Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane will lead his last Christmas Parade of Lights down Main Street this year.

Lane has led the Parade of Lights each year since its inception, 30 years ago, said Terry McCabe, a member of the Four Corners Board of Realtors, the sponsor of the popular downtown Cortez holiday celebration.

Cortez Police Department Lt. Andy Brock, who is currently serving as interim police chief, also confirmed Lane will officially retire as police chief in February.

McCabe said entries can still be made through Thursday, Dec. 5, for the parade, which will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

So far, entries for the parade have been light, but McCabe said entries typically come in closer to the parade date. A copy of the entry form is published in today’s edition of The Journal on page 5B.

The parade theme this year is: “A Salute to Hometown Heroes.” The theme honors veterans, active-duty armed service members and fallen service members.

Grand marshals this year will include the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The groups will be represented by veterans in the community, including veterans from World War II and Korean War.

Montezuma County lost two men this year in service to the country, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer of Mancos and Army Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay of Cortez.

Both families have deep roots in the area, and Terry McCabe, a member of the Four Corners Board of Realtors, said the organization wants to give the families its condolences while honoring all who serve.

“The Four Corners Board of Realtors is honored to be able to give thanks to those that have committed to serving our country, and we’re proud to recognize the service of our veterans, active duty, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country, and we want to show that we’re a community of people that make up a country worth fighting for,” McCabe said in a news release.

The Parade of Lights is held each year on the first Saturday in December, and the members and affiliate members of the Board of Realtors volunteer to organize and conduct the event.

All prize money awarded comes from the generosity of Board of Realtor members and affiliates. There is no fee to enter a float in the Parade of Lights, and there are first-, second- and third-place cash prizes in three entry categories. An entry form must be submitted.

The Four Corners Board of Realtors sponsors the Parade of Lights as a thank-you to members of the communities it serves in Montezuma and Dolores counties.

The board invites everyone to “Honor One, Honor All” at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 on Main Street in Cortez.

For more information or to obtain an entry form, contact any Four Corners Board of Realtors member or any local real estate office, or call 970-565-8408, ext. 115.

Last year, McCabe said, 985 people participated on 65 floats.

Parade of Lights entry form