The 2018 Little Miss Merry Christmas candidates have been announced by the Ambassadors of the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s field includes four girls from ages 5- 10 vying for the title.

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 town and on the Courthouse. The contest runs until Wednesday Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. An official pre-parade Coronation Ceremony will take place at the historic Yam Theatre, 219 S. Main Street, on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. The Christmas Jubilee and Lighted Christmas Parade will be Friday, Dec. 7 with downtown activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Portales Rec Center at 18th and Ave. I. The parade then travels to Avenue D then to Second Street and around the courthouse before disbanding at C&S, Inc. on First Street.

The contestant that raises the most money through donations collected by her sponsor and through additional fundraising efforts will be crowned Little Miss Merry Christmas with all runners-up receiving the title of Princess.

Celebrating its 32nd year, the Portales Christmas Jubilee is a holiday family tradition. This year’s activities include the Christmas Jubilee Lighted Parade as well as music and other activities on the square. Santa Claus will ride in the parade. 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 100 S. Ave. A, or call 356-8541 and the forms can be emailed or faxed. They can also be downloaded from the community calendar at portales.com.

Contestant Bios

Mya Garcia is the 6-year-old daughter of Veronica Hernandez and Jason Garcia. Mya attends kindergarten at Brown Early Childhood Center. She has a sister Adeli and a brother Viscaino. Her hobbies are singing, dancing and drawing unicorns and horses. Mya likes celebrating the birth of Jesus with her family. She is sponsored by A&A Plumbing.

Adelyn Gossett is the 5-year-old daughter of Chase and Rebbecca Gossett. She attends kindergarten at Floyd Schools. She has an older brother, Elliott and a younger sister named Gracie. She has three cats named Emmerson, Butters and Diego and a couple of dogs named Wilson and Tinnie. She loves dancing, gymnastics and singing. Adelyn says the things she likes about Christmas are Santa, Jesus’ birthday, gifts and snow. She is sponsored by Yucca Telecom.

Olivia Marisol Lozano is the 7-year-old daughter of Lizeth Chavez. Olivia is in second grade at R.M. James Elementary School. She has an older sister named Mireya and an older brother, Francisco. When she’s not playing basketball, soccer or participating in cheer she likes playing with her dogs Max and Astroid. Her favorite things about Christmas are cooking with her mom, playing with her cousins and opening Christmas presents. She is sponsored by Ace Hardware & Home Center.

Naomi Schaefer is the 7-year-old daughter of Brianna Blair. She is the oldest of her siblings Elijah and Charlette. Naomi attends first grade at R.M. James Elementary School. She has a dog named Sandy and a cat named Zoey. Her hobbies include ballet, bike riding and spending time with the family. Her favorite things about Christmas are that Santa brings presents and it is Jesus’ birthday. Naomi is sponsored by La Casa Family Health Center.