Cortez Rec Center to debut 'Merry & Bright' holiday light show Dec. 4
Cortez Parks and Recreation is launching a new synchronized light display at the Recreation Center with a free afternoon of dodgeball, crafts, hot cocoa and live music — the night before the Parade of Lights.
The Cortez Recreation Center will flip the switch on a new synchronized holiday light display on Friday, Dec. 4, capping a free afternoon and evening of dodgeball, crafts, hot cocoa and live music that Cortez Parks and Recreation hopes will grow into a new holiday tradition.
The inaugural Merry & Bright Winter Lights Premiere runs from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Recreation Center, 425 Roger Smith Ave., and builds to a countdown for the first lighting of the Merry & Bright Light Show. The city says the display is meant to turn the Rec Center into a seasonal destination for residents and visitors through the holidays.
The timing is deliberate. The premiere falls the evening before the Parade of Lights, which rolls down Main Street at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, giving Cortez a full weekend of holiday events.
“The Merry & Bright Light Show Premiere provides an opportunity for the community to gather, celebrate the season, and learn more about the programs and activities available through Parks and Recreation,” Asialynn Hager, the department’s events and marketing specialist, said in a news release. “By scheduling the event prior to the Parade of Lights weekend, we hope to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy all that Cortez has to offer while creating a new holiday tradition for our community.”
Snowballs first
The afternoon opens at 3 p.m. with a “Snowball” Dodgeball Fight in the Rec Center gymnasium. Players can bring a team of six or be paired up on the spot. The game is suggested for ages 8 and up, prizes go to the winning teams, and recreation staff will supply the equipment. Dodgeball is free for Rec Center members; non-members can play by buying a daily admission pass. The city’s dodgeball flyer lists the game from 3 to 4 p.m.
The Crafting Cabin will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. for holiday-themed keepsakes and crafts for kids and adults. Seasonal refreshments — the event flyer promises free hot cocoa, cider and baked goods — will be served from 3 to 8 p.m., and there will be games and souvenir holiday photo spots set up around the building.
Drums, jazz and the countdown
Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with a 15-minute Cardio Drumming demonstration showcasing one of the Rec Center’s fitness programs. The Montezuma-Cortez High School Jazz Band follows from 7:15 to 8 p.m. with seasonal music leading into the evening’s main event: the official unveiling of the Merry & Bright Light Show.
The event is free and open to all ages; the only cost is the day pass for non-members who want to play dodgeball. For more information, contact Cortez Parks and Recreation at 970-986-4789 or AHager@cortezco.gov.
If you go
- What: Merry & Bright Winter Lights Premiere
- When: Friday, Dec. 4, 3–8 p.m.
- Where: Cortez Recreation Center, 425 Roger Smith Ave.
- Cost: Free (non-members need a daily pass to play dodgeball)
- Schedule: Dodgeball, 3 p.m. · Crafting Cabin, 3–7 p.m. · Refreshments, 3–8 p.m. · Cardio Drumming demo, 7 p.m. · M-CHS Jazz Band, 7:15 p.m. · Light show unveiling to close the night