Downtown Association finalizes Christmas plans

Published on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:05 AM MST

The Safford Downtown Association has many exciting Christmas activities planned for shoppers in the Gila Valley. The following information will help those who plan to participate in the Gingerbread House Contest, the Window Decorating Contest, Merry Main Street and the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade.

Merry Main Street

The seventh annual Freeport MacMoRan Annual Merry Main Street and Tree Lighting is Friday, Nov. 28, on Main Street in Safford from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening will be full of fun and excitement as area residents shop along Main Street, greet Santa, solve a Treasure Hunt, enjoy live entertainment and participate in free activities.

Booth spaces are available. They are approximately 10 feet by 10 feet and cost $20. Food vendors must have a certificate of insurance and a temporary permit from the Graham County Health Department, 826 W. Main St., Safford.

If you are interested in reserving a booth, call Pam Denning at 432-4143 or stop by the City Annex at 808 South Eighth Ave.

The city Christmas tree, the courthouse and City Hall will be lit up at 5:30 p.m. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be free games and pictures with Santa.

This year, there will be a Kids Karaoke Contest at Fifth and Main. Contestants can compete in age groups of K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 grade levels. First prize is $50, second $25 and third $15. Contestants must bring their own CD. For information call Maria at 651-5888.

Adults 18 and over can take part in a Treasure Hunt. To participate, get a card that evening from the Treasure Hunt booth, then go to each store and pick up a clue that spells out a word. Completed Treasure Hunt forms will be entered into a drawing for prizes from Downtown merchants.

Festival of Lights

The Cable One 10th annual Festival of Lights Holiday Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “The Magic of Christmas.” There will be many family activities and games, vendors, entertainment and a Santa’s Village. Santa arrives at 5 p.m., entertainment starts at 6 p.m., and the parade is at 7 p.m.

The Judge’s Award will feature a $500 prize and will be awarded to the float with the most effective use of lights and the most accurate interpretation of the parade theme. The Downtown Association’s Most Creative Award winner will receive $300. Other categories include cash prizes for the best float in various categories. All award money will be donated to the winner’s choice of the following community programs: The Boys and Girls Club, Make a Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels and the Safe House.

Float applications are due Dec. 1 and are available at the City Annex building, Gingerbread & Company or El Charro. For more information contact Rick Nations at 651-4600. You must have a packet and a number to participate.

Window Decorating Contest

The Safford Downtown Association creates a festive Downtown shopping atmosphere by sponsoring a Window Decorating Contest.

The four contest categories include Jesus is the Reason, Magical White Christmas, Best Use of Christmas Tree, Best Use of Christmas Lights.

All Downtown merchants can participate and prizes will be awarded for first place. The windows cannot be professionally painted. They must be completed by November 20 and will be judged November 21.

Contact Michelle Wilson or Sheila Neff at 428-1570 for more information.

Gingerbread House contest

A popular activity every Christmas is the Gingerbread House Contest.

The gingerbread houses can be any style of building. The size of the house and foundation cannot exceed 24” by 24” and it must be made from gingerbread. There can be no interior support and all decorations must be edible, except for the mixed media category.

Judging will be based on overall appearance, originality and craftsmanship. Amateurs must not have help from a professional, and entry forms must be dropped off at the Gingerbread & Company by Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. For more information call Kathy Dickey at 485-2064.

Categories include professional, adult 18 and over, youth 12 to 17, child 6-11 and 0-5, groups, ornaments and mixed media.

Entries should be dropped off between 4 and 7 p.m., Nov. 25, at Pro Office, where they will be on display from Nov. 28 to Jan. 1.

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