Parade goes smoothly

[email protected]

link Joshua Lucero: Staff photo

From left, Adilene Trillo, Analiya Trillo, and Imari Rodriguez rush to grab candy Friday night during the 28th annual Christmas Jubilee Light Parade in Portales. The three girls were most excited to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the parade.

Candy, lights, and Santa Claus were a few of the reasons for Portales residents to line the streets Friday night.

The 28th annual Christmas Jubilee Light Parade made its way from the Portales Recreation Center to the town square with more than 40 floats in tow.

Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce director Karl Terry said the event went smoothly and drew a large crowd to watch both the parade and the Christmas Jubilee concert that took place on the square before the parade.

“It (the Christmas Jubilee) was the best we’ve had since I’ve been with the Chamber,” Terry said. Terry has been with the Chamber since 2011.

Terry said the 50-degree weather was perfect for the parade.

“The event was well attended and everyone was in good spirits,” he said.

Kelbi Harris, who rode her horse with the High Plains Horseman’s Club during the light parade, said she enjoyed riding in the parade.

Harris said she enjoyed the lights and decorating her horse for the event.

Portales resident Sarah Shaw went to the parade with her husband and two sons. She said her son, Atlas Shaw, 3, was a fan of the horses and the fire trucks from Dora.

“He loved it,” Shaw said. “He kept saying, Merry Christmas,’ to everyone.”

Terry said awards for the parade floats will be awarded during the Chamber’s open house Dec. 16.

Floats from businesses, churches, and non-profit groups will be awarded trophies based on creativity, lighting, and design.