Holiday events stack up in Portales

PORTALES - Look for a stacked few days of holiday celebrations in Roosevelt County, starting with a double whammy of music and pageantry Thursday evening, the annual Christmas parade on Friday and "Santa Cop" on Saturday.

Today's the last chance to submit a float application for Roosevelt County's 32nd Annual "Christmas Jubilee Light Parade" on Friday night. The only condition is that "no live Santa Clauses are allowed on floats," as organizers will have one of their own riding a fire truck at the parade caboose and dismounting at the end to talk with children in Portales' main square.

It's also the last day of fundraising by the four "little miss merry christmas" contestants, whose efforts support the white lights on display in the city and at the Roosevelt County Courthouse. One will be coronated in a ceremony 6 p.m. Thursday at the Yam Theater and will ride on the float leading the parade the following night, with the runners-up each declared a "Princess."

Eastern New Mexico University's music department also holds its free holiday concert, "which includes their symphony and different elements of their choral program," at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Campus Union Building (CUB), according to Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karl Terry.

"The main thing right now is we want parade entries from businesses, churches and non-profits," he told The News, referring to the three categories in which awards will be made. "We urge them to get involved and help make our Christmas parade; that is one of the things that people really love and look forward to."

Terry said the parade typically has around 40 float entries and there's no specific theme, so long as it's topically fitting. Starting at 5:30 p.m. is the Jubilee portion of the evening programming with Portales high school and junior high choirs providing music on the city's downtown square. The parade itself will loop around that square during its route, starting at the Portales Rec Center on 18th Street and disbanding at C&S, Inc. on First Street.

Find a spot and tuck in with some of the hot chocolate and cookies on deck, then consider participating in La Casa Family Health Center's "Tacky Sweater 5k" at 9 a.m. the following morning. Finally, the Portales Police Department hosts its annual "Santa Cop Event" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Building. A parent, grandparent or legal guardian must register in person at PPD, and children must be present with their ticket to receive their gift. The program is limited to Roosevelt County children from birth to age 17; those interested in donating toys or money can do so at PPD. Call 575-356-4404 for more information.