DEL NORTE- The town is in the middle of preparations for the coming holiday season and has said goodbye to fall with the end of the third annual Scarecrow Bash. There were an overwhelming number of contestants this year and the community stepped up to vote for their favorite displays.
Residential winners included displays located on Spruce, French and 6th Street in town and business winners included the Rio Grande Clerk’s Office, SLV Behavioral Health and a tie between The Columbine and the Del Norte Hospital. Congratulations to those who won and a huge thank you to those who participated!
Next for the town will be the annual Parade of Lights that will take place Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The theme this year is a Sci-Fi Christmas which opens the door for a fun and interactive event. The possibilities are endless and will no doubt end in a quirky, and out of this world experience for all who attend. Businesses will stay open late and have warm drinks and snacks for crowds of people.
The town will also be shooting off fireworks above D Mountain immediately after the parade and the High Valley Community Center will be hosting the big man himself, Santa Claus, for children who want to make sure and get their Christmas wishes heard. Those who wish to enter a float in the parade can register at www.delnortechamber.org or call 719-656-9081.
Gateway Church, in partnership with the San Luis Valley Ministerial Alliance, will also be hosting their annual toy and food drive. The event is in its fourth year and includes donations that have been collected throughout the year by Del Norte Catholic Church, New Life Church, Pioneer Church, Conerstone Church, Gateway Church and Holy Name of Mary Church. More details about dates and times will be available soon.
Those who wish to donate can drop off unwrapped toys and canned food to any of the above churches Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Donations will also be accepted Wednesdays from 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the Gateway Church and Sundays during service. Each church will have two large boxes located near the entrance for donations. Toys should be unwrapped and can be for either a boy or a girl.
It is sure to be a fun and exciting holiday season in Del Norte. So many wonderful things are happening within the community as it embraces change and moves toward a very bright and successful future!