Thousands turn out for Olde Fashioned Christmas, tree lighting

Tara Melton
Alamogordo Daily News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noelani Nagamini, 5, talks to Santa about her Christmas list during Olde Fashioned Christmas on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALAMOGORDO – An estimated 2,000 residents visited Historic Downtown Alamogordo on Saturday during Olde Fashioned Christmas.

"Olde Fashioned Christmas turned out wonderful," said Audrey Bunker, DMA board member. "We've had a good, steady crowd down here and we're so grateful to the community that they showed up. I think everybody's having a good time and I know the merchants are grateful." 

Olde Fashioned Christmas included the Little Miss and Mr. Christmas Pageant, Santa's Village, horse-drawn trolley rides, a live nativity scene, mini goats, carollers, food vendors, live entertainment and a puppet show. Downtown merchants' shops were packed with visitors Christmas shopping. 

Baylee Craine won her age category as well as Overall Christmas Spirit during the Little Miss & Mr. Christmas Pageant.

"The weather turned out great for us so we're just really grateful," Bunker said. "We appreciate our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who came out. Remember to shop downtown, Historic Downtown Alamogordo is alive and well."

Across the street, residents packed the Airborne Memorial to see the city of Alamogordo's annual tree lighting ceremony. After a delay, Mayor Richard Boss said a few words and lit the tree. The tree will stay lit until after Christmas Day. 

Residents enjoy the lit tree outside of the Alameda Park Zoo during the city's annual tree lighting ceremony.

"I think the Christmas season is probably our most sacred season and probably the most important one we celebrate," Boss said. "It's a time we give thanks for what we have. Personally, I'm a Christian so I give thanks to God. It's also a time to spend with friends and family. I plan to enjoy my children and grandchildren as well as my friends and family. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." 

Commissioner Nadia Sikes was also at the tree lighting ceremony. Sikes and Boss were judges in the singing competition during the city's first annual Christmas Zoobilee.

"I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays," Sikes said. "As the mayor said, spend some time with your friends and family and just enjoy the season."