Spooky happenings in Williams

Friday 2015-10-30 012WILLIAMS — Even before the ghosts and goblins began appearing on the streets for trick-or-treat, the Grand Canyon Railway made a scary transformation.

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Williams has put on its Polar Express face with the standard sleigh in the park and lights along the railway. They were even playing Christmas tunes.

The Polar Express begins running this Friday, November 6 on the weekends with some special runs over the Thanksgiving period. They will have several runs through December ending with a run on January 2nd and 3rd. This is the big event for the winter, in Williams, and tickets usually go fast. Make sure that you get your reservations made now.

The Grand Canyon Railway also asks families to submit photos for their annual photo contest. See their web site for details or ask before you board the train.

Snow on the peaks with mild weather ahead

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.

Santa’s Memorandum of Understanding with Williams

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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.

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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.

Williams dresses up for Mountain Village Holiday

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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White Christmas, but sunny today.

Last Advent concert at St John's Episcopal-Luthern Church

Last Advent concert at St John’s Episcopal-Luthern Church

The last of the Advent musical presentations ended last Sunday at the St John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church. Of course they invite visitors and new members to the 100-year old Church anytime.

The predicted snow of last night was less than spectacular leaving less than one-inch to add to the snow of the previous storms. Still there is plenty of snow left to construct that snowman as visitors to the Polar Express will attest to.

Light snow and rain is forecast for Wednesday during the day raising to a 50% chance on Thursday to deliver up to two-inches of fresh powder. Friday follows with a slight chance of light snow before 11 a.m. clearing to give us a sunny Saturday with a chance of snow the following two days.

Visitors to the Polar Express are reminded that they should stop at one of the local stores to purchase gloves for their kids.

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This is, also, the last week in which you can visit Bearizona Drive-Thru animal park during the weekdays. During January and February they will only be open on Saturday and Sunday during their normal hours of 8 a.m. with the last car being admitted at 4 p.m. They have a GPS system which gives you a personalized tour of the park. After driving through the main attraction you can relax and take a stroll among the animals and take in the Raptor Show in the walk-through area.

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We experienced hunters don’t need the GPS, but it might be useful for you tourists

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