Category Archives: Route 66

Last St. John’s Advent concert a great success

Posted on by

L-R, Elana Gonzlez, Tony Norris and Bill Burke

L-R, Elana Gonzlez, Tony Norris and Bill Burke perform folk and international music for the last Advent concert.

WILLIAMS – A crowd gathered for the last Advent Concert sponsored by St John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church. The music was performed by Tony Norris, singer and storyteller from Flagstaff, and his friends. Tony was joined by Bill Burke with whom he has worked for over thirty-years.

They were joined by violinist (that’s a fiddle for you rural folks) Elana Gonzalez who has performed with them for about five-years. Tony credited Elana with injecting a classical influence into the group. She performed a beautiful interpretation of Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.
bg-010
They even prompted the crowd to join in on their rendition of Come Out of the Wilderness. The author of the song is unknown.

Tony interjected a story concerning his youth as a cowboy in Flagstaff. He had a horrific climate change experience in which a turkey froze solid in the sky and he rode a log down a crevasse to be deposited on Aspen Street in Flagstaff. I know that most people today associate journalists with storytellers, but you will have to get a hold of Tony in Flagstaff to get the details.

The concert series this year was tremendous from beginning to end. This concert was a beautiful end to the series with folk music and music from the Emerald Isle mixed with a little folklore.

Santa showed up in casual dress with the grand kids.

Santa arrived in casual dress with the grand kids. Somehow he’s much taller and thinner than I remember.


And what is bluegrass without a hound?

And what is bluegrass without a hound?


Here is a sample of the Advent concert:

Somebody Waiting for Santa?

Posted on by

640-santa8WILLIAMS – Is someone waiting for Santa? He will return to the Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Supplies at 517 E. Route 66 in Williams on Sunday, December 14. Santa will be available for pet photos and to get their wishes for Christmas.

Santa will be at Spoiled Rotten from noon to 5 p.m. Printed photos are $10 or $7 to have photo emailed to you. Christmas tree ornaments will be available for $15.

While you are there you can poke around the toys, clothing, line of Science Diet food, treats and other pet supplies.

The proceeds from the event benefit the Animals in Needs fund at the Williams Veterinary Clinic. This fund is set up to take care of animal emergencies for those who cannot afford them.

Snow on the peaks with mild weather ahead

Posted on by

640-sfp-141207-20WILLIAMS – The long range weather forecast starts of with patchy fog tomorrow after 11 a.m. Otherwise it will be mostly sunny with a high around 57.

Monday night temperatures are predicted to drop to 32-degrees and stay around that temperature at night through Thursday. Temperatures during the day are predicted to be just above 50-degrees through Thursday with light winds.

There is a chance that the riders of the Polar Express will enjoy snow starting Friday night. There is a prediction of a chance of rain Friday with a high near 47. There is a chance of snow through the weekend until Sunday.

Temperatures over the weekend are not predicted to break 50-degrees with a low of 30 Friday night and 25 Saturday night.

Williams gets a jolt

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – Williams experienced the effects of a magnitude 4.9 earthquake centered about 22 miles south-west of Flagstaff. The earthquake epicenter was 35.03 N ; 111.78 W at a depth of 2 km. The quake occurred on Sunday, November 30 at 10:57.

On the street level the quake was barely perceptible and did not cause concern. Residents in upper floors reported feeling their building sway slightly.

There is currently no report of damage or injury.

Bearizona holds annual holiday special

Posted on by

800-141129-137WILLIAMS – Visitors to Bearizona on Saturday had a special treat. Not only did they have the opportunity to see the animals and see them get their Christmas meal, there was a special visit from Santa and Mrs. C.

bear141129-02
Bearzona recently broke ground on a new gift shop that will open in May just in time for the sixth anniversary of the park. The new gift shop will be located in the area where the raptor show used to take place.

New gift shop will be located behind where gift shop is now.

New gift shop will be located behind where gift shop is now.

The park keeps improving and recently completed a mountain setting for the Arctic wolves.
bear141129-05

More pictures on our Facebook page.

Williams set up for Mountain Village Holiday festivities.

Posted on by
City of Williams Christmas tree set up on Second Street.

City of Williams Christmas tree set up on Second Street.

WILLIAMS – The tree is up and decorated for the 2014 Christmas on Route 66 celebration next weekend. The tree will be lit following the annual Parade of Lights. This year and Elf Costume Contest has been added.

300-141122-04Businesses lining Route 66, and beyond, have been decorated for a couple of weeks in preparation for the event.

The Polar Express will begin two nightly runs to the North Pole. Santa has also lent one of his late-model sleighs to the Zip Line located at the Williams Visitor Parking lot.

You can also take a tour around the city to see the decorations of the residents of the City of Williams.
640-141121-11
Other events include:

November 29th

Save-MTR 11th hold their 11th annual Holiday Craft Show at the Sultana Theater at 301 W. Route 66 in downtown Williams from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be over 35 vendors and you can have pictures of your pets, family and friends taken, as well. Benefits building animal shelter.

The Parade of Lights starting around 6:30 p.m.

Elf Costume Contest at the city tree after the parade. Open to young elves to age 13 and elder elves 14 and older.

Lighting of the Christmas tree will occur upon completion of the Parade of Lights.

November 30th

Santa will be at the Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique at 517 E. Route 66 from 12 to 5 p.m. for photos. The price of photos benefits the Animals in Need fund at the Williams Veterinary Clinic.

December 5

The American Legion Cordova Post #13 will host an Arts and Crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the American Legion and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Table rental is $10 and all items must be original and home-made. You can get more details or reserve a table by contacting Carolyn Kleck at at 602-677-2561. Spaces are limited so reserve early.

December 6

Restaurants, gift shops and galleries will be offering specials and possibly special treats to

The Mountain Village Holiday continues through New Years Day so events will continue throughout the city.
640-mvh-04

You can obtain more information for the time you plan to arrive at the Williams Visitor Center at 200 W. Railroad Avenue (Across from Circle K and the Zip Line) or by visiting the Williams Grand Canyon Chamber site.
Continue reading →

Santa’s Memorandum of Understanding with Williams

Posted on by

640-mvh-02

Photo of North Pole taken earlier this year.

WILLIAMS – While Phoenix is trying to promote something called the “North Pole Experience,” Santa’s Memorandum of Understanding with Williams signed over ten-years ago and re-newed yearly is still valid. Williams, Arizona is the only place where you can take the special train to visit the North Pole.

The MOU reads in part:

Whereas, the City of Williams, Arizona desires to run a train, hereafter known as The Polar Express, which shall desire to stop for fuel for a return to Williams, such fuel within the political and economic boundaries of the North Pole,

Therefore Santa Claus shall allow such The Polar Express to arrive nightly as they require with the following provisions:

1. No one may depart the train while refueling so as to

a) Not disturb the work being conducted by the employees of the North Pole, hereafter known as Elves,
b) Maintain security of the naughty/nice database, hereafter known as The List,
c) Not create any other disturbance which might cause a delay in the annual ride of Santa.

2. Santa may, at his option, depart on The Polar Express to ride to Williams to

a) Obtain necessary supplies, or
b) To distribute bells, or
c) To obtain intelligence on what persons who have and exemplary record during the prior year, hereafter known as The Nice, might want to obtain from Santa’s annual ride.
…

In recognition of this MOU, while in good standing, Santa also shall authorize the Mountain Village Holiday of Williams, Arizona as the official ceremony of The Polar Express.

640-mvh-01

Hole made for annual City Tree earlier this week with lights decorate the City of Williams for Mountain Village Holiday.

So it is clear that the City of Williams has the only official means of visiting the North Pole.
Williams, as it has for years, has started setting up for the Mountain Village Holiday which begins in earnest next week with the annual Parade of Lights and lighting of the city Christmas Tree downtown on Second Street and Route 66.

The Polar Express will start running nightly with two trains to the North Pole. It is rumored that Santa will make several visits and be available for photos during that weekend, such as to Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Supplies.

Jack Hanna visits Bearizona Wildlife Park

Posted on by

Photo courtesy of Bearizona

Photo courtesy of Bearizona

WILLIAMS – Philanthropist and champion for conservation, Jack Hanna arrived at Bearizona this morning to begin filming for an upcoming television episode that will air on his popular “Into the Wild” series.

“We are thrilled that Jack, his family and crew have decided to include Bearizona as part of their Arizona adventure said CEO and owner Sean Casey.” Sean also stated that “Jack is legendary and has done so much throughout his career educating the public on animal conservation and we are happy to be a partner in his efforts.”

Jack likes being put to work and during his visit at the park, he will do just that. Jack will drive through with animal keepers helping them with their daily routine of caring for the animals. Jack will also hop on the “Wild Ride VIP Bus Tour” and view the park just as a regular visitor would.

Park officials are unsure on the episode’s air date but will post updates via social media.

Bearizona’s mission is to promote conservation through memorable and educational encounters with North American wildlife in a natural environment.

Spoiled Rotten pet boutique & supply opened today.

Posted on by

928-635-2172/517 E. Route 66, Williams

928-635-2172/517 E. Route 66, Williams

WILLIAMS – The new pet boutique and supply store, Spoiled Rotten, opened to an enthusiastic crowd today. The boutique is operated by partners Dan Jacoby and Traci Fulkerson of the Williams Veterinary Clinic on Third Street.

The current winter hours for the store are Thursday and Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is located at 517 E. Route 66 in Williams not far from Many Tails pet grooming service.

The pet boutique is an extension of the service of the Veterinary clinic. Traci said that they are attempting to set us a store that will save people a trip to Flagstaff when it starts to snow. From what we saw the prices are comparable to Pet Smart, though they do not have the extensive stock. Like any other new business that will probably continue to grow with demand.

Bubba Rose Dog Biscuit.

Bubba Rose Dog Biscuit.


They offer Dog Speak greeting cards and treats from the Bubba Rose Biscuit Company. Both of which donate to animal causes. The treats come in a variety of shapes and are gluten, corn, wheat and soy-free. The frosting is made of yogurt.
Spoiled141101-06
They carry Science Diet products as well as pet nutritional supplements. They have cat and dog toys and sweaters. They also carry “pee pads” and they have a few dog crates in stock. They also carry some fish food.
Maybe a good one for those who do not like solicitors.

Maybe a good one for those who do not like solicitors.

There are also t-shirts, hats and other items for the owners. There is a cat lady game and some interesting door mats.
Spoiled141101-09
Spoiled141101-03

Bet you are not a climate skeptic now!

Posted on by

141101-03WILLIAMS – The climate change skeptics who have not listened to the fear-mongers of the UN and Al Gore’s multimillion dollar industry received a lesson in Williams. The climate is indeed changing.

High winds began last night pushing moisture into the area. Today the temperatures are dropping and clouds are rolling in as forecast by the National Weather Service. There is a light sprinkle today which could turn into rain. There is a chance of snow tonight through Sunday with accumulations of less than a half-inch expected.
141101-02