The Devon Energy Holiday River Parade will showcase some 25 decorated boats cruising down the Oklahoma River, pushing off at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Now in its sixth year, the annual event attracts more than 30,000 people.

The past five Holiday River Parades have generated approximately $450,000 for the Oklahoma River Foundation, which was established in 2004 and is managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, says Mike McAuliffe, event chairman.

"These funds will be used to improve the Oklahoma River and the 14 miles of trails," he says.

Pat Downes, director of development of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, says, "The Oklahoma River has generated hundreds of millions in capital investment, and has facilitated the creation of over 2,000 full-time jobs since its dedication at the inaugural Devon Holiday Boat Parade in 2004.

"Economic development has always been at the heart of Oklahoma City's riverfront master planning efforts."

Gary Marrs, Oklahoma City councilman and member of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, will serve as grand marshal for this year's parade, which will begin with a fireworks display and conclude with a visit from Santa Claus and his reindeer.

The parade begins at Regatta Park, traveling west along the north shoreline of the river to Wiley Post Park, then returning to Regatta Park. Viewing areas in the Boathouse District and Wiley Post Park open at 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

"The last of the original MAPS projects, the Oklahoma River will likely generate a development boom equaled only by Oklahoma City's Bricktown renaissance," says Ron Norick, Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority chairman and former Oklahoma City mayor.

For more information or for entry forms, visit www.okcparade.com.