The Atoka City Council voted to allow use of the city stage for the 2025 Christmas parade and amended the motion to specify that approvals will be handled on a case‑by‑case basis while staff develops a formal policy. Community volunteers and organizations, including former Chamber participants and local market organizers, told the council they planned a community-run parade on the second Saturday to coincide with the market.

The organizer, who described coordinating multiple community partners and noted the chamber had stepped back from running the parade last year, asked to use the city stage to locate judges and the announcing area because the plaza is no longer available. Councilmembers said a written policy is being drafted and that case‑by‑case approvals are appropriate until a formal policy is adopted. The council amended the motion on the floor to reflect that case-by-case approach, then approved the request in a roll-call vote.

Council members and staff emphasized the need for a written policy to avoid later disputes about preferential treatment. Staff said the policy would be “fluid” and updated as new situations arise. Organizers said they expected business owners to begin planning in late September and requested early confirmation so participants can prepare floats and entries for the parade scheduled during the market on Dec. 6 (second Saturday schedule noted in the meeting).

The council’s approval does not yet establish a permanent permitting framework; staff will return with a draft policy for formal adoption.