Santa Claus is coming to town Published Nov. 19, 2009 By Becky Pillifant 72nd Force Support Squadron Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Listen closely to the brisk winter winds and you might hear the clip-clop, of horse's hoofs and the faint sounds of holiday carolers singing as preparations are being made for the annual holiday parade and tree lighting Dec. 1. This year's theme is "It's a Sporting Holiday." The parade will start at 4:30 p.m. from the Tinker Elementary School and wind its way through base housing heading north on McNarney Avenue, then east on Twinning Drive across the bridge to the Tinker Club. This free event is open to everyone who has access to the base. The parade will be lead by the Tinker Honor Guard followed by horse-drawn carriages, floats and holiday characters like Sponge Bob, the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa's helpers and live reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to share the holiday spirit. The tree lighting will take place in front of the Tinker Club where the Penn Square Carolers will sing holiday songs and then move inside the club for free refreshments and entertainment. Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the evening. Don't forget to bring a camera and get a picture with a favorite holiday character. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled. However, the tree lighting, entertainment and refreshments will still be held inside the Tinker Club at 4:30 p.m. The holiday parade is sponsored in part by the Tinker Federal Credit Union and 72nd Force Support Squadron.