Holiday Season in Raton Begins with Tree Lighting Ceremony

Chris Valentini presents Mesa Church 316 Youth with the first place check for their float in the electric parade Friday evening. Photo by Brenda Ferri

Historic First Street was the site that welcomed young and old alike to to see the lights Friday night as Raton officially began the holiday season.

Blue Sky Ranch receives the second place win as Chris Valentini presents the check Friday evening from Raton Mainstreet. Photo by Brenda Ferri

Historic First Street was the site that welcomed young and old alike to to see the lights Friday night as Raton officially began the holiday season.

Raton Mainstreet’s Chris Valentini presents the third place check to Santa and his Motorcycle sleigh Friday evening during the Electric Light Parade.

Santa’s Motorcycle Sleigh took the third place in the electric parade held on First Street Friday evening. Photo by Brenda Ferri

Commissioner Lori Chatterly and Mayor Pro-Tem Lindé Schuster gave the count down for the lighting but Commissioners Ron Chavez and Don Giacomo threw the switch to light the City Christmas Tree in Ripley Park a few counts early Friday evening to the cheers of the large crowd that had gathered for the annual event.

Historic First Street was the site that welcomed young and old alike to to see the lights Friday night as Raton officially began the holiday season.

Historic First Street was the site that welcomed young and old alike to to see the lights Friday night as Raton officially began the holiday season.

Historic First Street was the site that welcomed young and old alike to to see the lights Friday night as Raton officially began the holiday season.

Relay for Life luminaries adorned the park at the Multi-Modal Center Friday night as part of the Electric Light Parade

Relay for Life luminaries adorned the park at the Multi-Modal Center Friday night as part of the Electric Light Parade

Relay for Life luminaries adorned the park at the Multi-Modal Center Friday night as part of the Electric Light Parade

Relay for Life luminaries adorned the park at the Multi-Modal Center Friday night as part of the Electric Light Parade

Virgil Buscarini created a Winter Wonderland which resides on Raton’s Historic First Street. The display opened it’s door to young and old alike to share the memories of Christmases past and present.