In the holiday spirit: annual parade, tree lighting Dec. 2 Published Nov. 20, 2008 By Becky Pillifant 72nd Force Support Squadron Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- If you listen closely to the coming winter winds, you might just hear the faint sound of sleigh bells ringing off in the distance as children sing their favorite holiday songs while preparing for Tinker's annual holiday parade and tree lighting Dec. 2. This year's theme is "Holidays with the Super Heroes." 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 and across the bridge to the Tinker Club. This free event is open to everyone who has access to the base. The parade will feature horse-drawn carriages, floats and holiday characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, the Grinch and Santa's helpers. Dan Bell, 72nd Force Support Squadron director, recently received a top-secret memo from the North Pole reindeer caretakers that said, "Because the children at Tinker were so good this year, Santa will let one or two of his reindeer visit the night of the holiday parade and tree lighting." One picture per family will be taken with the reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to share in 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. Parents should remember to bring a camera to get their child's picture with a favorite holiday character, Santa and the reindeer. In the 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 the 72nd FSS.