Plans Underway for Fourth of July Festivities

GRANTS - Plans are underway for the upcoming Fourth of July Wild West Days in downtown Grants. Last week, the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce board of directors chose this year’s grand marshal and theme for year’s 2024, 2025, and 2026.

“I’m honored and quite honestly I’m surprised,” Vivian Brumbelow said when she learned that she was chosen to be grand marshal for this year’s Wild West Days (Fourth of July) Parade in Grants. The Chamber of Commerce board unanimously supported Brumbelow for the honor.

Brumbelow is a former Village of Milan Trustee of 30-plus years. She also was also front office secretary at Milan Elementary for nearly 30 years.

Brumbelow and her husband of 63 years, Wayne, moved to New Mexico from Arkansas in 1960. Like many others at the time, it was uranium mining that attracted the young family to Milan. The couple ultimately added two boys to their young family, Doug and Virgil.

In 1987, Brumbelow was appointed to Milan’s Planning & Zoning Board by then Mayor Lizz Rael. In 1991, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Rael.

Brumbelow served under mayors Lizz Rael, Tom Ortega, George Knotts, and Felix Gonzales, the Village’s current mayor.

“There were many times it was difficult in making a decision,” she explained. “However, I always chose to do what I felt was best for the Village of Milan. It’s always been about the Village… vote the right way to better the community.”

Through the years, Brumbelow gained much respect from her peers and constituents.

Last year, Brumbelow chose not to run for public office again. Now fully retired, she said she is simply enjoying life with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Theme: Enchanted Route 66

The theme chosen for this year’s 2024 parade is “Enchanted Route 66”. In addition, and with the Route 66 Centennial (100 Year Anniversary) in 2026 in mind, the Chamber board also chose parade themes for Years 2025 and 2026, “Rodeo on 66” and “The Mother Road” respectively.

“The goal was to keep Route 66 in mind leading up to the centennial celebration,” said Matt Munson, president of the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce. “In 2026 we will join the nation in celebrating Route 66 100th Anniversary and America’s 250th Anniversary. Because the Mother Road is such a great asset to the area, the celebration begins this year in Cibola County,” Munson added.

Seeking Vendors & Attractions

The Chamber of Commerce is now seeking vendors, attractions, and entertainment for the Fourth of July Wild West Days. If interested or for more information, call Donald Jaramillo at the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce at (505) 287-4802. Or stop at 100 Iron Avenue in Grants.