PHOTOS: Winterfest cold but captivating for RR residents and vendors

At a crisp 30 degrees, Winterfest was freezing for the hundreds of guests in attendance at the Dec. 1 event. However, that didn’t stop them from watching the parade, tree lighting and fireworks.

“I want to thank everybody who came out to enjoy this event despite the cold,” Mayor Gregg Hull said.

Hull says there was one year at Winterfest when it sleeted so much that the event had to be canceled.

“This time was just a little chilly, but that makes it that much more fun,” he said.

Others felt the festivities were the best part and the cold night was just a side effect that they had to deal with by using the heaters provided by the city. Most also took advantage of the free hot chocolate that Dutch Bros. was handing out.

“It was super cold but the tree, fireworks and people were lovely,” vendor Lizzie Waltner said.

Waltner was there with her business Luminous Lizard to sell her photography products. She sells prints, cards, scrunchies, hot pads, calendars and stickers.

City staffers were handing out free ornaments with one side that said “Happy Holidays 2023”and other side had the “RR” logo. Liz Ponce says she loves to do it.

“It’s all amazing. So we’re glad everybody can have fun,” she said.

Barbara Brech and her daughter Bailey were there for a series of dance routines with Dimensions Dance Studio.

“I love our welcoming community of Rio Rancho and letting Dimensions Dance Studio perform at Winterfest tonight. We had a blast and loved all the Christmas spirit,” Bailey said.

Brech was proud of Bailey and her team for showing their Christmas spirit.

“Watching these girls show their Christmas spirit at Winterfest is a great opportunity and experience. The dancers of Dimensions practice all year long and enjoy the opportunity to show off their hard work,” Brech said.

She also said Rio Rancho continues to be a family-oriented community with events for the whole family to enjoy.

“It is one of the many pleasures of living here,” she said.

Many people left after the parade ended, but several stayed around for the tree lighting and fireworks show.