KINGMAN – The holiday season is in full effect and some people don’t just want to show off lights – they’ll invite the town to stop by and say hello.
Samantha Segobia and her family hosted the inaugural ‘Christmas Stroll on Tanner Street’ Saturday evening. The neighborhood south of Interstate 40 near Eastern Avenue might not be what some consider the typical Kingman neighborhood for some to visit Santa, view Christmas lights and hang out next to the driveway fire pits. The family served cookies, hot chocolate, chili and also allowed visitors to roast their own marshmallows and hot dogs over a metal fire pit in the driveway.
Segobia advertised the event on Facebook earlier this month and was impressed with the turnout. She and her family were using her grandmother’s home and estimated about 240 people visited the neighborhood during the nearly three-hour festivities. The whole street was having a good time despite some chilly December breezes.
Segobia, a stay-at-home mother, moved to Kingman from Paso Robles, California a year ago and brought the tradition of the Vine Street Victorian Showcase with her.
“I put on the event not only to feel like home was right here in Kingman, but to also bring everyone together and in the Christmas spirit,” she said. “We’ve (all) had a rough year and let’s not let it get us down.”
The party was planned to last until 9 p.m. but the frigid weather sent many people home around 8:30 p.m. Segobia took a walk down the street to see what other activities were going on as more people flooded the block.
“There was one house hosting ornament painting for the kids and another handing out hot chocolate and baked goodies,” she said.
Despite COVID-19 worries, Segobia left the decision to wear a mask up to those who showed up.
“We can’t force people to wear masks,” she said. “People were wearing them. Just not everyone.”
Segobia is hoping for a better turnout next year as word gets around.
“We’re hoping next year we can get more to participate and hopefully come back bigger,” she said. “From my family to yours we want to wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.
Aaron Ricca