Holiday in the Park lights up Lawton

Holiday in the Park is back again with lighted displays and winter fun for the family.

The series of events will open with the Frost Your Fanny 5k at 5 p.m. Saturday. Runners will take a path from 6th and 3rd streets, down Second Street to Southwest C Avenue, to 4th St, and back to the park. Portions of all roads mentioned will be blocked off. Registration for the run begins at 3:30 p.m.

After the Frost your Fanny 5k, a parade of more than 100 organizations will move through downtown in a parade. The parade is set to s{span}tart “at the Central Plaza, winding through Elmer Thomas Park, then onto Prairie Dog Way, and ending at McMahon Memorial Auditorium,” according to the group’s Facebook page. The group also warned to expect traffic delays and blocked roads downtown.

This year, more than 100 displays have been created for visitors to walk and drive through, said Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce President John Michael Montgomery.

The organization relies on donations and volunteers to “transform Elmer Thomas Park into a winter wonderland,” according to the website.

The theme for 2024 is Candyland. Train rides, ice skating, and mini golf will be available to enjoy.

The winter rink skating is $10 per person, skate rental included. If bringing skates, the price is $8 per person. The winter rink will be open Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mini golf and train rides will be $5 per person.

A series of events will be taking place during Holiday in the Park, including:

Lawton Community Theater performing at 6 p.m. Nov. 23

Jasmine Danasia performing at 6 p.m. Dec. 6

Allison Yates, performing at 6 p.m., and Lawton Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, at 7 p.m., Dec. 7

Jasmine Danasia performing at 6 p.m., Greater Galilee Baptist Church at 7 p.m. and Jazz Mix Plus Band Plus at 8 p.m., Dec. 13

Lawton Public Library Craft 2 p.m. Dec. 14

Living Nativity Scene, 6 p.m. Dec. 20-22

Holiday in the Park displays will be up from from Saturday through Jan. 1. There is no fee, but donations are accepted.

Volunteers still are needed to help set up the 5k, parade and to take down displays after the event concludes in January. To volunteer, call the Lawton Chamber of Commerce at (580) 355-3541.