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For some this is the season of wonder and for others it is a great wondering. For better or worse Christmas carols play on repeat at the grocery store, the gas station and of course the shopping center. The highways are decorated with candy canes and jingle bells that hang from the light poles. Local business plaster their store fronts with seasonal sales on “just the right item.” Even your neighbors compete in friendly lighting competitions as houses transform into winter palaces. It is not about Santa Claus and presents, don’t tell the kids. It is definitely not about the over glamorized idea of buying the best gifts. As a culture we have built this holiday season on family; and friends who one would consider family. Do not walk through this winter without taking the time to wonder. Whatever that may mean to you.
Christmas Light Parade
Before the Christmas Light Parade in Downtown Globe there will be the first annual Broad Street Beard Battle. In the custom of an old beard battle that was once held on the steps of the old courthouse this years bead battle will also be held on the steps of the Center for the Arts. The beard battle begins at 4pm. This is a good time to get to downtown Globe for decent parking and plenty of time to wonder through vendors and shops before the parade begins. The Christmas Light Parade is an annual event in Downtown Globe that features local businesses and families who build their own luminescent parade floats. This years theme is “Just Imagine” and one can just imagine all the possibilities that will bring. The parade begins at 6pm and usually lasts about 2 hours as the floats make a full circle around Broad Street.
Annual Festival of Lights
Besh Ba Gowah Annual Festival of Lights is Sunday December 20th from 5-9pm. Over 2,200 glowing luminaries are placed around the Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park to light the way for a magical evening. Come out and experience the Yellow Bird Dance group as you grab a tasty bite of cultural food at one of the vendors that will be available that night. Admission to the event is free. The park itself is open daily for visitors to catch a taste of the past.
Miami Small Town Christmas
Each year the town of Miami hosts the Miami Small Town Christmas. The event takes place in the Veterans Memorial Park on Sullivan Street. If the weather outside is frightful then the party becomes delightful in the old gymnasium behind the Bullion Plaza Cultural Museum. Santa arrives at about 10am for the old lap sitting tradition. This event is free to all who come. There are hot chocolate and snacks available for the kids as they catch a little bit of that Christmas magic.
Family Traditions
This is the wonderful time of year for family feasts. Some eat turkey for Thanksgiving and ham for Christmas. In Globe-Miami I believe a lot of us prefer traditional Mexican foods such as tamales, enchiladas, burritos and tacos for our Christmas feast. If your family is anything like mine it has began to expand to a size that is bigger than any one house can handle. In these occasions we may find ourselves in need of something with a little more room. For this situation I recommend the Dream Manor Inn in Globe. Located on the east end of Globe just off Highway 70 as you head north to Showlow, the Dream Manor provides and excellent location for any family gathering. Follow the link for more information.
In the Miami area just off Highway 60 and 188 you will find the Cobre Valley Country Club. The Country Club has a very affordable rate on renting out their hall,with or without a bartender. This spacious setting allows you to have more room for your family while still capturing the feel of home. During normal business hours you can golf, work out, play volleyball or just cruise the course in a golf cart.
Residential Christmas Lights
Every neighborhood has at least one house that goes all out with Christmas spirit, Globe-Miami is no different. There are a few neighborhoods that seem to do better than the rest on a yearly basis. Since I have lived in this town for quite some time I have decided I will share some prime real estate to cruise past during your family Christmas lights drive. Chaparral Loop is a great place to start your drive. The streets here can seem like and endless maze of lighted castles. At the other end of town down 6 Shooter Canyon you will find the neighborhood behind Gila Community College. I call this route Sharps Drive after the last road that we loop around when I take my family. The last spot I enjoy driving with my family begins by Round Mountain on South Street and Maple. There I follow Maple to the east as it loops around some very nice houses with a few lights. After that loop we follow Maple Street driving up and down each of the streets and avenues of Globe searching for those magical lights. There are many areas in town with beautiful lights.
Night Life
Farley’s Pub: Stephen and Zenada’s Open Mic Christmas Party begins at 8pm on December 19th. We will be celebrating with green and red jello shots as well as other holiday inspired beverages while wearing our ugly Christmas sweaters.
Jammerz Bar: December 12th Jammerz will host the UFC fights after the Light Parade and an Ugly Sweater Party on December 17th.
Stephen Palmer is an Arizona native, born and raised. With his ear to the ground and head in the clouds Stephen brings a passion to life that is as complex as it is full of joy. Reader beware the adventures of an untamed mind.
