For Immediate release
Contact Pam Sullivan
617-694-4519
news@sullivancreative.com
“Madrid is turning up the lights for the Holidays, every weekend starting December 7th.
On Saturday December 7th at 4PM the Village of Madrid, New Mexico will host its famous Christmas Parade and kick off four weekends of events in celebrating the century old lights of Madrid tradition. The events will include musicians, professional carolers, The Clan Tynker, a family circus and special workshops for children and adults. The events will run every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through December 29th, with businesses staying open until 7PM on Saturdays.
The musical and street performances are being produced by Joe West and Lori Ottino. Musicians and performers include: A 'Real Live Santa,' Joe West & Lori Ottino, Roadhouse Karma, Lucy Barna, Busy McCaroll, Josh Martin, Margaret Burque, The Caiti Lord Carolers, Westin McDowell, Julian Dosset, Clan Tynker Family Circus, Teri Lynn Browning & Chris Ishee, Karina Wilson & Bard Erdington, Dominique Khouri, and a super Jam with Joe West & Lori Ottino.
Events also include three separate ornament making workshops for children (must be accompanied by adults) as well as adult art workshops. The Mine Shaft Tavern will host events – and of course serve its famous food – and the New Refinery 14 will be open for breakfast and lunch. Many shops and galleries will extend their hours until 7PM. Select shops will also have luminarios (small outdoor fires) for visitors to enjoy.
This year's light displays are impressive and have been in the works all year. There will be a special display honoring the once famous ToyLand at the Oscar Huber Memorial Ballpark, and Main Street (The Turquoise Trail) businesses and residents will be going all out in hopes to win in the lighting competition.
The lighting of Madrid has historical roots and began around 1922. When the town and mining company closed in 1956, the celebration ended until the mid-70’s when the artists who had moved into the [then] ghost town revived the tradition along with the parade.
There will be limited hours of trolleys or stagecoach rides to take visitors from the ballpark parking area to various stops in town. There will also be a free app available on the town’s website and Facebook page, which will offer a GPS guided walking tour of the town's businesses: visitmadridnm.com or Facebook “Visit Madrid New Mexico.”
Christmas in Madrid is hosted by the newly formed Madrid Business Alliance (MBA) whose mission is to connect local businesses and the community and contribute to their overall wellbeing and support. The MBA has teamed up with The Northern New Mexico Rio Grande Heritage Area through the NM Economic Development Department Outdoor Recreation Division to create a spectacular monthlong event.
