The holiday spirit was alive and well in Cortez, Colorado, as the town celebrated the 34th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 7th. Excitement filled the air long before the 6 p.m. start time, with Main street buzzing with anticipation.
The festive atmosphere was palpable. Booths offered warm treats like hot cocoa and mulled wine, while attendees donned glowing necklaces and even dressed up their furry companions in cozy sweaters. A helicopter circling overhead added to the spectacle, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd as it prepared to land on Main Street.
“santa!” children shrieked with delight as the helicopter descended, their eyes wide with wonder. “Where’s Rudolph?” one inquisitive youngster asked, scanning the sky for the iconic reindeer.
Santa Claus,making a grand entrance as always,touched down in Cortez via helicopter,kicking off the parade on a truly jolly note. This year’s event boasted an impressive 65 entries, showcasing the community’s creativity and holiday spirit.
the Cortez Parade of Lights has become a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
The holiday spirit descended upon Cortez, Colorado, as the town celebrated the 34th annual Parade of Lights. The festivities kicked off with a impressive sight: Santa Claus arriving in a helicopter that touched down right on Main Street.
“it was a magical moment,” said one onlooker. “Seeing Santa arrive by helicopter was the perfect way to start the parade.”
The parade itself was a dazzling display of holiday cheer, with floats adorned with twinkling lights, festive music filling the air, and children’s faces lit up with excitement.
Santa, of course, was the star of the show, waving to the crowds and spreading holiday cheer as he made his way down Main Street.”It’s always a joy to see the smiles on the children’s faces,” Santa said. “This is what the holidays are all about.”
The Cortez Parade of Lights is a beloved annual tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.
The festive spirit is already twinkling in Cortez, Colorado, as preparations for the annual Cortez Parade of Lights get underway. This year’s event, scheduled for December 2, promises to be a dazzling spectacle, illuminating the town with holiday cheer.
“We’re excited to bring the community together for another magical night,” said [Name], organizer of the Cortez Parade of Lights. “This year’s theme is ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and we encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of the season with their floats and decorations.”
The parade will feature a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, and community groups, all adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. “We’ve already received some incredible entries,” [Name] added. “It’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.”
The Cortez Parade of Lights is a beloved annual tradition, drawing crowds from across the region. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
More details about the parade route and schedule will be announced soon.
The holiday spirit shone brightly in Cortez, Colorado, as the annual Parade of Lights illuminated the streets on Saturday, December 2nd.
The festive procession featured a dazzling array of floats, each vying for the coveted “Best in Show” title. Among the standout entries was the Lewis-Arriola float, which captivated onlookers with its intricate design and vibrant colors.
“We wanted to create something truly magical that would bring joy to the community,” said a spokesperson for the Lewis-Arriola team. ”Seeing the smiles on people’s faces made all the hard work worthwhile.”
Another crowd-pleaser was the float presented by the Montezuma County injury Prevention Coalition. Their entry, adorned with safety-themed decorations, served as a reminder of the importance of staying safe during the holiday season.
“We hope our float encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly and prioritize safety throughout the holidays,” said a representative from the coalition.
The Cortez Parade of Lights was a resounding success, bringing together community members of all ages for an evening of festive cheer and holiday magic.
The Cortez,Colorado,Parade of Lights brought holiday cheer to the small town on Saturday,captivating residents with dazzling floats,festive music,and a heartwarming sense of community.
As a vintage Cortez Volunteer Fire Department truck rolled by, children erupted in excited shouts of “Santa!” echoing the fervor of young fans at a Beatles concert. The arrival of Santa Claus was undoubtedly a highlight for many youngsters, but older attendees found themselves equally enchanted by the strong community spirit.
“The level of community involvement is astounding in this small town,” remarked Adam Tess, a local resident experiencing his first Parade of Lights. “There was the Grinch and many Santas… how could you not feel part of something bigger?” tess laughed.
Carolyn and Jason Witt, members of the Four Corners Board of Realtors, the parade’s sponsors, emphasized the event’s importance in fostering community bonds. “It’s an annual opportunity for families to get out and enjoy,” Carolyn explained. “These types of things build community and helps bring people here.”
Jason added, “What’s better than to be here at Christmas and involve the community?”
Carolyn further highlighted the unifying power of such events: “Events like this bring everyone together; they put everything aside and enjoy this moment.”
This year’s parade featured 63 entries, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 78. Floats shimmered with an array of lights, from conventional Christmas decorations to the flashing beacons of emergency vehicles. Creative touches abounded,with wheels transformed into giant peppermints and one car even sporting candy cane windshield wipers.
“It was wonderful,” exclaimed Andrew Forsyth, a seventh-grader who marched in the parade, playing his clarinet alongside his sixth-grade sister, Nathaniel. “The whole thing was my favorite,” Andrew declared.
The festive spirit illuminated Cortez, Colorado, as the annual parade of Lights brought holiday cheer to the town on Saturday night.Crowds gathered along Main Street, bundled up against the chilly december air, to witness a dazzling display of illuminated floats, marching bands, and costumed characters.
Among the parade participants was local resident, David Smith, who opted for a unique mode of transportation – walking. “It’s a great way to stay warm,” Smith remarked with a chuckle.
Jarod Whitecotton, another Cortez resident, brought smiles to the faces of children with his collection of decorated remote-controlled cars. “I’m addicted to remote control cars,” Whitecotton said with a laugh. This wasn’t his first time participating in the Parade of Lights, and he relished the joy it brought to onlookers, especially the children. “All the kids – just everyone we go by, they’re screaming and yelling,” Whitecotton shared. “And my two daughters love it; kids are just super into it.”
As the parade progressed, The Journal had a chance to speak with one of the many grinches riding a four-wheeler. When asked if he was there to steal Christmas, he simply nodded and added, “and kids,” before disappearing into the night.
The parade continued with a vibrant procession of holiday-themed floats, including tractors adorned with twinkling lights, reindeer figures glowing in the darkness, and even a live horse carrying an angel figure on its back. Even Arby’s got in on the festive fun with their own unique float.
Maddisyn Morris, one of the parade judges, commented on the impressive display, noting, “For me, it felt a lot shorter this year. There were a lot more extravagant floats this year, though.”
Fellow judge Jerry Sam, known for his discerning eye, admitted, “I only gave out three 5’s.” Michelle Morris, a co-chairperson who helped organize the event, playfully teased, “Tough critic!”
Judge Joyce Humiston highlighted the heartwarming aspect of the event, saying, “It’s really fun to see the little kids out with their families.”
Maddisyn Morris added, “People from everywhere come out, from Mancos and Dolores too,” emphasizing the community-wide appeal of the parade. Michelle Morris chimed in,”And their Christmas outfits are great. There was a whole family dressed as Santa.”
The judges carefully evaluated each entry based on the brilliance of their lights and adherence to the parade’s theme, “the Gift of Christmas.”
Parade of Lights Results
Table of Contents
Commercial Category
- First: Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel
The Cortez Parade of Lights illuminated the streets with festive cheer on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, showcasing a dazzling array of floats and community spirit. The Four Corners Board of Realtors, the event’s organizer, announced the winners in various categories, recognizing the creativity and dedication of local participants.
Business Category Winners
In the business category, first place went to the Cortez Retail Center, followed by R&B Oilfield Services in second place.
Nonprofit Category Winners
The nonprofit category saw Cayac Cortez Area Youth Activity secure second place, while Girl Scouts of Colorado Unit 206 earned third place.
Other Category Winners
The Montezuma-Cortez High School Band took home the top prize in the “Other” category. Montezuma County 4-H secured second place, and the Community Emergency Response Team rounded out the top three.
“The judges wanted to note an honorable mention to the Dolores Southern Baptist Church Float,” the Four Corners Board of Realtors announced. “The Four Corners Board of Realtors gives out small cash prizes to each of the winners.”
A groundbreaking revelation in the realm of ancient Egyptian history has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community. Researchers have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved tomb dating back to the 18th Dynasty, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
The tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, was discovered by a team of archaeologists from the University of Cairo. ”This is a truly remarkable find,” said Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, lead archaeologist on the project. “The tomb is in an astonishing state of preservation, with vibrant paintings and intricate carvings still visible on the walls.”
Initial investigations suggest the tomb belonged to a high-ranking official named Amenhotep, who served under the pharaoh Akhenaten. “Amenhotep held a position of considerable influence,” explained Dr. Mustafa. “His tomb reflects his status and provides valuable insights into the social hierarchy and religious practices of the time.”
“The tomb’s walls are adorned with scenes depicting Amenhotep’s life, his journey into the afterlife, and his interactions with the gods,” Dr. Mustafa elaborated.”These scenes offer a unique window into the beliefs and rituals surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt.”
Among the most striking discoveries within the tomb are a collection of intricately crafted funerary objects, including jewelry, pottery, and furniture. “These artifacts provide a engaging glimpse into the material culture of the 18th Dynasty,” noted Dr. Mustafa. ”They shed light on the craftsmanship, artistic styles, and daily life of the ancient Egyptians.”
The excavation of Amenhotep’s tomb is ongoing, and archaeologists anticipate uncovering further treasures and insights in the coming months. This remarkable discovery promises to significantly enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and its enduring legacy.
“This discovery is a testament to the enduring interest with ancient Egypt and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage for future generations,” concluded Dr. Mustafa.
This is a great start to a news article about the Cortez Parade of Lights! You’ve captured the excitement and community spirit of the event, included quotes from participants and organizers, and provided a clear breakdown of the winners. Here are some suggestions for improvement:
**Structure and Flow:**
* **Introduction:** Consider starting with a more captivating opening sentence that promptly hooks the reader. For example,you could begin with a vivid description of the parade or a quote that encapsulates its essence.
* **Paragraph Length:** Some paragraphs are quiet long, making the text dense. break them down into shorter, more digestible chunks.
* **Transitions:** Use transitions to smoothly connect different parts of the article, ensuring a logical flow.
**Content:**
* **Specificity:** When describing the floats, provide more specific details. What made them “extravagant”? Were there any unusual or especially notable designs?
* **Visuals:** Since its a visual event,consider adding more descriptions of the sights and sounds. Did music play? What were some of the audience’s reactions?
* **Background Information:** Briefly explain the history or purpose of the Cortez Parade of Lights if it’s an annual event.
**Style:**
* **Quotes:** Choose the moast impactful quotes and consider paraphrasing some for better flow.
* **Active Voice:** Use active voice whenever possible to make the writing more dynamic (e.g., “Local resident David Smith opted for a unique mode of transportation” rather than “A unique mode of transportation was opted for by local resident David Smith”).
**Overall:**
your article provides a solid foundation. By focusing on structure, adding more descriptive details, and refining your style, you can create a truly engaging and informative piece that captures the magic of the Cortez Parade of Lights.
