Okeechobee can thank Brenda O'Connor for the town decorating and the parade. She has probably remarried. Her maiden name was Trent. Lots of family still in Okeechobee.

Brenda was executive director of the Chamber of Commerce in the 80s and early 90s.

As late as the mid 80s the city did not decorate. Didn't want to spend tax dollars on decorations. Brenda got a catalog that had Christmas decorations for light poles. She convinced some Chamber members to each buy one. With the assistance of the local cable company decorations were put up along North Park and down south Parrott. For several years they were put up and taken down. Look at all the city's decoration now.

A year or two later Brenda convinced the Chamber to sponsor a lighted, nighttime Christmas parade and now it's a tradition.

If you enjoy the seasonal decorations and the parade thank Brenda, who has since moved away .There are a lot of Trents in town. Tell them and ask them to pass it along.

Thank you Brenda,

Tom Murray