Williams Christmas parade and tree lighting on track for Nov. 27

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Planning for the Williams Christmas season is well underway, with parade applications already being accepted and a vendor selected for downtown decorations.

The Williams Christmas Committee has delineated Nov. 27, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, for the annual parade and tree lighting. This year’s theme is “Heroic Christmas.”

“We proudly honor all first responders, all branches of our military and many organizations that are our heroes every single day,” said Christmas Committee member Michael Vasquez.

The Williams City Council approved funds to continue the tradition of a community Christmas tree and decorations at their July 8 regular meeting.

The council allocated approximately $66,000 this year to lease an artificial tree and decorate city buildings and parks throughout the community.

The city has signed a three-year contract with Christmas Décor (Flagstaff Landscaping) of Flagstaff to provide the installation of the tree and decorations.

Last year, the council spent $51,000 in an agreement with Christmas Lighting Decorators out of Mesa.

“We are going to do cluster lights again this year,” Vasquez said. “The big change will be that the visitor center and gateway arches will be included this year, along with City Hall.”

All decorations including the downtown Christmas tree will be erected in time for Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

On Nov. 27, Christmas events will kick off with “Santaland” at 11 a.m. at the Williams Recreation Center, which will include a photo opportunity with Santa, trivia contests, character contests and more for a family fun day. The contests will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with numerous prizes and treats dispersed. The event ends at 3 p.m.

“Brush up on your Christmas trivia and think about a heroic Christmas character,” said Williams Recreation Supervisor Sylvia Lopez. “Prizes will be given out galore thanks to sponsor, Front Burner Media.”

Later that day, before the parade begins, the committee is planning for local musicians and church groups to organize for caroling.

“We hope to have this become an annual tradition,” said committee member Pimi P. Barrozo-Bennett.

At 5:45 p.m., just prior to the start of the parade, Williams musician Brent Sutton, who won Arizona’s Top Metal Guitarist in 2013, will join Marietta Hughes for a Christmas music show in front of Station 66 Italian Bistro.

At 6:30 p.m., floats and other participants will make their way down Historic Route 66 for the annual Williams Christmas Light Parade. After the parade, the official Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place. Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities.

Anyone interested in participating in the family fun festival, caroling or the parade can contact Barrozo-Bennett at pimi.bennett@yahoo.com or call (928) 853-7784 More information on Santaland is available by contacting Lopez at slopez@williamsaz.gov or call (928) 635-1496.