The seeds of one of Flagstaff’s established holiday-time community traditions can be found in a legacy.
Sam Green and Henry Taylor took over The Weatherford Hotel not only to preserve it and return it to viability but also to honor its namesake, a relatively unheralded figure of Flagstaff’s early days. “When we found out more about John Weatherford and his role in the community, it meant a lot to us,” said Green. “The Pine Cone Drop has really made people recognize ‘Weatherford,’ the place and the person.”
Started to mark the hotel’s centennial and now in its 15th year, the Pine Cone Drop is downtown Flagstaff’s renowned New Year’s Eve rendezvous. A crowd of more than 10,000 locals and visitors are expected at Aspen and Leroux, to see one of the two countdown drops – at 9:59 p.m. (midnight in Times Square) and 11:59 p.m. – and interact with downtown businesses, many of which are extending their hours to at least 10 p.m.
Dropping the six foot tall, 70-pound Great Pine Cone twice gives retailers and restaurants more primetime with regular and occasional customers, gives more folks a chance at a closer look at the Weatherford’s countdown display and allows families with children of all ages to see what has become a well-known regional tradition, often mentioned in mass media.
AV Domotics – the regional, polyvalent audiovisual outfitters run by brothers Andy and Charlie White – is responsible for the giant conifer cone’s lighting upgrade and for the light show and displays on the rest of the building. To keep the holiday attraction top of mind, the Weatherford sells a Pine Cone Drop t-shirt that entitles wearers to various drink and food specials at Charly’s Bar and Grill.
The event and the attention it garners also serves to dispel the persistent misconception that it doesn’t snow in Arizona – an especially important marketing component because of the significant investment made in Flagstaff’s winter recreation industry. “The wintery feel makes it unique and especially for the attention that we get that Arizona has a ‘winter half’ of the state,” said Mayor Jerry Nabours, who calls the event a “big downtown block party.”
Street closings starting at 8 p.m. are required, giving downtown the feel and warmth of an open-air community market, especially on Aspen across from Heritage Square and west to the Weatherford. But with limited parking near downtown, the potential for winter weather, and revelers wanting an affordable option to get home safely, the Mountain Line bus service is extending its regular weekday service on New Year’s Eve, offering downtown departures at 12:30 a.m. or later on all lines. Those interested in catching a bus ride to or from the Pine Cone Drop are encouraged to chart their routes ahead of time. For more information, visit www.mountainline.az.gov/newyears.
With restaurants offering dinner and drink specials, and retailers such as candy shops staying open late, downtown Flagstaff embraces this evening with fervor matching that found on the warmest summertime First Friday Art Walk.
“Having a place where the entire community can gather on New Year’s Eve is very special and highlights Flagstaff in a unique way throughout our region,” said Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Julie Pastrick. “Local businesses of all kinds prosper from the sheer number of people who come out to enjoy a very unique holiday experience watching the Pine Cone Drop. It brings out throngs of consumers who patronize local businesses as a part of their evening excitement.” FBN
Written by Tom Vitron