At nightfall on Thanksgiving, hundreds of Bristowans and visitors braved the biting chill to welcome the arrival of Cowboy Christmas as event organizers lit the more than 30-foot tree.
Carriages being pulled by mules with Sweet Dreams Carriage Rides offered patrons a unique and festive holiday experience, and a few nearby vendors and business owners sold hot chocolate and seasonal goodies. Meanwhile, a special surprise awaited attendees in the southeast corner of the lot behind the tree: Rose and Grace, two reindeer.
The Wild Jenny’s owner, Rachel Taylor, sponsored an appearance by locally owned and operated Reindeer Club of Oklahoma. To show their gratitude, Reindeer Club owners Nick Ledbetter and his parents, Billy and Susan Ledbetter, gifted Rachel and her mother, Vivian Taylor, each “crystal clear Christmas tree ornaments filled with magical reindeer fur”, according to Billy and Susan.The duo also had their photo taken in the club’s sleigh with Rose in front.
As for Rose and Grace, the reindeer are 2 of 3 owned by the Reindeer Club. Although most erroneously assume the 4-yearold, solidly white Grace is albino, she is actually a Newfoundland reindeer. Owners noted she keeps more to herself; however, Billy stated that the beautiful and charismatic Rose, a 7-year-old tundra reindeer with her striking dark and white coloring, steals the show every time. The reindeer stands up with her front legs on the fence or hay bales and towers over the crowd while she eats her animal crackers. He also noted that Rose attends all of the photo shoots in photography studios across the state, beginning in October. He chuckled and said, “We call her ‘the unicorn of the reindeer’.”
To meet the reindeer, be sure to catch one of their two remaining local appearances. The reindeer will appear to the southeast of the tree in the lot at East 8th Avenue and North Main Street on the night of December 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the Christmas parade and activities. Next, the reindeer will visit the Bristow Public Library, also known as the Montfort & Allie B. Jones Memorial Library, on December 18.
With the arrival of Cowboy Christmas, photo opportunities abound throughout the town. Visitors may also catch a ride with Sweet Dreams Carriage Rides throughout the season, visit the tree, shop in local stores, win prizes through Bristow Bucks, watch the parade, and attend numerous seasonal events, locally.