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The Christmas de Los Caballos Parade trotted into Corrales Nov. 24, kicking off the holiday season with a festive cavalcade. Equestrians and their horses, adorned with jingle bells and Santa hats, gathered at Wagner’s Farm to begin the annual parade.
Organized by the Corrales Equestrian Advisory Commission, Corrales Horse and Mule People (CHAMP) and the Corrales Fire Department, the parade launched the CFD’s annual holiday drives.
“It was a great parade,†said Corrales Deputy Fire Chief Tanya Lattin. “Great weather, great parade. I really appreciate CEAC and champ and all the volunteers who came out and the people who donated. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season.â€
The parade was put on in conjunction with Corrales Fire Department’s annual Giving Tree and food drive paving the way for the annual tree lighting and Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.
Several Village Councilors, including Rick Miera, served as judges for the parade participants.
“The Parade is a testament to our saying that we are indeed the horse capital, and we, the Corralenos, support the owners and the longstanding culture of the village,†Councilor Miera said.
According to Lattin, Raquel Sam earned “Most Festive” with a handmade outfit, while Lily Luman won “Most Creative” for her Christmas cart and decorated donkey. The Buckles and Belles Drill Team was named “Most Elegant,” and Jenifer Verhoog and Kim Bobschmidt, dressed as Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch, took home the “Most Funny” award.
The Corrales Fire Department’s Giving Tree drop-off is located at the Village Administration Complex, 4324 Corrales Rd. Residents can participate by picking up a tag and donating money, food, toys or clothing for families in need. Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lattin said the gifts benefit families with current or former students of Corrales Elementary School, with her list of recipients spanning nearly two decades.
“When [the children] leave Corrales Elementary School, if their families are still in need, they don’t just fall off the list because they’re not at the school anymore,†Lattin said.
She said the plan is to distribute all donated gifts by Dec. 21-22. Additionally, a local woman has already donated 40 coats to the cause.
“Unless you’re a teenage girl, clothes aren’t what you want for Christmas,†Lattin said. “But it may be what you need.â€
Residents unable to reach the administration building during business hours can contact Lattin at 505-898-7501 or email her at TLattin@corrales-nm.org, and she will provide them with a tag. She added that some donors contribute money, which helps purchase food, groceries and gifts for those in need, as well as fulfill any unclaimed tags.
Corrales MainStreet’s annual tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30, at the Village Administration Complex.
Small Business Saturday is set for Dec. 7, as is the Starlight Parade, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. and follows the same route as the Christmas de Los Caballos Parade. Afterward, St. Nicholas and Mrs. Claus will greet children with cookies, hot apple cider and treat bags.
Corrales MainStreet encourages residents to help by baking three dozen cookies and delivering them to the Village Administration Complex by 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. For more details, email Jane Cody at jbartoncody@yahoo.com.
According to Lattin, the fire department will be in charge of the bonfire afterward, weather permitting.
The 36th annual Winter Craft Show at the Old San Ysidro Church, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-8, offers even more gift-buying opportunities, featuring creations by 40 talented New Mexican artists.