Arizona Mills to light 90-foot Christmas tree

Demonstrating that we East Valley folks won’t be outdone by some wimpy little sprig of a tree at Rockefeller Center, Arizona Mills mall on Saturday will flip the switch on 12,000 LED lights covering a 90-foot monster of yuletide conifer bedecked out with 5,000 red, gold and silver ornaments and bows.

Eat that, New York.

“The premium quality, green, white fir, provided by Victor’s Custom Christmas Trees, has been specially selected from Mt. Shasta in Northern California and will be carefully transported to the mall via flatbed tractor trailer just in time for the big ceremony,” a news release said.

“Once the tree has arrived at Arizona Mills, a crane will be used to erect, flame-proof and decorate the tree.”

The lighting ceremony, which starts at 5:45 p.m., will be held in the parking lot across from Harkins Theatres and will feature holiday carols by the Phoenix Boys Choir.

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will flip the switch to light it.

Arizona Mills is at the northwest corner of Priest Drive and Baseline Road in Tempe.

THESE SALES ARE FINAL

While many stores were bracing for a human tsunami of bargain hunters for the ceremonial kickoff of the holiday shopping season, a couple of stores at SanTan Mall were preparing to close up shop for good.

In a melancholy sign of the times tempering this time of year’s normal Christmas cheer, CL Home, which sells home furnishings, and Sedona Patio are advertising they’re going out of business.

Sedona Patio had a sign advertising up to 80 percent off its patio wares.

Another home furnishings store nearby, Old World Design, has already closed its doors.

FUNNY STUFF

Need a good read? Comic Zone has scheduled its grand opening debut for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday on the southeast corner of McDonald Drive and Granite Reef Road in Scottsdale.

The new comic book store is owned and operated by Linda Costello and her three sons.

Two comic book authors are scheduled to show up Saturday to autograph copies of their works.

Jeff Mariotte plans to pitch collector copies of his newest work, Zombie Cops, scheduled to be released in January.

Jay Fotos, writer of many Frank Frazetta-inspired comics, also will be available with free variants or exclusive covers for all Frazetta comic sales.

Anxious comic book fans can get a preview.

“We are kicking off with a preview night on Dress Like a Ninja Day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (today),” Costello said.

“Anyone who shows up dressed like a Ninja gets a free comic.”