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Merry Main Street returning to downtown Mesa

City Council has given direction to bring back Merry Main Street, which was once the largest holiday celebration in the east valley attracting more than 35,000 people to downtown Mesa.

The new Merry Main Street is scheduled to be held Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 and the winter holiday festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. Among the proposed activities are an ice skating rink, community performances at the Mesa Arts Center, a downtown Main Street market place, food truck forest and a holiday tree lighting.

“I’m excited we are bringing Merry Main Street back to downtown Mesa,” Mayor John Giles said. “This is the one event I hear our residents reminisce about each holiday season. With nearly half a million people seeing the Temple Lights and the addition of light rail on Main Street, the time is right to bring them all together to celebrate.”

The original Merry Main Street began in 1998 as a winter holiday festival. In 2005, the City was forced to end the annual event due to budget challenges and businesses unable to bear the financial burden.

“I can’t wait for downtown Mesa to once again be transformed into Merry Main Street,” said Councilmember Chris Glover, who represents downtown Mesa. “I have very fond memories of this event from when I was younger and I am thrilled that the new generation of Mesa families will get to experience everything it has to offer.”

The City of Mesa; Mesa Arts Center; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities and Downtown Mesa Association are partnering to plan Merry Main Street.