SAFFORD — The holiday spirit is alive and well in Safford’s Downtown.
The 23rd annual Freeport-McMoRan Tree Lighting Ceremony and Ponderosa Air Ambulance Merry Main Street event kicked-off the holiday season in Safford on Friday.
“So far, so good,” said Danny Smith, president of the Safford Downtown Association. “It’s a great crowd and look at how the kids are excited, which is the point.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The night started with Christmas carols courtesy of 2024 Gila Idol winner Kamea Nelson, followed by the flipping of the switch to light the tree and Downtown by Safford Mayor Richard Ortega.
Then children had a chance to visit with both Santa Claus in the Safford Theatre, and Mrs. Claus in Willa’s Cottage. They also sledded down the snow hill on City Hall lawn, made gingerbread houses, decorated cookies at Main Street Café, took part in the coloring contest, sang Christmas karaoke on the Kempton Chevrolet Stage, and made s’mores in front of Copper and Cotton Lifestyle Co. All activities were free.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Plus there were plenty of food trucks and retail vendors lining Main Street, as well as the Downtown businesses and restaurants staying open late to serve those looking to get some holiday shopping done.
Sponsors for the Merry Main Street and Tree Lighting Ceremony events included Freeport-McMoRan, Ponderosa Air Ambulance, the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, CMI, SunZia, RioSol, The Graham County Chamber of Commerce, City of Safford and Safford Downtown Association
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Editor’s note: Reporter David Bell is a member of the Safford Downtown Association governing board.
