File Photo By Walt Mares: Santa Claus waves from a much smaller version of a haul truck in the Freeport McMoran parade entry of the 22nd Annual Clifton Festival of Lights. The Safford Light Parade has been canceled this year.
Merry Main Street tree lighting to go ahead without extra fanfare
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – COVID-19 has taken another casualty, this time it is the annual festivities to open the Christmas season.
After meeting Wednesday, the Safford Downtown Association made the decision to cancel its annual Country Financial Light Parade due to the lack of floats signed up for the event.
“Planing events in 2020 is a rollercoaster at best and I know that the city of Safford and the Safford Downtown Association has planned these events all the way to the alter making every effort to make them happen,” Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith wrote in a release.
“This is tough news for all of us. In addition to all the hometown goodness that comes with the light parade, the event draws thousands of shoppers to our downtown businesses during the busy shopping season,” Smith wrote in a news release. “It is my hope that you continue to eat out and find unique gifts downtown. Our planning for next year started today.”
While there won’t be the usual fanfare at the Merry Main Street tree lighting, the lighting itself is still planned to take place Friday, Nov. 27, at 5:30 p.m.
“On behalf of our dedicated Safford Downtown Association Board, we wish you a merry Christmas and may God bless and keep your family healthy this holiday season,” Smith wrote.
