OSWEGO — The Chamber of Commerce of Oswego is making big plans for a lively, fun Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, slated for Wednesday, Dec. 3. Per chamber member Morgan Prather’s suggestion of a Candyland theme, a new tradition of “Lollipop Lane,” named by Paris Clifton — daughter of Cheynea and Chad Clifton — is in the works. Event installation begins mid-November.
Since the end of summer, the Chamber’s dedicated Christmas event committee has busily been creating lollipops, candy canes, candies, fanciful trees, garlands, tree decorations and holiday additions to planters, light posts, awnings, and more for Oswego’s Commercial Street.
The goal is to build on the traditional tree lighting and parade event for future generations. Merchants along Commercial Street are invited to decorate their storefronts in line with the Lollipop Lane theme. The Chamber is happy to assist; if desired, please contact the Chamber at OswegoKansasChamber@ gmail.com for more information on decor and volunteer possibilities.
Businesses and individuals are rallying. Event sponsors via in-kind and financial sponsorships currently include: Tank Connection, Strategic Perception, Kepner Construction, Sara Lytle Gallery, Liz and Mike Maxwell, Patty Blair, Fred Hammack, Tammy and Dustin Wilson, City of Oswego, Nicki and Jim Tomlinson, Philip Day, Susan Johnson, Kris and Rod Redburn, Cathy Duncan, Haisly Jimenez, Kade Irwin, Danny Turner, Marlys and Jay Trower, Cheryel Cross, Buddy Tomlinson, Black Crow Trading, Nikki and Ty Lewis, Beckie & Mayor Danny Chapman, John Eck, Steve McBride, Bill Cochran, Linseh and Nic Johnson, Oswego Fire Department, Oswego Police Department, Tommy Horn, First Security
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Title, and Labette Hardware.
If interested in joining the chamber, sponsorship, or volunteering, contact the chamber via email.
Kris and Rod Redburn are honored as this year’s parade grand marshals.
For detailed Lollipop Lane 2025 event information and the form to enter the parade, visit www.oswegokansaschamber. org/lollipop-lane. It’s advised to submit the parade entry form prior to the parade; however, entrants may also bring the form to the parade lineup prior to the event.
Festivities begin at 6 p.m., Dec. 3, around the city Christmas tree at 4th and Commercial Street. The Tree lighting will be at 6:30. p.m.
Mr. and Miss Jingle Bell entry forms for children aged pre-K to fifth grade may be dropped in a box at Black Crow Trading at 518 Commercial St. from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1, during business hours.
The Jingle Bell winners will be notified via phone call on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Per tradition, they will ride alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus in Oswego’s antique firetruck provided by John Eck.
Lollipop committee members are: Angela McKee, Cathy Duncan, Haisly Jimenez, Liz Maxwell, Philip Day, Patty Blair, Susan Johnson, Tammy Wilson, Nicki Tomlinson, Kris Redburn, Dan Turner, and Sara Lytle.
