Start preparing your floats: The Four Corners Board of Realtors will hold the 30th annual Parade of Lights beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 on Main Street in Cortez.
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.
Cortez recently lost two men in service to the country, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer and Army Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay.
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 deepest condolences while honoring all who serve.
“The Four Corners Board of Realtors are 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 please 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.
The event is beloved among Cortez residents but also attracts visitors from out of state.
Last year, Latisha John brought her kids from Montezuma Creek, Utah. She said this was their second trip to see the parade, and all the kids like seeing all the lights.
“We’re getting the winter and Christmas spirit,” John said.
parmijo@the-journal.com