Santa Claus visits Northern Meadows

RIO RANCHO — The Northern Meadows POA and Second Hand Sams came together to put on a holiday-filled event at Havasu Park in Northern Meadows Dec. 13.

The event aimed to bring people together and encourage all to shop local. The event was sponsored by Albertsons Market (store number 905), Ezee Fiber and Green Summit.

"We really enjoy hosting events for the neighborhood, love seeing the kids happy. We are already planning our Easter event at the end of March," said community leader Ashley Cabada, who also owns Cabada Chamoy.

Vendors were on the scene as were food trucks, including Sourpuss Lemonade, Shaka Cone, Cabada Chamoy and Bark Bar.

"It's New Mexico's first dog-friendly food truck. All we serve is fresh-ingredient dog treats and pup cups," owner Chad Rutter said. "We're residents in the area, heard about the event, and came out to support it."

The holiday spectacular lasted from noon until 3 p.m. and sent many families to the neighborhood park. Many rode bicycles to get to the park, and thanks to Bark Bar, many dogs were seen in the surrounding area.

“It was a great turnout, very family-oriented,” Rutter said.

Santa Claus was also in attendance and took pictures with many of the children.

"Community events like these are the best. The kids, the pets and all the families that come out make the trip from the North Pole worth it," said Markus Jennings, who was moonlighting as Santa Claus, something he has been doing for 10 years.

With Christmas right around the corner, local holiday markets at nearby parks just might be the place for a last-second gift.