Cold weather lessens crowd, but enthusiasm remains for tree lighting.

640-15-11-28-08WILLIAMS — The cold may have caused many to stay home for the Parade of Lights and tree lighting this year. The crowd that came, however, did not have cold spirits. Some attendees even came lit up themselves, this year.
640-15-11-28-09The air was bitter cold, this year, for the ceremonial tree lighting and Parade of Lights in Williams. Most of the crowd appeared after 6 p.m. to find spaces to view the parade. Some in the parade reported that there were many empty spaces, however, over previous years. Which is really too bad since the parade this year was better than last year.
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The Parade of Lights featured Churches, non-profits and businesses with beautifully lit floats. There were even a few classic cars that joined the parade from Flagstaff.
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Kiwanis also collecting warm pajamas for kids.

Kiwanis also collecting warm pajamas for kids.

The Kiwanis Club reminded visitors of their Toys for Kids campaign. They are also collecting warm pajamas for kids in need. You can find out more information at Williams Wear and Buck’s Place in the mall. St. Vincent de Paul joined St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Williams for their presentation.
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The event led up, of course, to the annual ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting on 2nd Street between The Gallery in Williams and Colors of the West. The lighting of the tree officially kicks of Mountain Village Holiday in the City of Williams.
Williams Mayor John Moore and Santa Clause countdown to the lighting of the tree with the crowd.

Williams Mayor John Moore and Santa Clause countdown to the lighting of the tree with the crowd.

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Tree arrives for Mountain Village Holiday

WILLIAMS—The tree that caused the closing of Second Street between Route 66 and Grant Street arrived today. The tree will be decorated and officially lit this Saturday.

Events start with the 9th Annual Holiday Craft show on Saturday to benefit the SAVE-Meant to Rescue organization which rescues animals in Williams. The event will run from 10 am to 5 pm at the Sultana Theater; 301 W. Route 66.

Bearizona Wild Animal drive-through park will be open at 8 am with the last car being admitted at 4:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for kids to see animals roaming free. At the end of your journey you can stretch your legs and see some animals close-up. Plus raptor shows three times a day. Please obey all park rules for a safe journey.

This is also a great time to be part of the Polar Express departing each evening at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. There is a special matinee trip at 3:30.

Finally the Parade of Lights begins at 6:30 with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the completion of the parade.

Of course all shops will be open to purchase those unique Route 66 gifts for friends and family back home. The restaurants will be stocked and read to feed. Twister’s on the east end of Route 66 and the Red Raven right downtown have both been named Top Ten places to eat in Arizona in various years by Arizona Highways magazine.