Former residents of Picher and Cardin Oklahoma came home for the annual Christmas parade in Picher on Saturday.

 

Both communities are within the Tar Creek Superfund Site and were bought out by the federal government over 15 years ago due to lead contamination from mining in the area. While no one lives in the towns anymore, a special event is held each year as a homecoming.

 

Hundreds lined U.S. 69 through Picher with local first responders and organizations from surrounding towns participating, including the Wyandotte High School Marching Bears.

 

Former Picher Resident Amy Conrad, who now lives in Fairland, says she looks forward to this event every year.

 

Conrad says she wants people to know that Picher is a special place for the people who grew up there.

 

KGGF also owes credit to Picher, as the station started there in 1927. The Picher-Cardin Parade takes place every first Saturday in December at 10 a.m.