Light parade features glittery floats

By Aimee Staten
Managing Editor
Published on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:19 AM MST

More than 50 floats glided down Main Street and then around to Seventh Street Saturday night during the Magic of Christmas holiday light parade sponsored by CableOne.

The Downtown Association decided to embrace the spirit of giving this year by donating the winners’ awards to local organizations or charities of their choice, according to event organizer Rick Nations. The following are the winners and awards for the 10th annual event.

• Judges award — Discovery Plus Academy, $500.

The Thatcher Middle School strings orchestra shares the Magic of Christmas during the 2008 Festival of Lights on Saturday. Photo by Aimee Staten

• Downtown Association Award — Graham County Highway Department, $300.

• Best Interpretation of Theme — City of Safford Utilities Department, city of Safford Public Works and the Arizona Department of Transportation, $200.

• Family — The Studley family, $100.

• Small Business — City Electric Supply, $100.

• Large Business — Home Depot, $100.

• Nonprofit — Graham County 4-H, $100.

• Grande Trucks — Altech Refrigeration, $100.

“There are so many in need this year,” Nations told the Courier.

This inspired the committee and, it appears, many of the float creators, who made this year one of the best ever.

Danny Smith, Safford councilor and Downtown Association member, is still amazed at the growth of the event.

Ten years ago, the parade consisted of a martian, a man on a bicycle and the police. “They didn’t even close down Main Street,” he said, laughing. Now, 10 years later, not only has the event grown in number but also in heart.

Smith thanked the city’s special events crew, which sets and cleans up the Downtown area before and after events of this nature. Nations thanked all of the parade participants for their hard work and patience during the cold event.

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Comments

12 comment(s)

azpatriot wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Two wrongs don't make a right! My point was that every parade we have on Main Street, it's the same- very few people exhibit the basics anymore. Where has the pride of the American people gone? "

new pres wrote on Dec 15, 2008 1:01 AM:

" Our president elect doesn't salute the flag....maybe nobody will have to come February....some of you voted for him..... "

azpatriot wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:26 AM:

" The parade gets bigger & better each year, but like every other parade we have on Main St., it's heartbreaking to witness people not showing respect for our country's flag! The Civil Air Patrol cadets once again marched the colors down Main to begin the parade while adults & children stood idly by talking on cell phones, complaining about the cold, playing on the City Hall lawn, etc. Are there not any adults out there who teach there kids the very basics anymore? Come on people, show some respect and be grateful to live in this great nation! "

in4mu wrote on Dec 11, 2008 8:18 PM:

" All money is donated to a charity if a goverment agency wins none of it goes to the agency.. "

Just wondering wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:03 PM:

" I am wondering why it is that the County and the City are the ones who win the big money? Every year it seems that one of the government agencies wins the big prizes - that isn't fair to all the people who don't have unlimited resources to decorate with. I don't think that a government agency should be condsidered for the prizes. "

Dark and Frozen wrote on Dec 10, 2008 11:24 PM:

" We were told the reason of the gaps inbetween the floats was they officials did not want the floats to be bunched up on Main Street due to the floats having to be stopped to be judged. I would have rather looked at the pretty lights/floats than guess who was sitting across Main Street in the dark. The floats were very pretty when they were able to pass by. Maybe next year they can judge them as they come out of the shoot. "

Delays wrote on Dec 10, 2008 4:25 PM:

" I was told the delays was from the floats were not in order by entry, which they never are and they was trying to have them go that way. We should learn from our mistakes and send them in who ever gets in line first. This was the only problem I seen other than that I always look forward to this parade. "

disappointed wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:47 PM:

" After standing in the cold we were very disappointed with this years parade. We have been there from the beginning and this years parade, "what a let down". The floats were wonderful but the organization was terrible. The gaps were so large parents could not keep their kids interest and alot of them left. We also left and when we walked around the court house here were beautiful floats just sitting there while main street was dark with hundreds people. Oh well maybe next year. Thanks city of SAFFORD for all you do for the valley. "

great parade wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:42 PM:

" ok, how about a readers choice award? I loved the VW Bug set up like a wind up toy. So creative. Thanks to everyone who participated, it just keeps getting better! "

wondering wrote on Dec 10, 2008 2:42 PM:

" I was wondering as are many others why the long 2-3 block gap in the parade? What was the hold up? Suggestion for parade director next time, have the signs saying who sponsored the float lite up, could not see who the group was. Great little parade for our community. "

Parade Observer wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:06 AM:

" The City of Safford Public Works float was excellent. Very traditional, with the young lady singing and the young children sleding, sitting around the fire and placing ornaments on the tree was a very nice touch. Great Job to all parade participates. This is my favorite parade. "

DPA MOM wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:32 AM:

" I HAVE CHILDREN THAT ATTEND DISCOVERY PLUS ACADEMY AND THEY HAVE KINDLY DONATED THE MONEY THAT WAS WON TO TOYS FOR TOTS. THAT SCHOOL HAS SUCH A GREAT STAFF AND STUDENTS!! CONGRATS DPA!!

AND THANK YOU TO ALL THAT PUT FLOATS IN THE PARADE IT WAS GREAT!!! "

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