GRANTS, N.M. – Grants marked America’s 250th Independence Day with a large community celebration, from a crowded parade route along Route 66 to a busy Grants Riverwalk Park, rodeo action and a fireworks show that lit up the night sky.
The 86th Annual Fourth of July Parade brought 104 registered floats to downtown Grants, according to Grants MainStreet Project Inc. The parade was part of the city’s America 250 celebration and drew families, vendors and visitors to the heart of the community.
“This year’s parade was exciting and memorable,” said Chase Taylor, executive director of Grants MainStreet Project, Inc. “Our People’s Choice was also a huge success with 2,339 votes.”
The People’s Choice contest gave paradegoers a chance to vote for their favorite float.
Early College High School won first place with 381 votes and received $300.
Nicole Chavez took second place with 377 votes and received $200.
2CB Technical Services placed third with 358 votes and received $100.
Taylor thanked the Knights of Columbus Council #3683, the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, the Grants Rodeo Association and others who helped make the weekend possible.
“The Grants MainStreet Project wants to thank the local Knights of Columbus Council, the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, Grants Rodeo Association and everyone else who continue to make our community strong,” Taylor said.
At Grants Riverwalk Park, the celebration continued with vendors, food trucks and families filling the park through the day. Food trucks stayed busy as residents gathered for the holiday. The day was warm but clear, with National Weather Service observations showing temperatures in the mid-80s during the late afternoon and clear skies by the evening.
The City of Grants capped off the Fourth of July celebration with a fireworks show that could be seen across the area and heard for miles.
The holiday weekend also included the Grants Wild West Days Rodeo, which brought strong turnout and several days of competition. Whitley Buckers and the Grants Rodeo Association thanked the community for supporting local rodeo.
New Mexico State Police Sergeant Edward Archie won the Battle of the Badges bull riding event, according to NMSP. Archie competed against officers from the Milan Police Department, Grants Police Department, Cibola County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico Corrections Department.
NMSP said Archie rode his bull for the full eight seconds to win the championship buckle and traveling trophy. The agency said it was Archie’s first time ever riding a bull. He trained with retired New Mexico State Police officer Peterson Long before the event.
Rodeo winners included Waycee Trujillo in breakaway, Kamin Hallow Horn in junior bulls, Chico Chavez in mutton busting, Daren Baldwin in ranch bronc, Daylen Descheery in steer riding and Treydan Gonzales in tie down. Beaudry Morgan and Tayshawn Yazzie tied for first in novice bulls.
In team roping, Cody Mirabal and Treydan Gonzales won first place. Tyler Vargas and Aubrey Trujillo won ribbon roping. Harper Runyan and Hudson Runyan were named saddle winners in the 6-and-under girls and boys divisions.
From the parade to the park to the rodeo arena, the weekend gave Cibola County a chance to celebrate Independence Day and America with the kind of local pride that is only found in small town USA.