Bisbee tradition turns the holiday lights on

By Jonathon Shacat
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, Nov 29, 2008 - 05:20:28 am MST

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BISBEE — The beginning of Bisbee’s holiday season was celebrated during the 20th annual Festival of Lights in downtown on Friday night.

There was singing and dancing by performers from groups such as the Bisbee Ministerial Fellowship & Community Chorus and the Ritmos Dance Studio in Naco, Sonora, Mexico.

Hundreds of people turned out. Many businesses were open, with shoppers inside purchasing holiday gifts. Outside, both children and adults sipped on hot chocolate in the brisk weather.

The event brings the community together in a festive time of celebration and musical performances, Mayor Ronald Oertle said, reading from a proclamation.

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“The Festival of Lights ceremony carries on the holiday tradition that President Calvin Coolidge first started when he ceremoniously lit the first outdoor tree at the White House in 1923,” he stated.

Then, Oertle led the audience in counting down from 10 to one, at which time strings of lights along streets in Old Bisbee were illuminated. Later, Santa arrived in a historic fire truck and gave goodies to children.

Ross Corsair, of Scottsdale, attended the festival with some members of his family. His niece and nephew were excited to see Santa.

“I have lived in New York City, I have lived in a lot of different cities around the world. Bisbee is unique. There are not a lot of small towns like this anywhere around the world, really,” he said.

During an interview, Oertle said the Festival of Lights creates “a unique atmosphere” in the city.

“Bisbee always has a wonderful Christmas spirit and is delightful for the people who live here and for out-of-town visitors,” he said. “If you come from out of town, you will feel that special magic.”

The Festival of Lights was first held in 1988, according to LaVerne Williams, the mistress of ceremonies.

REPORTER Jonathon Shacat can be reached at 515-4693 or by e-mail at jonathon.shacat@bisbeereview.net.

VIDEO ONLINE

Watch for a video of the Festival of Lights on the Herald/Review’s Web site, www.svherald.com, next week.

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Carol Flagstaff Az wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:36 PM:

" I was their that night, I thought this was great. In Northern Arizona the culture is strong and alive. We go to Native American Culture events all the time. In Bisbee we saw culture from the other end of the state. You forget that this was Mexico up the Gadsen Purchase (late 1800's). This is ARIZONA,where many cultures have learned to live together for centuires. Way before it was a state. Sounds like you are jealous that you don't know your own culture. Get over it, Arizona has many cultures. "

had a great time wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:26 AM:

" To "Curious, Oh please, & To first 2 commenters" You're a bunch of morons! I agree with "horton" it was a wonderful evening (a bit cold) but it was a fun evening enjoyed by all. A special thanks to all that participated, especially the performers. Right on "get real" Bisbee is a border town and welcomes all. Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season--Merry Christmas!! "

horton wrote on Nov 29, 2008 9:44 PM:

" It was a very enjoyable FREE program put on by the community for the community. All the performers were generous to entertain us. Enjoy the simple gifts. Don't be such a wet blanket. Merry Christmas! "

To the first two commenters wrote on Nov 29, 2008 7:11 PM:

" Wrong, Shacat also writes bias articles concerning anything to do with illegals, court cases involving Border Patrol agents, and seems to be good friends with Jennifer Allen. "

Get Real wrote on Nov 29, 2008 6:12 PM:

" "Oh Please" and "curious" how do either of you figure the reporter emphasized Mexican culture??? He mentioned the name of a dance troupe from Naco, Sonora. And they performed beautifully. You both are so bigoted it's sickening. Bisbee is a practically a border town. If you don't like the influence why don't you move way north? No one will miss your attitude! "

I wish I had gone wrote on Nov 29, 2008 5:36 PM:

" It looks like it was a wonderful event. From what I see here it looks like it included several cultures and I think I'll go next year. "

Oh Please wrote on Nov 29, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Does all this reporter do is report on events that highlight mexican culture? "

curious wrote on Nov 29, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Yep - good old Shacat has to focus on the Mexican flavor some more in this story. "