Annual holiday parade, tree lighting next week Published Nov. 25, 2014 By Marketing Office 72nd Force Support Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Join in on a fun Tinker tradition that brings the community together for the holiday season. The 2014 annual holiday parade will start at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 with the tree lighting and holiday party to follow. The parade begins at the Tinker Youth Center and travels north down McNarney Street, turning right onto Twinning Drive, to the Tinker Club. The parade will be led by the Tinker Honor Guard, followed by an array of holiday characters including the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa's helpers. At the parade conclusion, everyone will gather for the tree lighting and party at the Tinker Club. This free event is open to everyone who has access to the base. Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the evening. Parents should remember to bring a camera to capture memories of the event and get pictures with Santa. This year, the holiday party is sponsored in part by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services and the Toy Industry Foundation. Inside the Tinker Club, there will be free entertainment including music, magic acts, face painting and carolers. Free refreshments will be provided while each child waits to receive a special, brand new toy donated through the Play Comforts program. The Play Comforts program was established in December 2009 through a national partnership with the Toy Industry Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services. The goal is to provide comfort and joy through toys to families on U.S. military bases where BGCA youth programs have been established. Pre-registration with the Youth Center is highly encouraged. Call 734-7866 for more information. In case of inclement weather, the Holiday Parade will be canceled. However, the Tree Lighting and Party will still be held inside the Tinker Club at 4:30 p.m.