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Time for Christmas as only Williams can do it
Ice rink, Polar Express, cheer all part of the fun

Northern Arizona APS crews use their pole-drilling equipment to make the hole in Second Street for the downtown Christmas tree. Danny Ray of the APS office in Williams secured the crews. The downtown tree represents only one of many facets of this year¹s Mountain Village Holiday celebration.

Northern Arizona APS crews use their pole-drilling equipment to make the hole in Second Street for the downtown Christmas tree. Danny Ray of the APS office in Williams secured the crews. The downtown tree represents only one of many facets of this year¹s Mountain Village Holiday celebration.

Williams is being transformed into a winter wonderland in preparation for the arrival of Mountain Village Holiday's Festival of Lights which begins Nov. 24 when the community Christmas tree is lit at 6 p.m. at the corner of Route 66 and Second Street.

The only outdoor ice skating rink in the state of Arizona ‹ located next to the Williams Recreation Center ‹ opened for the first time last weekend. Skaters will be able to skate during Nov. 24 through Jan. 21 during sessions offered daily. The price to skate is $8 for adults and $5 for children age 17 and under. However, local residents can enjoy the rink at a special rate of $3 per session, $5 per day or $60 per month. The price includes the cost of skate rentals.

Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express journey to the North Pole began Nov. 9 and continues through Jan. 13. Those that ride the Polar should set aside time to stroll the grounds of GCR, which include numerous magical outdoor lighting displays. For train schedules, reservations or information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN.

Yesterday, a 44-foot tree arrived at the corner of Route 66 and Second Street. Starting today, volunteers are desperately needed to decorate the tree. The tree will feature more than 25,000 lights and a minimum of 500 ornaments. Those wishing to decorate the tree are encouraged to contact Diana Croteau at (928) 607-0123.

The Second Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 24. Local military personnel that are home for the holidays will light the tree. Also at that time, the Harry Cole Tree on top of High School Hill will be lit. The evening will include an honoring of the military, Charles Dickens Carolers, live Nativity, animated characters and the arrival of Santa Claus. Refreshments will be served by Pine Country Restaurant.

Servicemen and women home for the holidays are needed to ride on the Grand Marshal's float in the Parade of Lights at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. Service people will serve as this year's grand marshals. The theme of this year's holiday celebration is "Home for the Holidays."

If you know of a service person that will be home on Dec. 2, contact Carolyn Smith at (928) 635-4451 to reserve a space on the float.

The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses to sign up for free Christmas holiday decorations.

For the past few years, students of Williams Elementary-Middle School have made their own decorations and have traveled around to certain businesses in town to decorate.

Businesses interested in getting a visit from students and getting free decorations are being asked to call Sue Atkinson at the chamber by no later than today.

Decorating is scheduled to take place during the week of Dec. 4-10.

For more information, contact Atkinson at 635-0273.

There is still time to become a chamber sponsor for the Mountain Village Holiday 2006 for the business/residential lighting contest and APS Parade of Lights. Don't forget to turn in your business/residential contest application soon at the chamber office.

The first place winner of the residential lighting contest will receive a $100 credit on their electric bill. The first place prize will be given to the resident that best portrays the depiction of the theme, "Home for the Holidays." Everyone that enters will receive a $20 credit on his or her electric bill.

For more information contact Pimi Barrozo-Bennett at (928) 635-0273, ext. 203.


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