DOWNTOWN PARADE OF LIGHTS SATURDAY - The 28th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights returns this Saturday, Dec. 17, to the Armory Park neighborhood. Presented by Rio Nuevo, the parade celebrates the holidays with brightly decorated floats, marching bands, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, families, and more. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Stone Avenue at 17th Street and then proceed north, turn east on Ochoa Street/12th Street, turn south on Sixth Avenue, and end at Sixth Avenue and 13th Street. Those traveling through the area can expect delays and should watch for increased pedestrian presence. There are also several road closures planned in the downtown area, as outlined in the news release linked below.
Downtown Parade of Lights
Road closures news release

THE GRINCH SAVES CHRISTMAS IN WARD 6 - Last week, a human man, acting much like the un-reformed and small-hearted Grinch from the Dr. Seuss story, visited the Ward 6 Office in the dark of night and stole the star from the ward's community holiday tree. The theft was caught on a security camera and shared all over social media in the hopes the perpetrator might return the star. The hearts of little ones throughout the region were broken by this senseless act of selfishness. Luckily, this story ends on a happy note, as security cameras recently captured what actually appeared to be the real Grinch, now with a heart that had grown three sizes and adorned in his Santa attire, returning the star to the tree. He even brought (or was taken there) by a little girl who appeared to be Cindy Lou Who, who was not more than 2 (years old), as depicted in the Dr. Seuss story as an energetic girl with a firm belief in Christmas. The green guy and the girl from Whoville made sure that Christmas wasn't spoiled after all. You can see the joy unfold in the video linked below.
Watch the surveillance video on Facebook
Read the Ward 6 news release

SKATE ON THE TUCSON HOLIDAY ICE OUTDOOR RINK (VIDEO) - Pima Pain Center, the City of Tucson, and Rio Nuevo invite you to skate on Tucson's outdoor ice rink over the holidays, now through Sunday, Jan. 8. Tucson Holiday Ice is located at 260 S. Church Ave., in front of the Tucson Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased online. Each session starts at a designated time and lasts for 90 minutes. Admission for adults is $20 per session, and children 12 and under are $14. The first session each day has a discounted price of $12 for adults and $8 for youth. Skates are included with the ticket price and begin at size 8 for children and run as large as men's size 15. Skate assists can be rented for $5. Socks are required, and gloves are highly recommended. The Bisbee Breakfast Club offers free hot coffee and cocoa Wednesday nights, from 6-9 p.m.
Tucson Holiday Ice website/tickets
Watch a video about Tucson Holiday Ice

WINTER SOCK DRIVE UNDERWAY - As part of the City of Tucson's Homeless Protocol initiative, the Community Safety, Health & Wellness (CSHW) program recently increased outreach to unsheltered individuals. The weather is getting colder and the number one request from the campers encountered is socks. The CSHW program is reaching out to the community for donations during its Winter Sock Drive, now through Jan. 30. CSHW is hoping to collect unused socks in all sizes. You can donate them at the collection box at your local ward office. If you would like to host a collection box, email [email protected].
Read the flyer

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION LEISURE CLASSES - View and register for Tucson Parks and Recreation leisure classes at registration link below. Classes offered range from beginning ballet, pottery, jewelry making, photography, and more. There will be various options for both youth and adult participants. Make sure to register early to secure your spot. If you have any questions, call Registration Services at (520) 791-4877.
Registration
Tucson Parks and Recreation