This past week, the City of Grants celebrated Christmas in July at Grants Memorial Park. Family members and friends of those buried at the park were invited by the city to go and decorate in the spirit of memory and community, with a December holiday theme.
Mayor Erik Garcia shared his thoughts on the event: “In 2022, New Mexico Help approached me with an offer that I couldn’t refuse: they wanted to provide local kids with pay to help with various community projects.
“They had seen my efforts to clean up the town on my own and thought I could use some extra hands. Excited about the opportunity, I accepted their offer. Initially, I envisioned a complete town cleanup, but soon I realized that we could make a more significant impact by focusing on the Grants Cemetery.
“The cemetery is a place that holds the stories and memories of our loved ones. With a team of 20 kids, we set out to transform it.
“We cut weeds, cleared elm trees, cleaned the roads, painted, and most importantly, raised sunken headstones. This project turned into a learning experience for all of us. It taught the kids the value of taking their time to do a good job and the importance of treating the graves with the utmost care, as they represented someone’s best friend or loved one.
“I often reminded them to approach life with the same dedication, pointing out that we only get one life to live—there are no do-overs like in the movies. As the weeks passed, I saw a remarkable change. The kids showed up consistently and worked hard, even when faced with the challenge of moving heavy headstones. Their determination and teamwork were inspiring, and I couldn’t have been prouder of my mini city of Grants crew. To celebrate their hard work and attract visitors to see the incredible transformation, we brainstormed ideas.
“One young individual suggested, ‘What about Christmas in July?’ At first, I laughed, but the more we discussed it, the more it made sense. I remembered my childhood in Grants Milan, where a house lit up with festive lights was a community favorite. So, Christmas in July at Grants Memorial Park was born. We realized that December’s cold weather often deterred people from visiting.
“Hosting the event in July allowed everyone to enjoy the beautiful, warm weather while sitting on the lush grass and reminiscing about good times. Despite some initial skepticism, the event turned out to be a success, bringing joy to many. I am committed to continuing Christmas in July as long as I am mayor, hoping it will grow and become a beloved tradition in the years to come.
“This project has shown that with a little help and a lot of heart, we can achieve great things. ‘Cleanest, Safest City in New Mexico.’”
Erik Garcia
City of Grants Mayor Erik Garcia.