DFA repeats as top Light Parade float
Dairy Farmers of America's entry in the business category was judged as the best in the 38th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Portales on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The float featured Mickey Mouse and his friends along with dancing cows handing out treats and a good number of the local milk plant's employees.
In the Non-profit/Individual category, David and Christy Johanson's all-original Model A won the judge's over with their aaa-uuuga horn as they passed their table decked out in lights all over the vehicle.
Emmanuel Baptist Church took the top honor in a great field of entries in the Church/Religious category. The theme of their float was "From Heaven Back to Earth" and featured scenes of the manger, the cross and the tomb.
This year's parade included everything from semi-truck trailers to horses and ATV's with Santa Claus riding on a Portales Fire Department fire truck at the end of the parade. This year's parade organized by the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce appears to be the largest to-date with an estimated 75 entries.
"We want to thank all those who participated and turned out for this special night in Portales," said Chamber Executive Director Quaylene Parkey. "We couldn't do this without all the volunteers and sponsors that make our Christmas activities possible."
Following the parade the Chamber and Roosevelt County Community Development Corp. representant Ms. Jodi Diaz along with Roosevelt County Electric and Western Commerce Bank (sponsor of the tree) and City of Portales officials did an official tree-lighting ceremony at the new RCEC Plaza downtown at First and Main. Mayor Mike Miller welcomed the crowd. Also in attendance; the Wing leadership from Cannon Air Force base, Col. Robert Johnston - Wing Commander, Col. Jeff McMaster - Wing Deputy Dommander, CMSgt Colin Fleck, Wing Command Chief. Representing Roosevelt County was Commissioner-elect Malin Parker, Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell, Commissioner-elect Fabian Munoz, County Manager Annette Kirk. Representing the City of Portales was Mayor Mike Miller, Counciler Oscar Robinson, Counciler Diane Parker, Councilor and Chamber President Eldon Merrick.
After the lighting, choirs from Portales Junior High and Portales High School performed for a huge crowd of holiday revelers.
To see photos of all the parade entries visit the Roosevelt County Chamber's Facebook page..
