It was a “tree-mendous” time at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Christmas Program and Light Parade.

The annual event took place on Dec. 6 at the Two Waters Courtyard. The day included a visit and photos with Santa where attendees could share their holiday wishes, a toasty flame for roasting marshmallows to create s’mores, senior bingo, karaoke and so much more holiday fun. 

Throughout the day guests enjoyed live performances from the Ballet Arizona Native American Youth Hoop Dancers, Ballet Folklorico Ollin Yoliztli and Michael Patrick Gallagher Irish Dancers.

Lined up in between the Huhugam Ki: Museum and Two Waters Building A, six food and goodie vendors, along with 32 arts and crafts vendors, displayed their delicious treats and beautiful artwork in different mediums. Attendees browsed the booths shopping for themselves, a family member or even a special someone. 

Leading up to the event, the Huhugam Ki: Museum hosted its annual gingerbread workshop. Participants learned how to make gingerbread “sandwich houses” to display in an O’odham Piipaash gingerbread village. 

After the Community Christmas Program wrapped up around 4 p.m., it was time to light up Salt River with the annual Light Parade. 

As the warm sun set and the night grew colder, friends and families gathered along Longmore Road from Two Waters to the Salt River Ballfields, equipped from the Salt River Ballfields to Two Waters, equipped with chairs, blankets and hot cocoa. The parade route started at the ballfields and headed north. 

The parade featured 21 floats escorted by the Salt River Police Department. Floats featured colorful holiday characters along with the Grand Marshal, the SRPMIC’s own Miss Indian Arizona, Sialik King. Judges eventually selected seven floats to receive a prize. 

Last—but not least—in the holly jolly light parade was Santa Claus on the fire truck, signifying the end of the parade. ’Tis the season for holiday cheer.

Both the Christmas Program and Light Parade were planned and organized by SRPMIC’s Community Relations Office. 

Light Parade Award Winners

Best Overall, Department

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Department of Transportation

Best Overall, Community Group/Family

RMG Mechanical 

Best Walking

Christmas Angels, Miles & Moore Family

Most Festive

Saddleback Communications 

Best Use of Lights

Shh’was the Night Before Christmas, ECS Residential Services 

Best Theme

Return of the Cookie, Johnson Family 

Best Originality

Flu Fighter, SRPMIC Public Health