Downtown Chandler to present ‘Sugarland,’ a new holiday display

PHOENIX — Believe it or not, Thanksgiving and the kickoff of the holiday season is about a month away.

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, a not-for-profit organization, is celebrating the upcoming holiday season with a brand-new interactive display of decorations at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West.

Taking place from Nov. 28 to Jan. 3, “Sugarland” is a holiday wonderland playground concept featuring life-sized candy canes, lollipops, gumdrops and cookies, according to the official website.

People can slide down a fruit roll-up slide, climb on giant marshmallows spilling out of a cup of hot chocolate or up their social media game by taking a selfie in a candy sleigh next to the iconic Tumbleweed Tree.

“Sugarland is the perfect backdrop for family photos and overall enjoyment as you stroll the downtown shopping and dining,” Mary Murphy-Bessler, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership executive director, said in a press release.

Once the sun sets, people can experience a walkway over the Commonwealth Canal that is filled with colorful lights timed to “dance” to music as part of “Sugarland’s Canal of Lights.”

“We are so proud to be able to offer a safe and whimsical option for visitors to Downtown Chandler, and are excited to build upon the display in the years to come,” Murphy-Bessler said.

After the traditional holiday parade was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization on their website said they recognized the need to rise to the challenge of providing a safe and festive way for the community to celebrate the holidays.

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