It’s public art. It’s a grand private-public partnership. It’s accessible, affordable entertainment. It’s a good cause.
And yet the City of Tucson plans to cut support for Winterhaven’s annual Christmas extravaganza. Tucson’s leaders should reconsider.
About 200,000 residents and visitors come to Winterhaven each year. People of every income level, of every age, all soaking up much-needed Christmas spirit.
The residents of Winterhaven are wonderful hosts. Willing to inconvenience themselves for weeks. Willing to pay the price of lights and décor that surpass even the decorations in Hallmark TV movies.
Entry is free, but donations are urged to support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. And neighborhood residents tout their own causes as well, from animal shelters to environmental programs.
People are also reading…
We all recognize the pressures on budgets, but rather than see Winterhaven as a money-suck, city leaders ought to use it as an example of how a free, inclusive, community event can succeed on so many levels.
Julie Doll
Southeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
