Daily Archives: November 8, 2013

Williams dresses up for Mountain Village Holiday

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Grand Canyon Railway spiffed up for the Polar Express.

Grand Canyon Railway spiffed up for the Polar Express.

20131105 005WILLIAMS—The City of Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway are dressed up for the Mountain Village Holiday. This is the time when the City and local businesses dress up in lights for the Polar Express which starts its run today. Bearizona Wildlife drive-through park will also be open through the Mountain Village Holiday which ends early January.

The Zipline will also be running, weather permitting.

This event really kicks off after Thanksgiving. The annual Parade of Lights and lighting of the City Christmas Tree on historic route 66 takes place on the 30th starting at 6:30. A Fine Art Show, live entertainment, hot chocolate and other holiday activities, including shopping for unique gifts, are added to the venue.

Western Outfitters is offering denim stockings by Wrangler for the holidays.

Western Outfitters is offering denim stockings by Wrangler for the holidays.

Come early to shop at the 10th annual SAVE-Meant to Rescue Craft Show which benefits animal rescue efforts in Williams and the surrounding area. Their show starts at 10 am and runs until 5 pm. The show will be at the World Famous Sultana Theatre and you can contact Nadine for more information at 928-897-8710.

Bearizona will be hosting its annual Wild Wonderland event for annual pass holders only. This event will be held on the 30th from 4 to 6 pm in Fort Bearizona. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance at the event. Of course you will be able to stroll through the animal exhibits, as well. A reservation is not required, but they request an RSVP with the number of people attending by November 22nd. You can RSVP to Jocelyn(at)bearizona.com or by calling 928-635-2289.

There is a lighting contest which encourages residents to decorate their homes. So plan a tour of the City as homes and more businesses decorate for the holiday.

You can find more information at the Williams Visitor Center on Railroad Avenue across the street from Circle-K.
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Cultural Festival at St John’s Church tomorrow

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st-john-cultural-festWILLIAMS—A Cultural Festival will be held from 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow at the St. John’s Episcopal Lutheran Church in Walker Hall. St. John’s is located at 202 W. Grant Avenue in Williams.

The event includes crafts and Mexican food for sale and a presentation by the Williams Folklorico Dancers.

Saint John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church

Williams opens Santa Fe dam for crossing

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santa-fe-open-01WILLIAMS—Last month the City of Williams passed an ordinance removing the prohibition of fishing off of the dam and crossing to get to the other side.

Previously one was required to use the road just north of the dam to get to the trail on the other side. The problem with the road is it is difficult to pass for elderly or people with other difficulties.

The ordinance stated that the City of Williams acknowledged the “…recreational value of the Santa Fe Dam and its use as a means of access to other recreational activities.” They declared that the prohibition upon traversing upon the dam to be detrimental to the interest of the City. They might have also noted that the prohibition was largely ignored.

The signs have recently been changed to include a warning about traversing the dam. If you take your kids fishing, you should not allow small children to sit on the edge of the dam facing the water. You should also note that there is no fence or barrier on the other side. People with small children should not fish off of the dam but use the shoreline on either side.

santa-fe-20130313 002

It should also be noted that during the spring thaw, water flows over the dam swiftly and can cause the dam to be slippery.

What the City of Williams DID NOT approve of was littering and illegal dumping of trash which has been a problem at the Santa Fe dam. Trash and plastic water and glass beer bottles can be found. Some of these dropped by hikers. Fishing line, some including hooks, and used bait containers are left along the shoreline. Even used electronic can be found dumped over the side of the dam and left laying about.

City ordinance does NOT allow this.

City ordinance does NOT allow this.

Illegal dumping activity can be reported to the Williams Police Department by dialing (928) 635-4461. If you have a cell phone, it would help to snap a picture of the vehicle and license plate if you can do it without endangering yourself or those with you.