Last call for Little Miss sign ups

Wednesday is the last day for hopeful participants to enter the annual little miss merry christmas contest.

Participants must be Roosevelt County residents from 5 to 10 years old to enter the contest, which Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Director Karl Terry described as a “fun way to learn about giving back to the community.”

Terry said the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors sponsor the contest as a fundraiser for the white Christmas lights that are on display throughout Portales and on the Roosevelt County Courthouse during the holiday season.

According to Terry, the contestant who raises the most money will be crowned the winner at the pageant that will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Yam Theater, and all of the contestants will ride in the 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee Light Parade on Dec. 4.

There’s a variety of different ways to raise the funds, Terry said, including donations collected through a sponsor and additional efforts, such as raffling.

Terry said between eight to 15 girls typically register, and while there is no registration limit or entry fee, contestants are required to have their sponsor and entry form filled out by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

An entry form can be obtained by contacting the chamber at 575-356-8541 or by visiting portales.com.

Contestants and their parents are also required to attend a meeting at the chamber at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday where contest rules will be discussed and contestant pictures will be taken.

Participants should get a chance to meet Miss Portales 2015 Jessica Baird, who Terry said is expected to attend the meeting and the little miss merry christmas pageant.