Christmas Light Parade to honor vets

[totalmotorcycle]

Christmas Light Parade to honor vets
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - By Ilene Haluska - Cibola County Beacon - cibolabeacon.com




GRANTS — The 2006 Christmas Light Parade, entitled “A Soldier's Christmas,” will roll Saturday, Dec. 9 this year, officials announced last week.

The parade is usually held the first week of December.

Grants MainStreet officials said the parade was scheduled for the second week of December because of conflicts with other holiday events, such as the Roberta's Place Festival of Wreaths and Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 1, and the Future Foundations Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair Dec. 1 to Dec. 3.

“We moved it up because there were a couple of large events going on that weekend,” said Mike Lewis, parade director and chair of the Mainstreet Promotions Committee.

“We're honoring all veterans who've served in Iraq or Afghanistan campaigns,” Lewis said. “The veterans will be featured at the front of the parade.” He said he hopes that local American Legion motorcycle riders will also participate by escorting the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Veterans wishing to be on a float should stop in and see Kathy Gonzales at the MainStreet office at 523 W. Santa Fe Avenue or call 285-3573 for more information.

Lewis said MainStreet sent fliers reaching out to local elementary schools and civic groups asking them to participate in the parade.

“We're looking for anybody who is interested in being involved in the parade,” Lewis explained. “In past years, it has grown in size and we're hoping that it's better this year.”

Lewis said people or groups wishing to participate or enter floats in the parade can register for free … no entry fee … either in person or on-line at Grants.org, the chamber of commerce Web site, by clicking on the 2006 Christmas Lights Parade.

Lewis said the reason for waiving registration fees is because Mainstreet wants people to participate.

“There are awards for first, second and third, $250, $150 and $50,” he said.

Parade entrants are expected to begin lining up at the former ALCO parking lot at the corner of First Street and Roosevelt Avenue by 5 p.m.

“We have lined up at NMSU (New Mexico State University) in the past, but we've run out of room,” Lewis said, adding that the parade will start at 6 p.m. and finish at Fire and Ice Park with hot chocolate, cookies and a chance for children to visit with Santa.

“We're actually getting the real Santa this year,” Lewis confirmed. “The actual Santa from the North Pole.”