Thousands parade to RIVERSPORT OKC for Winter Glow

RIVERSPORT OKC’s Winter Glow holiday family experience begins today and continues through Dec. 30.

The experience includes opportunities to ski or snowboard on the Ski OKC indoor slope, or to ice skate or curl on RIVERSPORT’s synthetic ice-skating rink. Climbing experiences will also be included, with four covered climbing options available – a cavern wall, leap of faith, adventure climb and speed wall. Visitors can also experience a simulated ice climb, decorated for the holiday season.

Along with the glow of firepits and holiday lights throughout the attraction, eSports competitions with weekly prizes will be offered.

"A spirit of competition is in the DNA of RIVERSPORT, and the new Cox eSports Arena will allow us to inject some friendly competition in a family-oriented, high-tech way," RIVERSPORT Executive Director, Mike Knopp said.

"Innovation is also in the DNA of RIVERSPORT and we see eSports as a new frontier in competitive sports and we have created a series of competitions with great prizes provided by Cox that will be part of the Winter Glow experience – including a very unique virtual reality rowing challenge!"

The Braum’s Holiday River Parade will be held on the Oklahoma River as part of the Winter Glow experience.

Attracting thousands to the boathouse each year, the parade includes a line of decorated boats, skiing elves and the arrival of Santa Claus, accented by fireworks.

Originated by the late Mike McAuliffe, the free parade event will now be hosted by RIVERSPORT from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Knopp said the organization is honored to continue the traditional parade.

"We worked closely with Mike [McAuliffe] since the beginning of this, even in the early years of the redevelopment of our Oklahoma River, and believe it is very important to continue and grow this very special event while also honoring Mike’s legacy.  It is exciting to have Braum’s on board this year to help us make it bigger and better than ever," he said.

Winter Glow activities are included in RIVERSPORT season memberships, and available with day passes at $19.99 for adults and $14.99 for youth ages 12 and under. Parking for the Braum’s Holiday River Parade is $5.

"With indoor skiing, curling and now eSports, Winter Glow will offer family holiday fun despite what the weather is like outside!"

Winter Glow will be held on weekend evenings until Dec. 18 when hours will be expanded to fit a full week schedule. You can find a full list of holiday hours and more on the RIVERSPORT OKC website.