Category Archives: Christmas

Chance for a White Christmas for Williams

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800weather-rain-01WILLIAMS — The weather this morning was a strange mix of mist, fog and sun. Much of the snow has melted off, but the water is mixing with remaining snow causing slippery conditions. High winds are causing the temperature to remain cooler, but was not cold.

A rainbow even appeared over Williams to the north.
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On South Road, residents experienced a little more rain than in town. Ice formed on the pines along South Road creating a picturesque winter wonderland photo op.
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The weather prediction for this afternoon is 80% chance of snow turning to 60% chance of rain tonight. Wednesday the chance of snow is 40%with a 30% chance overnight. Thursday morning there is a 30% chance of snow through out the day with a 60% overnight.

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones you used to know, there is a 60% chance fo that on Christmas day Friday. Friday night and Saturday there is a slight chance of snow clearing Sunday through Monday.

New snow accumulation possible over the period is about 3-inches by Thursday with another half-inch on Christmas day.
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Light snow this morning

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SnowLite15-12-20-03WILLIAMS — Williams received a light dusting of snow this morning matching the NOAA forecast of snow before 11 a.m. By 10 a.m. the sun was out making for a fairly warm morning.

The forecast is for the weather to clear off today through Monday night. Tuesday through Thursday the forecast shows snow and rain which brings the possibility of slick sidewalks and icy roads.

There is a chance of a white Christmas with the chance of snow returning on the 25th.

Member of Williams Christmas Carol in the cold

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Carole15-12-17-11WILLIAMS — Last night about twenty citizens of the Williams community braved the cold to spread Christmas carols. If they had waited just one more day, it would have been a much warmer night.Carole15-12-17-09Kids and adults still seemed in good spirits as they headed off to share the joy of the season in song.Carole15-12-17-12

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Wow on Wild Wonderland at Bearizona

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800-Bearizona15-12-13-039WILLIAMS — When I first saw the video with the press release for the Wild Wonderland lights at Bearizona, I was less than impressed. I went to see them. Wow.

The Wild Wonderland is an event separate from the normal park tour that is similar to Zoo Lights. The first show starts just after it starts getting dark around 5:30. The show repeats every half-hour after. You can find special coupons for the event at businesses, such as Circle K, Hotels and the Grand Canyon Railroad—now hosting the Polar Express through January 2.
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The addition that made this show was the snow. With a fresh blanket of at least 3″ so far today, and more expected, you should get out to see this show. The snow reflects the light from the show making it even more spectacular and bright. One staff member informed me that more lights are intended for next year. The center of the attraction is the Christmas tree.

While waiting for the show, you might want to stop in the warmth of the gift shop and take in the train diorama created by Colonel Jim Garvey. Colonel Garvey has been building this diorama for years. A staff member told me the El Tovar Hotel took nearly 15-years.
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You can get a cup of coffee while waiting for the arrival of Mrs. Clause who tells stories to children of all ages. They also bring out animals to see.
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The Wild Wonderland will continue every evening, now, until December 27. The only exception is that they will be closed December 24 and Christmas Day. We have been told that Santa has some sort of prior engagement those dates.

If you are coming for Polar Express, you need to add this show to your agenda. Add a daytime visit to the Deer Farm Petting Zoo to get up close to animals. The Deer Farm is located about five-miles east (toward Flagstaff) of WIlliams. Then you can check off all the slots on your Christmas To-Do list.

Last Advent Concert next Sunday

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640-advent15-12-13-01WILLIAMS — The Advent Concert Sunday was a beautiful mix of voices from St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church and St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Occasionally it included the voices of the guests who joined in for some of the songs.

The music was directed by George Albers and included the combined voices of Father’s Marc McDonald of St. John’s and Kilian McCaffery on O Holy Night.

The music was a mix of old gospel favorites from around the world with a few contemporary songs.
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A reception was held after hosted by Sally Burcham.
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The last free Advent Concert will be Sunday, December 20 at 4 p.m.

Only two more Advent concerts left for the season

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advent-concert-15-12-12-10WILLIAMS — There are only two more free Advent concerts at St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church this season. The Church is located at 202 W. Grant Street next to the Williams City Christmas Tree.

The next concert is this Sunday at 4 p.m. The choirs of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. John’s will join together in a selection of Christmas favorites. If Reverend Marc McDonald is there to sing, you won’t want to miss it.

The last concert will be Sunday, December 20 at 4 p.m. It will feature guest musicians Anthony Flesch on the flute and Joel Rieck on acoustic guitar.

St. John’s hosts a reception after each concert. The concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Snow makes for a beautiful Williams morning

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640-Snow-15-12-12-01WILLIAMS — If you reserved your tickets for the Polar Express tonight, you picked a winner. With little snow yesterday, Williams woke up to a fine blanket of snow which made for a beautiful morning.
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Williams received about an inch of snow overnight. By afternoon the city had received about three-inches. It is expected to clear up overnight with the chance of snow picking up Sunday night through Monday night. Another 2-4 inches is possible.640-Snow-15-12-12-04I do not usually wake up early especially on a weekend. I had to take an exam in Flagstaff, however, and was pleasantly surprised by the winter wonderland. If you plan to visit Williams, plan a tour around in the early morning or early evening to check out the city lights.

I-40 this morning was slick and heavy with snow, but amazingly clear of accidents. On the return trip leaving Flagstaff about 12 p.m., we encountered only one accident which did not block or delay traffic.

Flagstaff received about the same amount of snow, but likely Snow Bowl is benefiting from the eight-inches predicted above 8000′. The snow is not finished, however, and an inch or two more might fall before the evening.

More photos on our Facebook page.

St John’s Advent concerts great entertainment

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Pastor Marc McDonald welcomes the guests.

Pastor Marc McDonald welcomes the guests.

WILLIAMS — The celebration of the lighting of the tree in Williams did not stop on Saturday. On Sunday at 4 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church began their annual series of Advent concerts.
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The series started with the choir from St. John’s led by George Albers. The choir consisted of Annie Albers, Gary Arend, Natalie Arend, Nancy Danyow, Julia Glaab, Dindy Harbeson-Geyman, Gloria Job, Ken Malpas and Kristine Vasquez.

George Albers gave a solo of Ave Maria and Pastor Marc McDonald sang I Wonder As I Wander. I was quite unprepared for the voice of Pastor McDonald.

Pastor McDonald sang a beautiful solo of I Wonder as I Wander.

Pastor McDonald sang a beautiful solo of I Wonder as I Wander.

The concert was also a worship service with Biblical reading. They included Luke 2:1-6 and 13, John 3:1-17, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 40:1-11, Exodus 19:3-7 and Luke 1:46-50.
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The Choir sang a series of holiday favorites on occasion getting the visitors to join in. The voices of the choir grew since last year and they made good use of the additions.

Afterward there was a reception hosted by the Director of Social Gatherings Sally Burcham.64015-11-29-22There are three more concerts scheduled on Sunday December 6, 13 and 20 beginning at 4 p.m. at St. John’s at 202 W. Grant next to the Christmas tree. The upcoming entertainment includes the Andrew Hamby Family, the Choirs of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church along with the choir from St. John’s, and flutist Anthony Flesch with guitarist Joel Rieck.

The concerts are free so they should make a welcome addition for your Polar Express, Bearizona Wild Wonderland or other holiday plans.

Bearizona lights up Wild Wonderland

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From Bearizona video

From Bearizona video

WILLIAMS — Bearizona is excited to announce that this winter, the park will be open on select nights for their own version of zoo lights called Wild Wonderland.

Enjoy the magic of Bearizona at night when 100,000 lights dance in tune to traditional Christmas music. The light show runs every half hour and gets better and better the darker it gets! Mrs. Claus visits from the North Pole for a special story time twice a night. Bearizona’s program animal room is open nightly where folks can get up-close and learn more about our adorable program critters. There are plenty of photo opportunities for families to take pictures, and coffee, cocoa and Christmas goodies are available for purchase in the new 12,000 square gift shop.

The event will run Friday/Saturday/Sunday Evenings (November 29 – December 13), then every evening (December 14- December 27). Wild Wonderland is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The event hours are 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. in Fort Bearizona walk through area. The drive through portion of the park is closed during wild wonderland. Admission to this event is a separate charge from regular park admission and is $10 for anyone 4 years of age and older.

Schedule of Events:
3:30 p.m. drive through closes
5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Program Animal Open House (Located in the back of the gift shop)
6:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Claus story time in the gift shop
5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Synchronized light show (every half hour)
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