The Parade of Lights will march down Main Street in Cortez on Dec. 6 for its 36th year, bringing holiday spirit to town.
The parade, starting at 6 p.m., is hosted by the Four Corners Board of Realtors. This year’s Grand Marshal is the Cortez Elks Lodge 1789. The theme is “The Blessings of a Community.”
“We try to choose our Grand Marshal, then whoever the Grand Marshal is we choose as a theme on that,” said Michelle Morris, a longtime organizer with the Four Corners Board of Realtors.
“Since the Elks Lodge has helped the community out for a long time, therein lies the title of the theme.”
Categories include nonprofit, commercial and other, each judged on music, lights, creativity, theme and workmanship, said Trista Heaton, Parade of Lights chairperson.
But judges ultimately choose what stands out, Heaton said.
Each float will display a QR code for the People’s Choice Award. This year also adds a best band category.
“Float,” however, is loosely defined.
“We want the community involved,” said Heaton. “So, however they want to do it, whether they’re marching, riding a horse, riding a motorcycle, a side-by-side or a tractor. However they want to enter, we allow it as long as it’s safe.”
Contestants can win cash prizes.
The parade runs west to east from Notah Dineh Trading Co. at Maple and Main streets to Harrison Street by City Market.
Morris said entries usually total about 60, with one year topping 80.
“It doesn’t cost anything to enter the parade,” said Morris. “You can pick up an entry form at any real estate office in town or visit the Four Corners Board of Realtors website.”
Santa will make a grand entrance at the west end of Main Street.
“Santa will be arriving by helicopter,” said Morris.
While an exact count is hard to pin down, the parade is expected to draw thousands.
“We have people that participate from all over the reservation, to Dove Creek, to Dolores and Mancos. We have people from all over that come to the parade and participate.”
