GRANTS – The excitement is mounting as the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce prepares for this year’s Fourth of July Wild West Days. Key decisions have been made, with the selection of the grand marshal and themes for upcoming parades, setting the stage for a memorable celebration.
Vivian Brumbelow has been chosen as the grand marshal for this year’s Wild West Days Parade. The Chamber of Commerce board of directors unanimously supported her nomination, honoring her extensive service to the community.
and nearly three decades as the front office secretary at Milan Elementary, Brumbelow’s dedication to the community is well-known. She and her husband, Wayne, moved to New Mexico from Arkansas in 1960, drawn by the uranium mining boom. They raised their two sons, Doug and Virgil, in Milan.
Brumbelow’s involvement in local governance began in 1987 when she was appointed to Milan’s Planning & Zoning Board by then-Mayor Lizz Rael. In 1991, she joined the Board of Trustees, serving under several mayors, including Lizz Rael, Tom Ortega, George Knotts, and current Mayor Felix Gonzales. Reflecting on her tenure, Brumbelow said, “There were many times it was difficult to make a decision. 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.”
Now retired from public office, Brumbelow enjoys spending time with her family, earning respect and admiration from her peers and constituents throughout her years of service.
Parade Theme: Enchanted Route 66 The Chamber of Commerce has chosen “Enchanted Route 66” as this year’s parade theme. Looking ahead to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, the board also selected themes for the next two years: “Rodeo on 66” for 2025 and “The Mother Road” for 2026.
“The goal was to keep Route 66 in mind leading up to the centennial celebration,” explained Matt Munson, president of the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce. “In 2026, we will join the nation in celebrating Route 66’s 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.”
The parade will kick off a day of community fun, culminating in fireworks display hosted by the City of Grants. For more information call (505) 287-4802 or visit the office at 100 Iron Avenue in Grants.