By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The official start of the holiday season began Saturday in Raton as the traditional festivities took place and the city Christmas Tree was lit.
Saturday began the day at the Shuler Theater with pet photos with Santa. Santa then walks down the street to Ripley Park and greets the kids. This year an estimated 400 plus kids stopped by to see the bearded saint.
Around 5:00 p.m. Raton City Manager Scott Berry flipped the switch to light the city Christmas Tree located at Ripley Park the tree will stay lit till after Christmas along with all the lights along First and Second Street.
Following the lighting there was a static electric parade on First Street sponsored by Raton Main Street. the floats were judged and the winners of the event are
1st place – Rayetta Trujillo and Family “Christmas Wonderland”
2nd place – Frank Ferri “Elvis’ Blue Christmas”
3rd place – CCFA Rodeo Queens “A Cowgirl Christmas”
Participants: The above plus, Santa Fe Trail School For The Performing Arts, The Pack Rat, International Bank, The Lions Club, and Raton MainStreet. Food vendor was Gina D’s BBQ.
To finish off the evening the Lion’s club officially flipped the switch to light the City of Bethlehem.
