By L. Parsons The annual Winslow Christmas Parade is not only the signature event for the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, but also an event that doubles the town’s population in one day. Traditionally held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is a more than 70-year staple in Winslow. But this year, due to the pandemic, it will be different. Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Bob Hall explained, “We will have a parade, however, there will be no vendors. We are not inviting anyone to come set up downtown. It will be a porch parade where the route will go throughout town and people can watch from their porches. The route will go by a few of the parks in town so those that don’t live on the route will be able to set up a chair with their families in the park. We will do a lot of advertising about the route and the fact that there will be no vending. The annual Festival of Trees will take place as usual, but this year it will be back at the Hubbell so we can monitor how many people are inside at a time. These events, we hope, will help us to not lose our Christmas spirit.” Mayor Tom McCauley proclaimed Oct. 21 as Chamber of Commerce Day to recognize the efforts of Hall and the Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Hall also gave a report that spanned the last nine months of the pandemic. The report usually presented quarterly reflected trends in the number of visitors to Winslow and where they were from. According to Hall, most tourists since March have been from in-state. During a normal summer tourism season, travelers from around the world sign in at the Winslow Visitor’s Center. “This year, I think most people just didn’t want to be more than three or four hours from home. So, we saw a lot of people up from the Valley.” Hall did express that hits to the Visitor’s Center website remained steady. Little Colorado Medical Center CEO Jack Dempsey presented to the council as well. Alongside him was incident commander, Christie Ross. Dempsey said, “While we have had a couple of very rough months, we have been fortunate enough to not have to lay anyone off or let anyone go.” Ross continued, “This pandemic has become such a political issue. It is a pandemic of a real virus, but it is also a pandemic of misinformation and fear.” She said, “We are seeing an increase in alcohol use (and) in methamphetamine use. We are seeing an increase in suicide attempts from all age groups. What is also concerning, is that we are seeing people skip their regular health screenings out of fear of visiting our facilities. That is very dangerous. Please, schedule those screenings and do not be afraid to see your doctor.’ In other business, the council: * Heard the monthly financial report for August from finance director Elias Jouen. Citywide revenues were $2.6 million bringing the year to date revenues to $3.9 million. Citywide expenditures were $720,695 and year to date expenditures were $1.2 million. * Approved a liquor license renewal application for the Turquoise Room, located at 303 E. Second St. * Approved an agreement with the Navajo County Flood Control District for the purpose of installing a flood alert system in Winslow. The district will fund the project in the amount of $58,373. * Approved an agreement between the Winslow Police Department and the Phoenix Police Department in which PPD will facilitate a $5,000 grant from the United States Department of Justice for the purpose of training a Winslow taskforce to investigate internet crimes against children. * Approved an ordinance amending the tax code to extend the one percent transaction privilege tax levy if the proposition is passed by voters on Nov. 3. * Discussed Arizona Proposition 207, the legalization of marijuana in Arizona that is on the general election ballot on Nov. 3. The discussion centered around Winslow’s response to the proposition should it pass. A work session was scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to make final decisions regarding the issue and will be presented at the city council meeting that same evening. The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Hubbell Building, located at 524 W. Second St.
