Tulsa Christmas parade controversy now over

TULSA - The Christmas parade controversy is now over.

The dispute between two groups claiming to be in charge has ended with one party stepping away.

Last year, the first Tulsa Christmas Parade was held at the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center, held in response to the long-standing Holiday Parade of Lights, because they didn't include the word Christmas.

David Arnett was the organizer of the 2011 Tulsa Christmas Parade.

This year he will not be a part of it.

"The day after I filed the permit to continue the parade, former associates filed another permit on top of mine, so there was a conflict," said 2011 Christmas parade organizer David Arnett.

The Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC filed the second permit.

Two weeks ago, the LLC's board members alerted the media to a potential imposter not associated with the Christmas parade soliciting funds for the parade.

Arnett says they were talking about him.

He also says he did not accept money, only pledges.

Now he's decided to back away.

"It is not my nature to withdraw from battle. I am not built that way, but battling over Christmas really defeats the spirit of Christmas," he said.

Board members with the Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC did not want to discuss the matter further, but say they are glad to move past controversy.

"We've been busy, the board has been preparing for 2012 Christmas Parade and we're excited about it," said Josh McFarland, with a board member with the Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC.

Arnett says while he is disappointed, he will not let it ruin his Christmas.

"Given all of that, good luck to them, God bless them and I hope they have a great parade," Arnett said.

The Tulsa Christmas Parade board plans to make an announcement about this year's lineup in a couple weeks.