Little Miss Merry Christmas candidates announced

STAFF REPORT

The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors announced the 2015 little miss merry christmas candidates this week.

Nine girls from 5 to 10 years old are vying for the title, according to a chamber press release.

As a part of Portales’ holiday tradition, the little miss merry christmas contest raises funds for the white Christmas lights that are on display throughout downtown and around the courthouse each year.

The fundraising will take place through 5 p.m. Dec. 2 with an official pre-parade coronation ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Yam Theatre on downtown Main Street. The 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee and lighted Christmas parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, beginning at the Portales Recreation Center and ending downtown.

“This year’s Christmas activities include the Christmas Jubilee Lighted Parade with the presentation of the 2015 little miss merry christmas royal court as well as music and other activities on the square,” the press release said. “Santa Claus will ride in the parade then be on the square immediately following the parade to talk to children about their Christmas list.”

There is no entry fee for the parade, but registration is required.

Entry forms and detailed information for the Lighted Christmas Parade can be picked up at the chamber of commerce on South Avenue A, or by calling 575-356-8541. Forms can be downloaded from the community calendar at portales.com.

The little miss merry christmas contestant who raises the most money will be crowned little miss merry christmas with all runners-up receiving the title of princess.

The following are the biographies of the contestants:

• Destiny Gutierrez, 7, is the daughter of Raymond and Veronica Gutierrez. She is in the first grade at James Elementary and has one young sister, Angelica.

Destiny's hobbies include playing sports, drawing, cheer and playing with her sister. What she loves most about Christmas is the presents, snowball fights, snow angels, lights and spending time with family. She is sponsored by Russell’s Super Save.

• Cydney LeMier, 6, is the daughter of Joe and Heather LeMier. She is in the first grade at James Elementary and has three sisters, Madison, Shelby and Aubrey.

Cydney's hobby is reading and what she loves most about Christmas is the presents, the lights and her family. She is sponsored by Yucca Telecom.

• A’Jayla Carrasco, 5, is the daughter of Esabel Carrasco and Jacob Zapata. She is in the second grade at James Elementary and has two siblings, Jaziah and Julius. Her hobbies include dancing and singing. What A’Jayla likes most about Christmas is making Christmas cookies with her aunt and spending time with family. She is sponsored by Hydration Station.

• Daphnie Gearhart, 5, is the daughter of Ronald and Shaleen Gearhart. Daphnie is in kindergarten at Brown Elementary and has one younger brother, Austin. Her hobbies include coloring, cheerleading, dance and social community events. What Daphnie loves most about Christmas is the snow and snowmen. She is sponsored by It Works.

• Nelly Valenzuela, 9, is the daughter of Milbia and Aldo Valenzuela. Nelly is in fourth grade at Valencia Elementary and has two siblings, Yandel and Erik. Her hobbies include watching TV and doing homework. What Nelly loves about Christmas is the presents and family. She is sponsored by Los Pilares.

• Aailyah Garza, 5, is the daughter of Benjamin and Briana Garza. Aailyah is in preschool at Head Start and has one sister, Seleenah. Her hobbies include playing with toys, picking flowers and making pizza with her grandma. What Aailyah loves about Christmas is opening presents, snowmen and snowballs. She is sponsored by Express Handyman.

• Savana Heflin, 9, is the daughter of Chad and Kim Heflin. Savana is in fourth grade at Valencia Elementary and has three siblings, Donoran, Dakota and Trayon. Savana's hobbies include collecting shopkins, drawing and shopping. What she loves most about Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birthday and presents. She is sponsored J.P. Stone Community Bank.

• Nevaeh Arias, 5, is the daughter of Corina Urioste and Isaac Arias. Nevaeh is in kindergarten at Brown Early Childhood Center and has two siblings, Isaac and Ariana. Her hobbies include drawing, playing with her brother and sister and riding her bike. What Nevaeh likes most about Christmas is giving everyone presents and being with her family. She is sponsored by El Rancho Restaurant.

• Zillah Pena, 7, is the daughter of Amberlie Puebla and Michael Pena. Zillah is in first grade at James Elementary and has three siblings, Danika, Mickey and Malachi. Her hobbies include bowling, cheerleading, playing with Play-Doh, cooking and baking. What she likes most about Christmas is opening presents, decorating the tree and playing in the snow with family. She is sponsored by Do Drop In.

— Compiled by Sophia Romero