Flagstaff's giant pine cone poised for New Year's Eve countdown

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Flagstaff’s famous Pine Cone hangs from the top of the Weatherford Hotel for the 2007 Pine Cone Drop.

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Flagstaff’s famous Pine Cone hangs from the top of the Weatherford Hotel for the 2007 Pine Cone Drop.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - One hundred years ago in Flagstaff as the town rang in the New Year, the ladies of the Women's Christian Temperance Union circulated a petition to close saloons on Sunday; that while a fire broke out at the lumber mill and the town marshal worked to keep residents from dumping rubbish and ashes into the streets.

This New Year, the big news is expected to be about the thousands who gather in downtown Flagstaff to count down the end of 2008 and ring in the New Year with the traditional Pine Cone Drop from the Weatherford Hotel.

The historic hotel has witnessed more than a century of events and again will be the centerpiece of activity for Flagstaff's New Year's celebrations. Festivities will begin around 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 with live bands inside and outside the Weatherford. Reggae, ska and rock music from the Foot Solejahs is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Charly's Pub in the hotel; New Year's Eve dinner packages are offered, as well.

"Since we have restored the wrap-around balconies and the Zane Grey Ballroom, people are simply drawn to these areas for an elegant toast or to join in with the cheering crowd below as all eyes are on the pine cone," said Weatherford Hotel co-owner Sam Green. "The Weatherford Hotel just seems to create the magic and many, many memorable moments for residents and visitors alike."

The twinkling 70-pound, metal pine cone - now hanging from the roof below the decorative cupola - will be lowered at 10 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 to coincide with the lowering of the ball in New York Times Square. It will be lowered again at midnight to celebrate Flagstaff's New Year.

Additionally, commemorative brass and gold Weatherford Hotel holiday ornaments are on sale this holiday season. The Flagstaff Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has chosen to showcase the Weatherford Hotel as its 2008 ornament in the organization's scholarship fundraising project.

"We chose the Weatherford for its beauty, historic value and the manner in which it has been restored," said AAUW member Shirlee Blount.

The $20 ornament can be purchased at the hotel throughout December. Through the sale of ornaments, the AAUW has awarded $1,000 scholarships to three women who are attending Coconino Community College this fall.

"This scholarship has enabled me to concentrate and focus on my academics. It gives me a sincere desire to strive for excellence and achieve all my aspirations," said scholarship recipient Melissa Hudson.

"It is wonderful that the hotel is being recognized in such a beautiful way. We hope the ornament will have a place in many homes this holiday season and become a part of family traditions for years to come," said Green.

The card enclosed with each ornament offers a bit of Weatherford history: "It has always been used as a hotel but lost its porches in a 1929 fire. Present-day owners Henry and Sam Taylor have restored the building from its full basement to the ornate porches - now a location for residents and visitors to view downtown Flagstaff activities, and scene of the New Year's Eve Pine Cone Drop at midnight."

This season marks the 10th year of the giant pine cone celebration. The Pine Cone Drop was first introduced by the Weatherford Hotel in December 1999 to celebrate the year 2000 and the new century. For more information, log on to www.weatherfordhotel.com.

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