SAFFORD — A record 38 entries took part in the 24th annual Country Financial Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, and the top six have been crowned.
Following the judges’ tally, each of the six winners will receive $300, to be donated to a group or cause of their choice.
Winners are:
● Friends and family — Zumba Fitness of the Gila Valley, parade entry untitled, donating the prize money to Mt. Graham Safe House
● School — First Unted Methodist Preschool, float entitled “Gingerbread House,” using the prize to help fund preschool services
● Nonprofit organization — SEACAP, float entitled “Yee-haw Country Blue Christmas,” using the prize to help fund utility and rent assistance, and weatherization/utility repair
● Government — Graham County, float entitled “Christmas in the Country,” donating the prize to the House of Hope Sober Living Facility
● Small business —LifeNet 10, float entitled “You’ve Got a Friend in Us,” donating the prize to the Boys & Girls Club of the Gila Valley
● Large business — Open Loop Energy, parade entry untitled, donating the prize to Mt. Graham Safe House.
Prior to the parade, viewers were treated to entertainment presented by Gila Valley All-Star Cheer, Extreme Martial Arts and Safford Dance Academy. And earlier in the day, The Venue on Main Street and the historic Safford Theater housed vendors for Hometown Market.
The day’s activities were brought to the community by the Safford Downtown Association, the City of Safford and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.
