Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The 21st Annual Merry Main Street and Christmas Tree Lighting went off without a hitch on Friday night.

John Johnson

john johnson news@gmail.com

Safford – Danny Smith, president of the Safford Downtown Association, told the audience that his group may be small, but the support from local businesses will bring small-town Americana to life at the 21st Annual Merry Main Street and Christmas Tree Lighting. said he continues to create a microcosm of .

More than 1,000 revelers gathered on Main Street in downtown Safford on Friday night to be greeted by a sunny, calm and breezy evening.

With Safford Mayor Jason Koutts leading the countdown, the switch has been thrown and the Christmas season has begun downtown.

Santa Claus was escorted by police via the golf court and passed through human belts to spend the night at the historic Safford Theatre, still under restoration. There he greeted young and old alike with childlike amazement and glee.

There was an eclectic selection of food to satisfy the hungriest customers, but for the daring, there was also a pie-eating contest in which several contestants actually entered the event. It was just one of several contests, games, and other featured mini-events that covered the whole thing.

The night marked the kickoff of the Christmas shopping season, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving, the traditional Black Friday, and crowds filled the downtown shops. Although it was only one night, the organizers of the event were happy with the number of attendees and the support they provided to sponsors and local businesses.

Next up downtown is the popular Light Parade on Saturday, December 10th. Santa will start at 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm at the historic Safford Theater, entertainment will begin at 5:00 pm, and the Parade of His Lights will take place on Main Street from 6:00 pm.