The Town of Edgewood is throwing an all-day Christmas party full of twinkling lights, caroling and maybe even a visit from Santa at Venus Park. The town extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to join in the Dec. 7 festivities, and the merriment starts with a brisk morning run to get the holiday spirit flowing.
“I’m hoping everyone gets involved and we all sing together,” Edgewood Parks and Recreation Manager Jimmy Martinez said. “I’m going to have the hot chocolate and cookies out there for people to enjoy and just hang out.”
Reindeer Run
It might be a bit chilly, but those who crave a healthy start to the day will have about three miles of cardio to warm up. Edgewood’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Teen Advisory Council are putting on this year’s Reindeer Run, a free 5K event open to fitness buffs of any age or skill level to walk or run through Venus Park and the surrounding open area to the west and north. Official bibs and times will be provided to runners and prizes will be awarded for different age groups. Participants can begin picking up their packets between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. before the 9 a.m. start time. The awards ceremony will be held at the Venus Park pavilion at 10 a.m. which should give participants plenty of time to grab some accolades (and hopefully, rest) before the evening parade starts.
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
As the sun disappears, cars, trucks and horses decked out in lights and decorations will illuminate the night and lead the way to the annual Edgewood tree lighting at Venus Park. Starting at 5 p.m., the parade will make its way down State Road. 344 from W Venus Road to Dinkle Road and conclude with a 5:30 p.m. ceremony where they will flip the lights on the town’s 16-foot metal Christmas tree. Martinez said his vision was to put on something like the Twinkle Light Parade event in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood and save Edgewood Residents a drive into the city. Martinez said he’d like to see tractors, ATVs or other vehicles that represent Edgewood’s rural vibe sign up to participate.
“The community has embraced me, and so I’m trying to just do things not just for the kids, but the whole community itself,” Martinez said. “And it’s not just Edgewood, I want to provide a family atmosphere for everyone.”
Individuals and businesses who would like to enter their vehicle in the parade or show off their baking skills by donating cookies can contact Parks and Recreation Manager Martinez at 505-546-3150.
More info about Edgewood’s Christmas Parade and tree lighting is available on Facebook.
