Kick off the holidays with the 24th annual Merry Main Street in Downtown Safford

By Jon Johnson

SAFFORD — There’s no better way to welcome the Christmas season in the Gila Valley than with the heartwarming, hometown magic of the 24th annual Merry Main Street and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Safford this Friday from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. sharp in front of Safford City Hall with the Freeport-McMoRan Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mayor Richard Ortega will flip the switch, officially illuminating the city’s towering Christmas tree and lighting up the faces of families gathered on the lawn.

*Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Kamea Nelson entertains the crowd at last year’s event.*

“It’s pure Americana hometown goodness,” Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith said about the event last year. “You’ll see hugs, laughter, and old friends reuniting on Main Street — because Downtown is the heart of Safford, and it’s where everyone wants to come home to during the holidays.”

*Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The Graham County Courthouse glows with holiday lights.*

As soon as the tree glows, the Ponderosa Aviation-sponsored Merry Main Street festivities officially begin and run until 8 p.m. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you:

Meet Santa Claus himself inside the beautifully renovated historic Safford Theatre and whisper those Christmas wishes!
Sled down a giant snow hill made from 22 tons of real ice (courtesy of Ice King) right on City Hall lawn
Warm up with s’mores stations
Decorate cookies at Willow’s Cottage and meet Mrs. Claus while writing letters to the North Pole
Craft your own Christmas ornament inside Main Street Café
Join the exciting scavenger hunt with a grand prize of $750
Enjoy food vendors, extended shopping hours at local businesses, and live holiday cheer up and down Main Street

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: From left, Harleigh Guerrero 2, and her big sister, Aiyanna Guerrero, 5, of Safford chat with Santa Claus during the 23rd annual Safford Downtown Association’s Merry Main Street in Safford on last year.

And the fun doesn’t stop after Friday! Come back Saturday for Shop Small Saturday and support the local shops and restaurants that make events like Merry Main Street possible. Then mark your calendars for the always-spectacular Country Financial Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, complete with Santa, entertainment, and a dazzling parade down Main Street starting at 6 p.m.

*Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: A child slides down the man-made “snow” hill at last year’s event.*

Make plans now to be part of this beloved Gila Valley tradition. Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and head to Downtown Safford this Friday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a night filled with lights, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas.

Merry Main Street — where memories are made and the holidays truly begin! See you Downtown!