By KRISTI MAYFIELD
For those folks that attended the various Christmas events staged in the community on Dec. 7, 2024, you likely will agree that the Christmas Spirit was felt by all. Even The Grinch had a smile on his green face as he strode by during the parade. From the biggest crowd seen at the holiday gathering to the more than 100 folks that registered to be a part of the Annual Christmas Parade, downtown Oakdale came alive with the bright lights and magic of Christmas. There were several groups and individuals that helped pull it all together.
Tasty treats and food trucks lined the streets as the downtown area’s unique boutiques and shops opened their doors to share the various gift items from artisan crafted ornaments at The Shoppe to festive favorites found at Foxy Designs to special Christmas items at Momma’s Closet, there was truly something for everyone.
Members of the Oakdale Enrichment Society – one of those groups involved in the planning of the festivities – noted that this was the biggest crowd yet and that they cannot wait to start planning for next year’s events. Community sponsors and donations are integral to continuing these events and the OES is extremely grateful for all of the sponsors that helped to make this past year’s festivities so merry and bright. Of the many highlights, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wood Park which was organized in conjunction with Community Hospice and Health Services to honor loved ones that we’ve lost, was definitely one of them. The Oakdale High School Choir lit up the night with their voices throughout the ceremony. Another highlight that was new to the calendar of events included the sold-out Christmas Concert at The Reata featuring Kristen Brown, a fan favorite from The Voice who performed at the All-American Bash in Oakdale this past summer.
OES is now working with the Haidlen family of Oakdale, along with various members of the community, to host the first ever holiday ice skating rink for the 2025 Holiday Festivities. Gretchen Haidlen, along with her brother Erich Haidlen, have generously agreed to donate some funds to launch the holiday ice skating rink in honor of their mother, the late Julia Haidlen, a cherished member of the community and a lifelong supporter of The Cowboy Capital of the World.
For more information regarding volunteering, donating or sponsoring the 2025 Christmas events, reach out to smalltownchristmas.co@gmail.com
