The 2021 Little Miss Merry Christmas candidates have been announced by the Ambassadors of the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce. This year's field includes eleven 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 public Christmas lights and decorations in Portales. The contest runs until Wednesday Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. The Coronation Ceremony will take place at the Memorial Building, on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. The Christmas Jubilee and Lighted Christmas Parade will be Friday, Dec. 3 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 35th year, the Portales Christmas Jubilee is a holiday family tradition. This year’s activities include the Lighted Parade as well as live 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. Plaques for first place in the categories of business, non-profit and religious will be awarded.
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. You can register for the parade online under the calendar link at portales.com.
LMMC Bios
Kalea Hernandez, 5, is the daughter of Nahivy Hernandez and a kindergartner at Floyd Schools. She likes to sing, dance and smell the flowers. At Christmas she likes decorating the tree, being with family and opening presents. Her sponsor is James Polk Stone Community Bank.
Declynn Park, 5, is the daughter of Ashley and Tyler Watson and Steven and Paige Park and a kindergartner at Brown Elementary. She likes traveling and making things. Her favorite things about Christmas are the decorations and presents. Her sponsor is Creighton’s Town & Country.
Myla Christensen, 10, is the daughter of Joe and Natalee Christensen and a fifth grader at Lindsey-Steiner Elementary. She likes to play basketball, cheer, run and participates in theatre. When it comes to Christmas she likes the décor, being with family and the excitement of giving gifts to others. Her sponsor is Something Different Grill.
Miriam Itzel Calvillo, 5, is the daughter of Joanne Olivas and Raul Calvillo and a kindergartner at Brown Elementary. She loves to color and draw, likes to play outside and have movie nights with the family. At Christmas she likes that her grandma and her family from far away come to visit and we all give presents to each other. She is sponsored by La Gualtemateca.
Miah Garza, 6, is the daughter of Dulce Garza and a kindergartner at Brown Elementary. She likes playing with her cat and spending time with her family. Her favorite thing about Christmas is that it brings her family together and they sing and play games. She is sponsored by Ceramica Garza.
Jaeleigh Brooklyn Kia, 5, is the daughter of Tiffany and Kyle Kia and a home-schooled kindergartner. She likes playing video games and playing at the park. Her favorite things at Christmas are the presents and when mommy makes Christmas cookies and cupcakes. She is sponsored by Wallflowers and Pink Flamingos.
Arianna Ortega, 7, is the daughter of Edgar Ortega and Andrea Salas and a home-schooled second grader. She likes to skate, play with her sister and play on the phone. Her favorite thing about Christmas is giving each other presents and Christmas food. Ace Hardware & Home Center is her sponsor.
Audree Gonzales, 10, is the daughter of Destini Lucero and a fourth grader at Valencia Elementary. She likes art, makeup, hanging out with friends and playing softball. Her favorite things about Christmas are spending time with family, giving to loved ones and baking. Her sponsor is Sylvia’s Hair & Nails.
Aubrie Miller, 6, is the daughter of Jason and Montea Miller and a first grader at Generations Academy. She likes arts and crafts, tie-dying, reading and gymnastics. Her favorite things about Christmas are celebrating Jesus, singing Christmas carols, the food and of course the presents. Her sponsor is Generations Church
Ariyanna Alaniz, 6, is the daughter of Jessica Olivas and a kindergartner at Brown Elementary. She enjoys driving her princess carriage and playing with her mom. Her favorite part of Christmas is being with family and opening presents. She is sponsored by McDonald’s.
Lilliana J. Smith, 10, is the daughter of Colnita James and stepdaughter of Mike Webb and a fifth grader at Lindsey-Steiner Elementary. She likes football, cheer and tag. Her favorite things about Christmas are food, presents and family. Her sponsor is The Courthouse Café.
