Fireworks light up Portales sky

[email protected]

Emma Baca, 9, smiled as the fireworks lit up the sky on Friday at the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhound Arena. But there was one problem.

“The bugs keep attacking me,” Emma complained.

Emma’s mother, Jodi Baca, said she loved the fireworks, but she had to keep kicking off the bugs.

Otherwise, for more than 200 who came out to the Fourth of July celebrations, the night was enjoyed.

Karl Terry, director of the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, said it was a beautiful day for the celebration.

“It is really nice day. It will be a great night,” Terry said.

Christine Wallace, a Portales resident, found the weather relaxing as her Fourth of July was all about being with family.link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Maribele Valenzuela, left, sits with her daughter, Jacquelyn Valenzuela, center, and husband, Ervey Valenzuela, as they watch the fireworks display in Portales Friday evening in front of ENMU’s Greyhound Arena.

“The best part is spending time with my family,” said Wallace, who works as a machine operator.

Wallace, to get into the patrotic spirit, read up on American history and watched “The Alamo.” Wallace also dressed the part wearing a American flag T-shirt with a bald eagle, one of many decked out in red, white and blue gear for the day.

Also dressed in red, white and blue, Madison Blue, 3, was certainly enjoying the holiday with her grandmother, Lugine Blue. Madison was given handful bang snap that she threw on the ground and they popped much to her enjoyment.

“I’m playing with fireworks,” Madison smiled as she keep throwing them on the sidewalk.

Lugine Blue said Madison’s father is a Marine who has been deployed in Afganastan and Iraq, so this holiday is special.

“We are glad he is home and safe,” Blue said.

Another military family got to enjoy its first Independence Day in the States, as it had been deployed in Japan.

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

David Valenzuela, 7, left, and his brother Diego Valenzuela , 11, watch the Portales fireworks display from the roof of their parents truck.

Elizabeth C. (who did not disclose her family’s last name due to operational concerns) and her family have only been in the states for two weeks and are still living in a hotel.

“It is very different celebrating here, but we are enjoying ourselves,” Elizabeth C. said.

Everyone at the event were able to watch the fireworks with 3-D glasses provided by the Chamber of Commerce. The fireworks were also set to a soundtrack that included “God Bless America,” to “Let It Go.”