A Festive Season Unfolds
by Sherry Goodyear
SPRINGER — The Town of Springer lit up its Community Christmas tree on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. as part of a busy month of holiday activities to come. The tree lighting happened the day after the Catholic Church Bazaar on Dec. 2.
Though the evening of the tree lighting was brisk, it was pleasantly devoid of the high winds that had howled most of the day. Many people turned out for the tree-lighting event.
The Town of Springer provided hot chocolate and cookies to all the attendees. The cookies were donated by Judy Phelps, Bernice Lucero, Ernie and Johnny Martinez, Kim Romero and Johnny Chavez, and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Prather. Along with the main Xmas tree, the town also lit up ten memorial trees donated by various families in town erected in memory of lost loved ones.
The Christmas tree lighting kicks off a series of events happening between now and Christmas in Springer. These events include the Springer Chamber of Commerce and Town of Springer’s co-sponsored Christmas home and business lighting contests that anyone who decorates their home or business may enter by picking up an entry form at City Hall. Filled out forms need to be returned to City Hall by Dec. 15 before 5 p.m.
Judging for the lighting contest will happen between 6 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, so those who enter need to be sure and turn on their lights during that time.
Then on Dec. 17, the town will be having a light parade. Anyone wishing to decorate their vehicle (car, truck, flatbed etc.) should line up by the Colfax Long-Term Care facility at 5:30 p.m. with the parade through town scheduled to begin at 6:00 P.M. The parade will end at the Santa Fe Trail Museum Park where the winners of both the light parade and the lighting contests will be announced, and prizes will be awarded ($100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third place in all three contests).
Additionally, the Springer Fire Department will be hosting the 3rd Annual, “Share the Warmth” Drive as they collect unwrapped hats, gloves, scarves, and socks through Dec. 16. Any winter clothing donations can be dropped off at City Hall or the Springer Fire department between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or by contacting any Springer firefighter. Donations go to local Springer children. Anyone with questions can contact Craig Eppler at 575-707-0265 or springerfire@gmail.com.
On top of all of that, Lancer Group is conducting a “Toys for Tots” drive. The drive is for children ages 0-18 years of age and donations may include household items, slippers, board games, and family-oriented gifts. These unwrapped items can be dropped off at Lancer Group at 802 3rd St. in Springer until Dec. 21. Any questions can be directed at Jessica Tafoya either at 575-383-0382 or@jtafoya@lancerhealthgroup.com.
It is the season for sharing and caring, and the Town of Springer is definitely full of holiday spirit as folks work toward making the season bright.
Photos by Sherry Goodyear
