AS SEEN IN THE RED ROCK NEWS
November 16, 2018

 

---

Most Americans agree Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday season. I feel that way, too. Here in the Most Beautiful Place on Earth, the crisp November air seems to heighten Sedona’s charm and beauty. Our holiday spirit– relaxing and exhilarating at the same time — is especially delightful because we share it with each other.

We also love to share what makes Sedona special to us. Below are a few of my favorites – what are yours? Email me at jwess@sedonachamber.com, and I will include responses in a future column.

The stunning natural beauty of Sedona astounds me every day. I never take it for granted. The red rocks, trails, canyons, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, beautiful wildlife and our dark skies are treasures we will always cherish and preserve.

I love activities that bring us ‘locals’ together, such as the WineFest, the Red Rocks Oktoberfest, and Uptown Trick or Treating. The holiday events are closest to my heart, though — the spectacular Sedona Northern Lights; the Turkey Trot; Breakfast with Santa; the Festival of Lights; Holiday Sweet Stroll; the Nutcracker at SPAC, and the Tree Lighting & Santa Visit at Tlaquepaque North. Visit the Sedona Annual Events  to be sure you don’t miss any of them.

I am grateful for our volunteer spirit. I see it every day, from our 80+ amazing Visitor Center volunteers to the dedicated professionals on the Chamber Board of Directors. Sedonans support more nonprofits than most cities our size because so many of us are ready to aid a cause and help others. We need to celebrate that.

We live in a safe community where we know emergency help is just minutes away. I am grateful to our Fire District and Police Department first responders.

I love a dusting of snow on the rocks, coffee shops on a cold morning, exploring all our unique shops for holiday gifts, and the unique ambiance of a creekside table.

I love that we live in neighborhoods where people stop on the street to chat, and so do the dogs they are walking!

I appreciate running into friends and neighbors at community spots such as the Sedona Public Library, the Sedona Performing Art Center, Posse Grounds Park, and the Splash Pad at Sunset Park.

I am grateful for a Chamber community that works for Sedona’s betterment. Our more than 850 partners not only operate businesses, pay taxes, and provide jobs – their community advocacy, charitable contributions, and volunteer service help make Sedona the best place to live, work, play, and visit.

I appreciate the passion and engagement of my fellow Sedonans who turned out in huge numbers to help formulate a sustainable tourism plan for Sedona this year, and who demonstrated sound judgment on essential matters such as Home Rule, the school budget override and a proposed PBA.

Most of all, like most people, I am grateful for family and friends near and far, without whom this special season would be meaningless. Because of them, it resonates with beauty, love, and support.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO

---