The little miss merry christmas contest is returning for another holiday season, with a few changes this year.
The annual contest raises money for white lights displayed on the Roosevelt County Courthouse and other places around town during the Christmas season.
This year, according to a news release from the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, the contest has undergone changes to create a formal atmosphere around the Coronation Ceremony and the Royal Court contestants. A new Coronation Ceremony is scheduled for the day before the annual City of Portales Christmas Jubilee, with a presentation of the court during the Jubilee.
Also, the contest is now only open to girls between 5 and 10 years old, according to the release. Previously, the starting age was 4.
The contest is under way and runs until 5 p.m. Dec. 8.
As always, the contestant who raises the most money through donations collected by her sponsor and through additional fundraising will be crowned little miss merry christmas, with all runners-up receiving the title of Princess, according to the release.