GRAHAM COUNTY — The holiday season is officially here and that means plenty of activities across Graham and Greenlee counties.
Events
Cowboy Christmas, Reindeer Connection and Candy Cane Lane, featuring vendors of unique and hand-made items, all take place at Graham County Fairgrounds Friday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meg’s Place in Fort Thomas will conduct a tree lighting and family fiesta Monday, Dec. 1. The fiesta starts at 4 p.m. and tree lighting at 6 p.m. Participants can brings an ornament to add to the tree.
The Duncan Women’s Club will host its annual Christmas House Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features one-of-a-kind crafts, gifts and baked goods.
Holiday Fest ’25 will take place Friday, Dec. 5, from 5-8 p.m., at the Community Center in Morenci. The event will feature activities, photos with Santa and real snow.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. Rose of Lima will present the 27th annual Festival of Trees, debuting on Saturday, Dec. 6, and running Dec. 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. each day. The theme this is year “Christ is our Joy.”
Dorothy Stinson Student Council will present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8-10 a.m., in the Dorothy Stinson School cafeteria. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, shredded potatoes and a drink. Cost is $3 for children, $4 for adults.
The Virden, N.M., Christmas Festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Virden Community Center, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature Nativity displays, a Festival of Trees, a musical program and refreshments.
Eastern Arizona College’s 89th community and alumni performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will take place Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
Trailhead Hideaway will host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8-11 a.m.
The ninth annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 9:30 a.m., at Mt. Graham Golf Course. Cost is $65, or free with a $15 cart fee for Valley Card members, plus at least one new, unwrapped toy. Register in-person only in the pro shop.
The Community Christmas Exchange will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 2 p.m., at Grammy’s Bake Shop in Central. Mrs. Claus will demonstrate cookie decorating, children will learn a Christmas dance with Michael the Elf and donations of toys and clothes for children in need will be accepted.
The Greenlee County Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas dinner Wednesday, Dec. 17, starting at 6 p.m., at the Morenci Club. There will also be raffles and giveaways.
The eighth annual Christmas Party for Special Needs Children will take place Friday, Dec. 19, from 6-8 p.m., at American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 in Safford. For those who wish to donate items, call 928-651-1393.
Giving Trees
Nominations for children for the Safford Police Angel Tree will still be accepted through Dec. 1. More than 100 children have already been nominated and tags can be picked up at the Safford Police Station
The Pima Public Library is sponsoring the town’s Wish Tree. Residents can select a name off the tree and provide gifts and needed items for the town’s children and seniors. Deadline to turn in new, unwrapped gifts for delivery is Dec. 15.
Gila Valley Samaritan Home has Joyful Giving Tree to help the area’s unhoused population. Clothes and personal items are especially needed, as well as treats. Tags can be obtained at the tree at Samaritan Home or online at https://signup.com/go/uleunhx.
Riverfront Lounge in Duncan is hosting a Christmas Giving Tree. Tags can be picked up now and gifts must be turned in by Dec. 15 to ensure delivery before Christmas day.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Holiday Parades
The 29th annual Festival of Lights in Clifton will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, on Chase Creek Street. Sponsored by the Clifton Social Club, festivities begin at noon and the parade will start at about 6:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is “The Magic of Christmas.”
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the theme of this year’s Duncan Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. Parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. and the parade down U.S. Highway 70 starts at 6 p.m.
The 28th annual Light Parade on Safford’s Main Street will take place Saturday, Dec. 13. Sponsored by Country Financial, the theme is “Melodies of Christmas.” Photos with Santa’s friends and food vendors open at 4 p.m., entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and the parade begins at 6 p.m.
Donations
Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition is accepting donations of wreaths and holiday decorations that can be used to fund-raise in support of recovery programs. Text 928-651-2744 or 928-322-2111 to arrange delivery.
The Light the World Giving Machines return to the Gila Valley Dec. 12 through Jan. 1. Positioned at the corner of 8th Avenue and Main Street, in front of Safford City Hall, residents can make a donation to a local, statewide, national or worldwide nonprofit organization in a manner similar to a vending machine. The local nonprofits in the machines are SEACUS, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry.
Want to add an event to this list? Send the information to news@doublermedia.net.
