Prescott recently was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the Top 10 towns to celebrate Christmas.
We begin with Veterans Day, on Nov. 11. I view Veterans Day as a celebration, giving us a chance to thank all veterans for their service to our country. We do so in grand style here in Prescott, with the annual Veterans Day Parade downtown, beginning at 11 a.m.
The Veterans Day Parade embodies the genuine appreciation our citizens show to veterans. I would like to thank staff member Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, also a veteran, and her team of volunteers and city staff who help make the parade a special event. As a Vietnam veteran who served in combat, I know how meaningful genuine expressions of appreciation are, since we did not receive a friendly reception when we returned from service many years ago.
Veterans Day is soon followed by Thanksgiving, which takes place this year on Nov. 28. Just a few days later, we begin the official Arizona Christmas City events. All of these events have long stood in our community, with the oldest tradition being the Courthouse Lighting event, celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The festivities begin with the 27th Annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the downtown area. Nov. 30 is also Small Business Saturday, a time to support our many locally owned businesses, from retailers to restaurants and others.
On Saturday Dec. 7, we celebrate with the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade downtown, followed by the magical 70th Annual Courthouse Lighting. The Courthouse Lighting is one of my favorite traditions that makes Prescott so unique and special during the holidays.
Then, Friday, Dec. 13, is the 36th Annual Acker Night. A local favorite, Acker Night is a musical showcase with entertainers playing at businesses throughout downtown, benefitting musical scholarships for youth. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, is a newer tradition, the Third Annual Prescott ChristKindlMarket, a charming Old World style outdoor holiday market.
On New Year’s Eve, we have the 14th Annual Whiskey Row Boot Drop event. This great celebration helps us “Give the Boot” to 2024 with two drops – one at 10 p.m. and the other at midnight.
The courthouse lights remain on nightly through the Martin Luther King holiday in January, so citizens and visitors can stroll the plaza any night, while enjoying all that downtown has to offer.
Prescott recently was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the Top 10 towns to celebrate Christmas. I am very pleased to learn of this recognition. I am also proud of the long-standing events and traditions that make Prescott such a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas and all of the holidays. QCBN
By Phil Goode
To see the full calendar of Arizona’s Christmas City events, check out ArizonaChristmasCity.com.
Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.
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