The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, held a ceremonial lighting Tuesday evening of its inaugural, 26-foot-tall Tree of Hope and other Christmas-themed decor in its downtown area.
About 100 people attended the event for the tree-lighting, which featured a Route 66-themed topper, reported the Sapulpa Times. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who oversees the state’s tourism department, said: “Hope in the middle of Route 66, in one of the greatest communities on Route 66. No way was I going to miss this.”
The newspaper had more details from the scene:
As a covered lit Cinderella carriage made its way up and down Dewey Avenue with families waving, families began strolling down the streets, visiting shops and watching the animated displays that many had. Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and the Whos of Whoville, even Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. could be found in the windows, waving to the children, building toys, or scolding mischievous elves.
The Sapulpa Chamber Foundation and Sapulpa MainStreet partnered to organize the Tree of Hope. Referring to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the joint news release during the announcement a tree would be erected stated:
“This unprecedented time of illness and uncertainty has brought anxiety and loss to many. Now, more than ever, Sapulpa needs a Christmas filled with warmth, light, community, and friendship. We need hope.”
The tree is in front of the Creek County Courthouse at 222 E. Dewey Ave. (aka Route 66).
(Image of the Tree of Hope in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, by the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
A ‘tree of hope” in stead of a Christmas tree, and a “highway sign from the state” instead of the Star of Bethlehem. Dandy.
Please save our Rock Creek Bridge! We are losing our history, bit by bit!