Acker Night Delights With the Spirit of Giving, Holiday Warmth, and Fellowship
By Gail Clifford, MD
“Go. Take singles. Dollar bills, that is.”
Newcomers to Prescott are confused by the recommendation they receive when they tell a local they’re heading out to Acker Night.
There’s so much to do and see in Prescott during the Christmas season … so what in the world does this mean?
Several of our local holiday festivities could, perhaps, be replicated in other cities: Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, caroling, the courthouse lights (sure, we do it more elaborately)! Offered in Prescott, as well as other communities, are daytime and nighttime parades, a gingerbread village, movies and performances at local theaters, as well as craft fairs and bazaars. Prescott Valley displays Valley of the Lights at Fain Park. The Walk Through Bethlehem at a local church and Wild Lights at the zoo provide valued experiences.
In 1989, then-governor Rose Mofford proclaimed Prescott Arizona’s “Christmas City.” With all Prescott provides, it’s no wonder. But what gives Prescott the extra pizzazz to stand out as the best in this wonderful field?
Acker Night
The first Friday of every December for the past thirty years, this musical showcase has more than 100 musicians and performers across historic downtown Prescott. The event, produced solely by volunteers, is a celebration of the holidays.
More importantly, it functions as the primary fundraiser for the J.S. Acker Music Park Association Inc.’s scholarship fund—which provides music and art scholarships for people of all ages.
Mr. James S. Acker (1865-1955) was a local philanthropist who left his estate “to be used for parks and the promotion of music, particularly for children.”
The centerpiece of Acker Night’s setting is the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. One hundred trees decorated with more than a million lights surround the stunningly bejeweled Courthouse with its two-story columns encased in white lights.
Acker night is initially, perhaps, the most confusing thing to newcomers about the Christmas festivities. After one visit, though, it’s easy to understand why it’s an annual highlight.
Performers set up in many of the shops around the Plaza, and merchants open their doors, inviting thousands in for live music and frequently, hot chocolate. Dance troupes perform along Whiskey Roy and in the Plaza Square.
Visitors should follow the aforementioned advice: come prepared with dollar bills. It’s traditional to drop one, or a few, in the shopping bag at each location; it’s a fundraiser, after all.
After donating, mill around in the ambient exuberance that is Prescott’s Christmas.
Experience a special buzz in the air, filled with joyous laughter and the energy of old friends meeting in abundance; giving, greeting, and enjoying each other and the season. Smell the oh-so-close scent of snow as the cold nips at fingers and noses. Wrap up in a hat, scarf and gloves for the outdoor performances. Enjoy the way the sounds of the various bands blend into a symphony rather than the cacophony one might expect. Frequent handshakes, pats on the back, or clapping to the rhythm of the band or dance troupe add to the enjoyement.
Everything comes into perfect proportion, the kind of symmetry that only takes place with love and compassion and dedication and fellowship.
There is something for everyone at Acker night. It’s illustrative of the real reason Prescott truly is Arizona’s “Christmas City”: the sense of warmth and fellowship sprinkled with a true spirit of giving.
For more information on Acker Night visit https://www.ackernight.com/