As one of the snowiest cities in America, Flagstaff has now been proclaimed “Arizona’s Winter Wonderland” by Governor Doug Ducey.
“The Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited about the proclamation,” said City of Flagstaff Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen. “This new designation will play a key role in our winter marketing efforts and the entire community will be vital in the roll out.”
The Downtown Business Alliance, working with the CVB and the City of Flagstaff, is ready to light up the town, starting the day after Thanksgiving with every intention of celebrating downtown Flagstaff as the place to be for the holidays. In addition, the Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone is scheduled to take its place high above the downtown and add its sparkle like a giant holiday ornament as shoppers enjoy Black Friday.
“We want to provide visitors a great experience, and encourage them and the local community to spend their time downtown and think of Flagstaff first for the holidays, from Black Friday through mid January,” said DBA Executive Director Terry Madeksza. “We really have everything you want in one walkable area with excellent dining where you can get a really high quality bite to eat, activities in Heritage Square where people enjoy being, and local shops with unique gifts.”
Street trees, light poles and Heritage Square will be all aglow and property owners along with business owners will be decorating their buildings and storefronts.
“Flagstaff will look and feel like Arizona’s holiday destination,” said Madeksza.
Answering the Christmas Call
The DBA is creating a shopping event, called the “Christmas Call,” which works like a passport and drawing – the more places you go, the more chances you have to win a prize. The winner will be announced in January. And, “The 12 Pubs of Christmas” on Dec. 5 will feature 12 different bars and restaurants.
The DBA will be participating in the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Vora Financial Holiday Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12 and working with Radio Sunnyside KSZN 101.5 FM to bring local performers inside downtown businesses for the holiday season.
The DBA also is working to develop a luminario tour and window-decorating contest, with shoppers casting their votes for their favorites.
Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop Rings in the New Year
The festive season culminates on New Year’s Eve with the Weatherford Hotel’s Great Pinecone Drop. As has been Flagstaff’s tradition since 1999, thousands are expected to fill downtown Flagstaff and join in the count down to ring in 2016. Two lowerings from the top of the historic hotel are planned for the LED lighted, six-foot tall pinecone: one at 10 p.m. and one at midnight.
What Would It Take to Have an Ice Skating Rink?
Governor Ducey’s proclamation acknowledges Flagstaff as home to Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff Nordic Center, Northern Arizona University and the North Pole Experience and hosts winter events such as the Little American Holiday Lights display, Northern Lights Holiday Parade, Weatherford Hotel Great Pinecone Drop, Dew Downtown Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival, the Grand Canyon State Games Ski and Snowboard competition, Kahtoola Agassiz Uphill race and Flagstaff Winterfest.
Perhaps the icing on this season could be an eight-week ice skating rink in Heritage Square. To make this happen, the DBA needs $20,000 in donations. “How fun would that be to experience the Great Pinecone Drop while skating around the rink!” said Madeksza. FBN
For more information about downtown festivities in Arizona’s Winter Wonderland, contact the Downtown Business Alliance at www.flagdba.com, Facebook downtownflagdba, or reach Terry Madeksza at terry@flagdba.com or 928-275-2655.
Sam Green Taylor and Henry Taylor are the owners of the Weatherford Hotel in downtown Flagstaff, the heart of Flagstaff, where come home to celebrate. The hotel features dining and entertainment in Charly’s Pub & Grill, The Gopher Hole and the Zane Grey Ballroom. For more information visit www.weatherfordhotel.com or call 928-779-1919 to book holiday parties or reservations for New Year’s Eve dinner.
