Prancer, friend to attend Tinker holiday parade Published Nov. 20, 2007 By Services Marketing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Dan Bell, 72nd Services Squadron director, recently got "top secret" information that Santa's reindeer Prancer and some of his friends vacation in Missouri before heading to the North Pole for the holiday season. After hearing the news, Mr. Bell e-mailed the care taker about how wonderful the children at Tinker are and that everyone on base works hard all year round. He asked if Prancer, the most powerful reindeer of the group, could stop by for a short visit for the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. Mr. Bell recently got a reply that his request was approved. So, after the parade and tree lighting on Nov. 28 Prancer -- along with one of his co-workers, either Dasher, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner or Blitzen -- will be available for viewing and picture taking at the Tinker Club. Don't forget to bring a camera. "We are very pleased that Prancer and his friend have selected Tinker of all the places -- I understand they had thousands of requests from all over the world," Mr. Bell said. "We are fortunate, but well deserving of this special visit." What are reindeer and why is the reindeer associated with the holidays? Where do reindeer come from and who are the famous ones? During the holidays, children of all ages ask these questions. Reindeer, hooved animals that are related to deer, can be found in most parts of the world. Reindeer have special characteristics which have allowed them to adapt to the arctic and subarctic. Reindeer have broad hooves which enable them to walk on soft snow during the winter and on swamps and spongy mosses -- so that they may search for food -- during the spring. The hooves are flexible and can spread out to carry the animal on soft ground or snow. Reindeer have unique hairs which trap air providing them with excellent insulation. Reindeer have specialized noses which allow them to heat the incoming air with their body heat before the air enters their lungs. Some reindeer males can weigh up to 300 pounds. Both male and female reindeer have antlers. Some people speculate that all eight of the reindeer mentioned in the poem first published in the 1823 as "A Visit from St. Nicholas" are all female reindeer. According to Wikipedia, the older male Scandinavian reindeer do lose their antlers in December. It is still possible that the special reindeer mentioned in the poem can be male because Christmas is December 25. Younger bull males would not lose their antlers until after December. Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Don't miss Tinker's Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, set for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 28. This year's theme is "Celebrating an Oklahoma Centennial Holiday and the Air Force 60th Anniversary." The parade starts at Tinker Elementary School, heading down McNarney and turning right on to Twinning Drive. The parade ends at the Tinker Club, Bldg. 5603. After the tree lighting everyone is invited into the Tinker Club for entertainment, free refreshments and holiday cheer. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Also, attendees should be sure and bring a camera to get a picture with their favorite holiday character. This special event is held in conjunction with National Military Family Month. The Holiday Parade is sponsored in part by the Tinker Federal Credit Union and 72nd Services Squadron. 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.