By Brooke Curley
brooke@gilavalleycentral.net
PIMA – The town of Pima is joining in on the festivities of the season with its inaugural Christmas Tree lighting, complete with music, cookies, hot chocolate, and, perhaps, a certain jolly old elf.
The first Christmas Tree lighting for the town of Pima is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. The Pima School Choir and band will be performing at the event, which will take place at Heritage Park between the Pima Fire Department and Pima Library. The town suggests individuals bring their own lawn chairs and cookies to share. Pima citizens are also encouraged to bring ornaments for the town’s first Christmas Tree, and the town of Pima will be providing hot chocolate.
Pima Mayor C.B. Fletcher addressed the Pima Town Council on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and told those attending that he appreciates the fact that someone from within the community spoke up and asked for what they wanted.
“I am really, really excited. A citizen called and asked something of us, and we’re going to do it,” Fletcher said. “I would like to tell those of you present that this came about because of a citizen, Jean Crocket, (who) called me one evening and said her son used to be mayor of Pinetop, and (she) says ‘they always did a Christmas Tree lighting. Why don’t we do a Christmas tree lighting?’”(sic)
After this, Fletcher told the council and those attending that he brought the idea up to the council, where the idea was welcomed warmly.
“We were unanimous, and I have had nothing but positive feedback,” Fletcher said. “Every citizen I’ve talked to, and people who have called me told me, ‘hey, this is a great thing.’”
Fletcher told the council that he expects the tree lighting to last roughly half an hour and that it should be a fun experience for all who attend. The lighting will be starting promptly at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18.
