Decorations are hanging from light poles, adorning windows, and lights are strung around the renowned Courthouse Square in anticipation of Arizona’s Christmas City holiday activities that highlight the season.
Prior to moving ahead with planning for the 2020 festivities, representatives from the Prescott Chamber of Commerce (PCofC) and the Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP) met with officials from Yavapai County Community Health Services, Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and the City of Prescott about providing a safe environment for participants and observers throughout the holiday period.
BPP Executive Director MJ Smith and Chamber President Sheri Heiney say precautions are being taken, including requiring social distancing and the wearing of facemasks, and providing access to sanitizing stations. They are urging those who do not feel well to please stay home and enjoy events via live streaming.
The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary on Willow Creek Road will be open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, with festive light displays, decorations, refreshments and special events for kids. For more information, visit heritageparkzoo.org.
Sharlot Hall Museum will feature a day of activities, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, with music, refreshments, craft stations for all ages and living history reenactments of “Frontier Christmas” – depictions of Arizona Territorial Days as period-costumed interpreters share tales of holidays past. Participants need to reserve tickets through Sharlot Hall for timed entry. Social distancing and masks are required.
The Sounds of Christmas 38th Annual Parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, followed by the annual Courthouse Lighting in the heart of downtown Prescott at 6 p.m. A record-breaking fundraiser conducted by the Jersey Lilly Saloon, in cooperation with the PDP and PCofC, generated almost $50,000 to cover some of the lighting expenses.
The Prescott Resort, located on the eastern edge of town, has opened its 28th Annual Gingerbread Village Exhibit in the lobby, which will remain open through Jan. 1, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Hungry Kids Project.
The always-popular Acker Night is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11. Musicians will perform outside, mainly along Montezuma St. and in the Courthouse Plaza.
On Dec. 13, the Museum of Indigenous People along Gurley St. will feature a Christmas Indian Art Market, where guests may purchase artwork from Native artists.
Other holiday season activities can be found on the Prescott Chamber of Commerce website at prescott.org.
Giving 2020 the Boot
The annual Whiskey Row Boot Drop will say good-bye to 2020 and ring in the New Year. The event, “Let’s Give 2020 the Boot,” starts at 8:30 p.m. with music. Two drops of the six-foot illuminated boot are scheduled at the Palace Building: one at 10 p.m., the other at midnight. The event is presented by Matt’s Saloon and Helken & Horn Advertising.
Another New Year’s Eve Celebration begins at 8 p.m., Dec. 31, in the parking lot at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The free event will feature a huge bonfire, games and fireworks. More details are available at findlaytoyotacenter.com.
Popular during the holiday season is the Valley of Lights display in Prescott Valley on N. 5th St. Open from 6 to 9 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays; and 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and holidays through Dec. 30, the drive-
thru event sponsored by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce is free; a $5 donation is suggested. It will remain open until Dec. 30. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN