Signature events are highlights of Christmasfest

RANGELY I Though the event went off well as a whole, there were definite highlights at this year’s Christmasfest, according to organizer and WRBM aquatics/recreation director Camilla Kennedy.
“I think it went pretty well,” Kennedy said. “The Parade (of Lights) was beautiful this year. We had tons of kids in the Snowflake Baby contest. And breakfast with Santa, I think, was packed.”
The parade included a Meeker Sand and Gravel cement truck decked out in LED lights, a Rangely school bus covered in web lighting, and a spectacular Grinch float by Alliance Energy Service Company (AESC).
Alliance head shop foreman Josh Anderson said that the crew began creating the float last Monday. “That’s pretty much what we did last week,” Anderson said. “I think it turned out real well.”
A record number of entries registered for the parade this year, Kennedy said. The same was true for the Snowflake Baby contest, which featured a little girl in handmade snowflake wings and sisters transformed into Santa Claus and a snowman (correction: snowgirl). Other highlights included a full complimentary breakfast and pictures with Santa sponsored by Blue Mountain Inn.
Children visited with Mr. Claus, received gifts, and had stories read by Mrs. Claus while enjoying pancakes, eggs and bacon.
“It was exciting,” Caleb Wiley, 5, said. “Santa gave us a book. I liked Mrs. Claus a lot. She read to us and her dress was great. It was red and white. And long.”
Friday night’s main events fared nearly as well, with between 50 and 60 children having pictures taken with the Grinch at Colorado CPA Services.
Bible Baptist Church took care of caroling while wagon “sleigh” rides from Main Street Coffee were in demand throughout the evening.
“I think I counted six kids who got to the door, saw the Grinch, and decided they were done,” Colorado CPA Services owner and Christmasfest sponsor Matt Scoggins said. “But most kids really enjoyed it. My goal…was to give people a reason to come downtown, and once they came downtown, hopefully they went shopping.”
While some businesses saw customers during extended evening hours, others saw few shoppers stop in. Saturday shopping at vendor booths and the Senior King and Queen crowning at CNCC also turned out low numbers.
“I’d like to see more participation at some events next year,” Kennedy said. “We’re always going to be competing with businesses having their holiday parties on the same weekend. But we’ll keep trying things to see what works.” Christmasfest culminated Saturday night with WRBM’s ballet recital and a benefit chili dinner for Boden Petersburg, the 3-year-old son of former Rangely residents Ty and Stephanie Petersburg, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Approximately $800 was raised at the event.
Those who took home Christmasfest honors include:
∗ Whoville Scavenger Hunt Winners: Billie Williams, Linda Farney, Sharon Stewart, Hillary Stout, and Peggy Shue
∗ Snowflake Baby Winners (Girls): 0-18 months: Cassidy Sanford 18 months-3 years: Rachel Elder 3 years and older: Aveahna Klein
∗ Snowflake Baby Winners (Boys): 18 months-3 years: Kolton Wilczek 3 years and older: Angelo Friedrich
∗ Gingerbread contest: 1st Place: Rachel Elder 2nd Place: Aspen Steele 3rd Place: Alivia Green
∗ Parade of Lights contest:
Large business category:
∗ 1st Place: Alliance Energy Service Company
∗ 2nd Place: Meeker Sand and Gravel
∗ 3rd Place: Target Trucking
Small business/government category:
∗ 1st Place: Blue Mountain Inn & Suites
∗ 2nd Place: RE-4 School District
∗ 3rd Place: Rangely Rural Fire Protection District
Individual/group category:
∗ 1st Place: Future Farmers of America
∗ 2nd Place: 4-H
∗ 3rd Place: Elks Club
∗ Most creative: Jonathan Pennell and the Filfred family
Light Up Rangely contest:
Business category:
∗ 1st Place: Silver Sage RV Park
∗ 2nd Place: True Value
∗ 3rd Place: Awesome Blossom
Residential category:
∗ 1st place: Mike and Alicia Cushman
∗ 2nd place: Jerry and Lindsay Blankenship
∗ 3rd place: Andy and Elaine Shaffer
Senior King and Queen: Norm Hall, Sr. and Patty Shue