Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Mrs. Claus and Santa close out the parade.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The 26th annual Safford Light Parade is in the books, and planning is set to begin making next year’s event even bigger and better.
Thousands lined the streets of Downtown Safford on Saturday for a bit of free entertainment and the awe-inspiring floats of the light parade.
The event started with St. Nick himself at the historic Safford Theater as he entertained children’s wishes for Christmas. The main sponsor again this year was Country Financial, and Vaughn Grant and Jenna Ferrin emceed the parade.
Pre-parade entertainment included karate demonstrations from Extreme Martial Arts and several dance numbers with multiple costumes by the Safford Dance Academy – two entertainment staples of the event – and a cheer from Gila Valley All-Star Cheer.
Graham County Supervisor District 2 Supervisor John Howard co-owns Genevieve’s Market Place with his wife, Jenny, and serves as the vice president of the Safford Downtown Association.
“That whole event is just becoming quite a community tradition and it’s getting bigger and bigger,” Howard said. “I’m a little concerned about where we’re going to line up floats if we get any more and which we will get more but that’s a good problem to have.”
Howard said the city of Safford Special Events Liaison Mick Ruiz’s assistance was exceptionally beneficial.
“This was his first parade with us and he did a fantastic job,” Howard said. “His help was invaluable.”
While this year’s event had 43 entries, with multiple floats in some entries there were more than 50 floats in the parade.
Familiar faces not only lined the streets but handled the floats as well giving some spirited competition. Afterward, many stayed and shopped the deals at the locally owned and operated stores Downtown.
“I just appreciate our sponsors and the city of Safford for all they’ve done,” Howard said. “The city of Safford stepped up . . . Just a lot more volunteers making life a lot easier.”
Click here to see the Gila Herald’s Photo Album of the event.
Parade Winners
School Category Arizona Arts Academy
“Rockin’In a Winter Wonderland”
Church Category The Way World Outreach
“Snow Globe Winter At The Way”
Family & Friends Category Graham & Greenlee Jeepers
“Graham & Greenlee Jeepers”
Small Business Category (1-19 Staff)
A& E Mobile Repair
“Tool-Maters Winter Wonderland” Charity – The Safe House
Large Business Category (20 + Staff)
Open Loop
“Cabin Fever” Charity Gila Valley Samaritan House
Non-Profit Category Graham County Electric Co-Op
Charity – Our Neighbor’s Farm & Pantry
Government Category Graham County
Winter Wonderland In Graham County
Charity – House of Hope
