By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Thousands of revelers packed Main Street in Downtown Safford on Friday night for the 23rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Merry Main Street celebration.
Safford Mayor Richard Ortega counted down and threw the switch to illuminate Safford City Hall, its Christmas Tree, and other lights. The Safford Downtown Association organizes the annual event.
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.
“Merry Main Street is pure Americana hometown goodness,” said Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith. “It’s so cool to see on our street on Friday night all the hugs and the embraces and people who haven’t seen each other in years happening in our Downtown. Downtown is the heart of Safford, Arizona, and any little Downtown. So, everyone wants to come home and go Downtown when they come home.”
Mayor Ortega encouraged those in attendance to shop locally and keep money in the area.
“I just want to thank everybody for being here,” Ortega said. “This is a great event. It just shows what a small town is and just how we are growing.”
Local singer Kamea Nelson entertained the crowd with Christmas carols before and after the tree was lit. Later, the stage was also used for karaoke.
There was gingerbread house making and writing letters to Santa, 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 lobby and had the longest line. 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. 14. It will start with Santa at the historic Safford Theatre from 4 – 5:45 p.m., with entertainment starting at 5 p.m., and the Light Parade at 6 p.m. down Main Street in Downtown Safford.
