Glendale Glitters lights up the night
By Eric CarrollAdvertising Manager, The VOICE
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, people all over the west valley and our visiting favorite birds: it is that time of year again. This is the time when the city of Glendale, AZ, lights up the desert and the sky above. Bringing those who fly over, wondering if the mysterious Phoenix Lights have landed.
It's Glendale Glitters (GG), a local event that this year took place Nov. 28 and 29. GG was awarded this year's Critic's Pick for Best Festival for 2008 by az.central.com.
A family gets a ride through the streets of historic downtown Glendale.
The festival started off this year of festivals without a hitch and with both arms up in the cool desert night sky. There will be other events within this month
Dec. 5-6 was Glendale's Gingerbread Nights. Coming up this weekend, Dec. 12-13, Glendale's Jingle Bell Rockin' Nights and finally Dec. 19-20: Glendale's Spirit of Giving Weekend. All these events come along with free parking and free admission, so bring your friends and your family even bring that someone special or you can meet someone there.
For GG, security had a noticeable presence while laying back and allowing the crowd of shoppers and onlookers to enjoy themselves. The food was from all over: Indian Fry Bread, Egg Roll, and The Sausage King were on hand just to name a few of the food vendors.
There was sand art for the kids to enjoy along with a pony carriage ride, a train, and obstacle courses to help parents tire out their kids. For those who went over by the kids' zone to the left of big Christmas tree you could enjoy snow, real snow.
The Veteran Marines were on hand giving out roses for a small donation. The jewelry was nicely priced and came in all types of designs. If I had someone to buy gifts for I would've raked up. (Hint to all of you who need to get gifts at low prices.)
Santa was in attendance, listening to kids and some adults tell him their Christmas wishes for a fee of $5. I think when you need to pay Santa for anything you need to add him to your naughty list.
There were several different bands trios and groups that preformed not only on the two stages, but also on in the street.
This event and the others that Glendale put together are so amazing you'll find it hard to believe that they can get the downtown area back to its normal business look in one night.
