The Cleveland High School Storm Regiment was led by Jack Skellington while performing the Storm Fight Song in the Christmas Parade (Michaela Helean)

 

Santa and Mrs. Clause (Courtesy of Mayor Gregg Hull)

Rio Rancho’s Winterfest happened on a cold night, but it was a magical night nonetheless.

The Grinch(Michaela Helean)

“Thank you to everyone who came out. Special thanks to all the parade floats,” Mayor Gregg Hull said.

He and his wife, Carrie, were around and enjoying the evening of fun.

The tree was large and gated this year because, according to the staff, kids were crawling underneath it last year.

The Christmas tree was decorated in green, red and gold ornaments.(Michaela Helean)

In the Skyroom area, the Grinch was threatening to steal Christmas once again.

Meanwhile, several people walked around with cotton candy that was so tall that it looked like a whole person.

Children also waited in line eagerly to talk to Santa and Mrs. Clause about their demands.

Several kids shouted, “Look, there’s Santa!”

The Skyroom at Campus Park was decorated for the celebration. (Michaela Helean)

The adults hung back in the beer garden while their kids gazed at the luminescent stage.

Those who didn’t drink were indulging in the brisket sandwiches that Mighty Mike’s Meats sold.

Then it was time for the parade, and everyone rushed over to the road to watch.

The “Nightmare Before Christmas” movie’s Jack Skellington made a few appearances in the parade and was accompanied by fellow characters Sally and the dreaded Boogie Man.

Speaking of the parade, the Christmas lights lit up the already glowing evening from the slow movement of cars, bands and a firetruck.

Cleveland and Rio Ranch high schools sent their marching bands to the parade, and the crowd was divided between cheers for them.

Shouts of “Merry Christmas!” could be heard from the parade participants and the audience.

At the end of the night, the tree was lit and the crowd cheered.

Now Rio Rancho awaits Christmas Day, which is in 20 days.

 

Float with lit Christmas trees. (Michaela Helean)