Holiday Festivities Abound In Socorro

By John Larson

SOCORRO – The City of Socorro is kicking off the holiday season this Saturday with three events geared toward the family – a posole cook-off, a tortilla making contest, and the popular Candy Cane Electric Light Parade.
For those who will be at Warrior Stadium to see Socorro play Raton in the state semifinals will still have time to take part in the day’s activities in town.
The annual Posole Cook-Off runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tourism Director Deborah Dean said the posole will be cooked on site in the tent on the Socorro Plaza. There are two categories: Traditional (with pork) and non-traditional (with green chile, chicken or other ingredients). There will be cash prizes of $200, $100, and $50.
“The public will be able to purchase five tickets for five samples for $5 following the parade to sample the posole,” Dean said. “They will also receive one special ticket to deposit in a jar at each table for the parade’s People’s Choice Award. “
The City is also sponsoring a new tortilla making contest to be held in conjunction with the Posole Cook-off, Dean said.
“The contest will begin at 1 p.m. in the tent on the Socorro Plaza, and awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners.
“This is expected to be a fun event with contestants working in teams of two or three people and will be judged in the three categories,” she said.
The categories are quickest Time; quality of tortillas (all the same size, same thickness, and consistently round) and taste. There is a $5 entry fee per team.
The big finale to the day is the Christmas Candy Cane Electric Light Parade.
“Locals come out in all their colors and lights to the most exciting parade of the year,” Dean said.
This year's theme is “Tinsel Town.”
Parade entrants will begin assembling at 5 p.m. at Sedillo Park. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Francisco de Avondo and will end at the Plaza.
Dean encouraged everyone to sample the posole at the Plaza Social following the parade.
“This gives people a chance to visit with Santa Claus, and then get to go in and enjoy posole and vote for the parade Peoples Choice Award,” she said.
Other parade awards include Best Presentation Of The Theme "Tinsel Town”; and Best Illuminated (Best Use Of Lights).
In conjunction with the City’s events, the Capitol Bar is holding its Fourth Annual Toy Run. Businesses are donating gift certificates that will be given away.
Bikers from Socorro and the surrounding area will leave the Cap at 1 p.m. and ride to the Golden Spur in Magdalena, returning to Socorro at 4 p.m., where they will be available to have children get a picture taken with Santa – possibly on a Harley.
A mariachi band will also be performing inside beginning at 5 p.m. Admission to the Capitol Bar during the event is $5, or a toy.
The bikers will then take part in the parade. Last year 22 bikers participated in this event that collects toys for the various organizations in town.
Next Friday will be the annual Luminarias on the Plaza, the Art Crawl, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

Holiday Festivities Abound In Socorro