By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Thousands of revelers packed Main Street in Downtown Safford on Friday night for the 24th annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Merry Main Street celebration.
The evening kicks off the Christmas purchasing season, which happens the day after Thanksgiving on the traditional Black Friday when throngs of people fill Downtown shops.
Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith was the usual man about town for the annual event, scurrying to the various features making sure everything was running smoothly.
“This is pure, American, Downtown, hometown goodness,” Smith told the Gila Herald in a man on the street interview at the event. “Welcome home if you are from the Gila Valley. We have all these kids that have grown up who are now in their 20s and 30s who want to come back for Merry Main Street . . . That’s probably the best compliment about this event.”
There was an area to make Christmas ornaments, and an assortment of food and retail vendors lined the street. One youth favorite was the sledding hill and snow field.
However, the big draw was the big man, Santa Claus, who set up camp in the historic Safford Theatre on stage with a couple of animatronic reindeer and had the longest line – stretching through the theatre and down the street at its apex. The Safford Theatre continues its renovations into an open-air theatre capable of hosting music venues, plays, and movies.
Next up for Downtown will be the popular Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. It will start with Santa at the historic Safford Theatre from 4 – 5:45 p.m., with entertainment starting at 5 p.m. on the Kempton Chevrolet Stage, and the Light Parade at 6 p.m. down Main Street in Downtown Safford.
