Staff Reports
SAFFORD – For a true Norman Rockwellesque, small-town, Hallmark movie-of-the-week Main Street U.S.A. event this season, be sure to be in Downtown Safford on Friday, Nov. 26, for the 20th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Merry Main Street, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The event – presented by the Safford Downtown Association – is a family-fun evening well-received by residents and business owners alike and every child activity is free.
Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith previously told the Gila Herald that with family in town for the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday shopping deals, the tree lighting ceremony and Merry Main Street event was created to help introduce that population to Downtown Safford.
“Our purpose is to bring people Downtown and introduce them for the first time to Main Street or show them or remind them what is available in Downtown Safford,” Smith previously said. “The idea is just to bring people Downtown and show them what’s available. Plus, it’s fun.”
There will be plenty of food vendors, a pie-eating contest, bounce houses, a cakewalk, live entertainment, karaoke, and a scavenger treasure hunt throughout the businesses that include about $1,000 in gift cards and several other prizes. The first clue given for the treasure hunt is “follow these colors to the seven cities of Cibola.” The seven cities of Cibola are also known as the seven cities of gold. According to legend, the seven cities of gold could be found throughout the pueblos of New Mexico. Subsequent clues will be released throughout the night and will be found at participating Downtown businesses.
Sponsored aspects of the evening include S’Mores by Gila Valley Made, Valley Telecom’s Alpine Slide, Ginaveve’s Marketplace’s Polar Slide, Gila All-Star Cheer’s Kids Crafts, The Wear’s Christmas Train, and Jackie Attaway Real Estate’s Gingerbread House Contest.
Oh, and did I mention a certain jolly old elf will be on hand as well? Of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there ready to meet all the good little boys and girls and visit with them.
