Downtown Lamar Hosts Moonlight Madness

Click on a picture to start slide show mode: Photos by Russ Baldwin and Vincent Gearhart

The Lamar Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness this year provided just the right touch of autumn chill in the air. Costumed kids and their parents lined up at the rear entrance of Wild West Athletics on North Main Street, waiting for the doors to open to begin the annual Goblin Wobble Treat Street.

Youngsters, 12 and under, were provided with free treats from the Tri State Exchange, along with participating businesses and Wild West Athletics. As kids were exiting at the front of the door, they got a glimpse of the new big dog in town himself, McGruff, The Crime Dog. Newly assigned to the Lamar Police Department, McGruff and local officers handed out some more candy and various safety pamphlets. More than candy was being handed out, as Tana Pearson of the LPD read off the names of the winners of the Halloween Pumpkin Coloring Contest. Three youngsters in different age groups won a bike for their coloring skills.

The three bikes were donated by Walmart for 1st Place Winners. The Lamar movie theater gave two tickets for each group (6 total) for 2nd place winners . Third place was a water bottle full of candy donated by Lamar Police Department. McDonald’s provided a Happy Meal for each student that turned in their color page.

K-1st Grade winner was Diago Madrid; 2nd was Aspen Hawkins and 3rd was Dianeyd Lopez.

2nd-3rd Grade winner was Jamilet Cruz; 2nd was Yvonne Sanchez and 3rd was Julissa Munoz.

4th-5th Grade winner was Karina Cazares; 2nd was Aliana Gutierrez and 3rd was Maddy Williams.

Residents were kept busy downtown, with participating stores offering discounts from 20% to 30% on selected merchandise. Visitors noted the artwork displayed in the Shore Arts Center for the annual Southeast Colorado Art Guild’s fall showing. Author Tim Baker was available for book signings at the Book Depot, while Voces Unidas members served up streaming hot green chili by the bowl or quart to help take off evening chill. The Lamar Chamber Board of Directors made the rounds to view the decorated stores in the evening.

By Russ Baldwin

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