Christmas City's Acker Night

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Fri 10 Dec 2021

"Go. Take singles. Dollar bills, that is."

Newcomers to Prescott are confused by the admonition. There's so much to do and see in Prescott during the Christmas season, what in the world does this mean?

Several of our holiday festivities could, perhaps, be replicated in other cities. Santa and Mrs Claus. The tree lighting. The caroling. The courthouse lights (sure, we do it more elaborately). Daytime and nighttime parades. Gingerbread village. Movies and performances at the Elks Theater. Plays, craft fairs and bazaars at local theaters, churches and Yavapai College. Valley of the Lights at Fain Park. Walk Through Bethlehem. Even Wild Lights at the zoo (though another zoo with rescued animals would be hard to find).

Prescott was again proclaimed "Christmas City" in 1989 by Governor Rose Mofford. With all Prescott provides, it's no wonder. But what gives Prescott the extra pizzazz to be the best in this wonderful field?

Acker Night, celebrating its 30th year, produced solely by volunteers, functions as the primary fundraiser for music and art scholarships for all ages.



The second Friday of December finds more than 100 musicians spread across historic downtown Prescott celebrating the holidays.

Mr. James S. Acker (1865-1955) was a local philanthropist who left his estate "to be used for parks and the promotion of music, particularly for children."

Acker Night. Showcased around the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza containing 100 trees decorated with over a million lights surrounding the stunningly bejeweled Courthouse with its two-story columns encased in white lights.

Acker Night is initially, perhaps, the most confusing thing to newcomers about the Christmas festivities. After one visit, it's easy to understand why it's an annual highlight.

The merchants around the Plaza open their doors, with live music, frequently hot chocolate, inviting thousands in. Dance troupes perform along Whiskey Roy and in the Plaza Square.

Do come prepared with dollar bills. It's traditional to drop one, or a few, in the shopping bag at each location, it's a fundraiser after all.

Once you've donated, mill around in the ambient exuberance that is Prescott's Christmas. Giving, greeting, enjoying each other and the season.



You'll experience a special buzz in the air, filled with joyous laughter and the energy of old friends meeting in abundance.

The smell of snow is oh, so close as the cold nips your fingers and nose. Bring your hat, scarf and gloves for the outdoor performances.

The sounds of the various bands blend into a symphony rather than the cacophony one might expect.

The touch of frequent handshakes, pats on the back, or clapping to the rhythm of the band or dance troupe adds to the excitement.

Everything comes into perfect proportion, the kind of symmetry that only takes place with love and compassion and dedication and fellowship.

Something for everyone at Acker Night.

The reason Prescott is truly the "Christmas City" is the sense of warmth and fellowship sprinkled with a true spirit of giving.

#christmas
#community_events
#family
#fundraisers
#music
#december
!date 10/12/2021 -- 10/12/2021
%wnphoenix