL reader Jalee Farr for letting me know about this!)

🎩 An Actor’s Carol at OSU

Ready for a fresh twist on Dickens? Check out An Actor’s Carol: One Clown’s Dickensian Marathon Toward Redemption, a one-man show starring OSU’s own David Weber. Catch it Thursday and Friday, December 5–6, at 7:30 PM in the OSU Student Union Theatre.

🎟️ Tickets: Pay what you can (suggested donation: $10) here. Proceeds support OSU Theatre productions and student opportunities.

🧣A Christmas Carol at BBC

Here’s another adaptation of Dickens for you! The Bible Baptist Church invites the community to a heartwarming Christian adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Performances will be held on Friday, December 13, at 7 PM and Saturday, December 14, at 1 PM at Bible Baptist Church at 115 N. Young St.

Enjoy festive photo ops before and after the show, plus a cookie-decorating session following Saturday’s matinee. 🎟️ Tickets are free, but seating is limited, so reserve yours at stillwaterbbc.org/christmascarol.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Calling all small business owners 📢 📑

Oh BOI! It’s almost the end of 2024 and if you haven’t already filed your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report, don’t panic! Kristen Hadley is hosting a free workshop called “BOI Made Easy” to walk you through what you need to know to stay compliant.📅 When: Wednesday, December 11 @ 11:30 AM📍 Where: WorkIT Coworking Center, 901 S. Main St.𓌉◯𓇋 Lunch: Free for members; $10 for non-members

Bring your laptop, EIN and photo ID so you can knock it out during the workshop. Plus, you can network with fellow entrepreneurs, get lunch, and maybe even make a friend or two!

Glo Salon & Spa turns 15 🎂✨🥳

Congrats to Glo Salon & Spa for turning fifteen. Not just because it’s a speed-limit number, but because many startups don’t make it past 10! And while 15 is too young to drink alcoholic bubblies, it’s okay for a 15-year-old business to enjoy champagne on its big day. The party is Sunday December 15 from 5-7 PM. The public is invited to enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres, games and giveaways including 15% off everything.

CIVIC NEWS

Stillwater is under new [city] management 👏

Mr. Brady Moore, Stillwater City Manager

Mr. Brady Moore has been unanimously promoted to City Manager of Stillwater after serving as interim and Deputy City Manager.

“I’m honored by the City Council’s support to select me as City Manager. My heart is in serving this City that my family and I love.” — City Manager Brady Moore.

Where are we today? 📸

Here’s a random snap from somewhere in Stillwater. Where am I? Tell me your guess on Instagram or Facebook.

You can also tag @stillwaterlokallife to get your photos in the newsletter!

WEATHER

Thursday, December 5
42 🌡️ 21 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 N 10 mph

Friday, December 6
53 🌡️ 33 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 S 8 mph

Saturday, December 7
61 🌡️ 44 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 S 12 mph

Sunday, December 8
63 🌡️ 42 | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 SW 10 mph

Monday, December 9
58 🌡️ 31 | ☁️ | 0% | 💨 NW 7 mph

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

Let's end the year on a high note! ♫♬

Friday December 6
The McKnight Center | Kings ReJoyce: Joyce Didonato & Kings Return | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Tumbleweed | Calf Fry Christmas | 7 PM | Tickets
Featuring: Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Emily Hollingshed Music, No Justice - Steve Rice, Avery Stinnett Music, Bayker Blankenship, The Smokin' Oaks, Austin Williams

Saturday December 7
Modella Art Gallery | Functional Polly (Album release & party) | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Sunday December 8
Stillwater History Museum | Holiday Concert | 4 PM - 5:30 PM | Free
Featuring performances by Stillwater Gospel Singers, Stillwater Public Schools orchestras, Stillwater Trombone Trio, and string students from the studios of Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Shamas
First Baptist Church | Handel’s Messiah: Part The First | 7 PM - 8 PM | Free

Monday December 9
The Great White Buffalo Tavern | Kyle Beasley | 9 PM | Free

Tuesday December 10
SHS Performing Arts Center | SMS and SJHS Bands Holiday Concert | 7 PM

Thursday December 12
SHS Performing Arts Center | SHS Band Holiday Concert | 7 PM

Thanks to our supporters, Visit Stillwater!

SPORTS

Upcoming games & matches

MS Basketball at Deer Creek Tournament (7th Boys / 7th Girls)
12/5 @ Deer Creek Middle School, Edmond | Time TBD

HS Swim at Enid
12/5 @ Enid | 5:30 PM - 7 PM

JH Basketball at Edmond North
12/5 @ Edmond North, 9th G | 5:30 PM, 9th B | 6:45 PM

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

HS Wrestling Boys at Ironman
12/6-12/7 @ Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Time TBD

JH Wrestling Boys/Girls at Sand Springs Tournament
12/6-12/7 @ Sand Springs | Time TBD

HS Football Varsity State
12/7 @ Location TBD | 7 PM - 10 PM

MS/JH Basketball vs. Deer Creek
12/9 @ Stillwater Middle School, 2200 S Sangre Rd, 7th G | 4:30 PM, 7th B | 5:30 PM 8th G | 6:30 PM, 8th B | 7:30 PM

JH Basketball vs. Edmond Memorial
12/9 @ SHS Fieldhouse, 1224 N Husband St, 9th G | 5:30 PM, 9th B | 6:45 PM

HS Basketball vs. Ponca City
12/10 @ SHS Fieldhouse, 1224 N Husband St
JVG | 3:30 PM, JVB | 4:45 PM, Varsity Girls | 6 PM, Varsity Boys | 7:30 PM

HS Swim at Booker T. Washington
12/10 @ Booker T. Washington | Time TBD

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Stillwater Lokal Life today. If you found something interesting, please pass it on to someone who loves watching Hallmark movies.

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