Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Santa Claus listens to the wishes of the children during Safford’s Merry Main Street. Pictured with him are, from left, Payzlee Roybal, Cash Roybal, and Serenity Roybal.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – More than a thousand revelers joined in on the fun in Downtown Safford on Friday night for the start of the Christmas season with the 22nd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Merry Main Street event in Downtown Safford.
Safford Mayor Jason Kouts gave the countdown to throw the switch and Safford City Hall and the Christmas Tree were instantly illuminated. The event is put on by the Safford Downtown Association.
Santa Claus received a police escort via golf court through the swaths of humanity to his perch for the night at the historic Safford Theatre, which continues its restoration. There he greeted young and old alike with childlike wonder and glee.
The evening is a kickoff to the Christmas purchasing season which happens the day after Thanksgiving on the traditional Black Friday and the throngs of people fill up Downtown shops.
There was a snow area for the children to mess with, a pie-eating contest, a carousel, a Christmas train, karaoke, smores, food vendors, and a slew of carnival-type games at every block.
The big draw was the big man himself, Santa Claus, and he had the longest line.
Next up for Downtown will be the popular Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting with Santa at the historic Safford Theatre from 4 – 5:45 p.m., entertainment starting at 5 p.m., and the Light Parade at 6 p.m. down Main Street in Downtown Safford.
