Miss Aldalida Zendejas was crowned Little Miss Merry Christmas 2024 on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Yam Theatre in Portales. Zendejas is the 8-year-old daughter of  Nickie Garcia of Portales. She is a third-grader at Valencia Elementary School  in Portales. She was sponsored by J.P. Stone Community Bank.

 

As a part of Portales’ holiday tradition, the 38th annual Little Miss Merry Christmas Contest raised funds for Community Christmas programs and the Portales Fireworks Fund. The contest ran during the month of November with the winner being the contestant who raises the most money. On Friday night Little Miss Merry Christmas along with her Princess fellow contestants led the 2024 Lighted Christmas Parade.

 

This year’s contest raised $15,124.37 and Zendejas raised $5,086.80 through donations and an auction held at her sponsoring business.

 

This year eight girls were entered in the contest. Besides Zendejas, they were: Annika McVey, 6 daughter of Josh and Rebecca McVey; Adilyn Banister, 9, daughter of Distiny Banister; Nova Chavez, 7, daughter of Esteban Chavez and Sabrina Aranda; Daleyza and Dalary Nevarez,8, twin daughters of Encarnacion Nevareaz and Geneva Munoz; Gracelyn Coddington, 10, daughter of Elaine and Chris Coddington; and Delaini Perez, 5, daughter of  Iliana and Victor Perez.

 

Thank you to all the pageant and girl’s sponsors this year:

Design Wearhouse – Sashes

Print Shop – Crown

Farmers Market – Flower Bouquets

Sodexo – Hot Beverages

The Park Family – Décor and float trailer

Habitat for Humanity Christmas Store – Christmas Tree

AJ’s Wings – Annika McVey

Aldalida Zendejas – J.P Stone Community Bank

Adilyn Banister – Beacon Realty

Gracelynn Coddington – Something Different Grill

Delaini Aurora Perez – Norman Trucking

Nova Grace Chavez – Pats Twin Cronnie