Special Event: July 29-31 • Resident Participation Requested
GRANTS, N.M. – It’s happening – Grants Memorial Park’s Christmas in July. An idea has turned into a reality. “Mayor [Erik] Garcia came up with the idea and I think it’s a great one,” said Gloria Chavez, Grants Cemetery Board Chairperson. “Where else will you see a cemetery decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments in July. This may a first,” Chavez added.
Christmas in July at Grants’ Memorial Park will take place the evenings of July 29, 30, and 31.
Along with Chavez, Mayor Garcia is encouraging residents to decorate loved one’s grave with decorations, including small Christmas trees, solar powered lights, and other small ornaments.
“Imagine,” the mayor said, “if the city decorates the entry ways to the cemetery and many residents decorate their loved one’s grave sites, what a sight that will be. We have one of the nicest cemeteries in the state, add the lights and the end result is going to be beautiful.”
Residents are being encouraged to tour the cemetery during this special event, and “Drop a donation while at it,” said Mayor Garcia.
Chairperson Chavez and Mayor Garcia both thanked the Cemetery Supervisor Isidoro Apodaca and Parks and Maintenance Director Jorge Mendez for their cooperation in the event. “Without them, it would be impossible,” said Garcia. “Everyone is doing a little something, including 20 youth from Help NM, a state agency that recently provided the youth with employment at the cemetery. I’m excited and grateful for all the help.”
According to City Manager Donald Jaramillo, the event will include security for the entire weekend and a donation box for those who would like to contribute to the operations of the cemetery. Jaramillo noted the Park will be mowed and trimmed on its regular Wednesday prior to the event, July 27 and will not be watered the entire weekend.
“I’m sure it will catch some attention and I hope it does,” said the mayor.
Decorating of gravesites will take place on Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Loved ones can pick up decorations the following Monday, August 1, no later than Tuesday, August 2. The cemetery will be cleaned and mowed on Wednesday August 3. Decorations remaining will be disposed. For more information about Grants Memorial Park’s Christmas in July event, call 505-287-7927.