Riverglo cancelled because of forecast, but San Juan College luminarias event still on
Officials at Farmington’s River Reach Foundation, the nonprofit organization that presents the annual Riverglo celebration, decided Thursday morning to cancel this year’s event, which was planned for Friday, Dec. 1 in Berg Park along the Animas River, because of anticipated bad weather.
D’Ann Waters, the president of the River Reach Foundation board, said even through no precipitation had fallen as of Thursday morning, the National Weather Service forecast was bleak enough to lead foundation officials to make the decision. The forecast called for a mix of rain and snow in San Juan County through Friday night, and the area is under a winter weather advisory until 6 a.m. Saturday, when conditions are expected to improve.
“It was a hard call,” a disappointed Waters said. “But if it snows, school will be cancelled (on Friday), and then we’ll lose all our school choral groups (that were scheduled to perform at Riverglo). So, on the side of caution, we decided to cancel.”
The Farmington High School, Piedra Vista High School, Hermosa Middle School and Ladera Middle School choirs all were scheduled to perform at the event.
Waters said this is the first time in several years Riverglo has been cancelled because of adverse weather.
The annual San Juan College luminarias display, which will mark its 45th year remained a go as of Thursday morning. Visitors can begin driving or walking through the display at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the college campus, 4601 College Blvd. in Farmington.
The display features approximately 25,000 luminarias positioned along sidewalks, courtyards, rooftops, parking lots and student housing.
Rhonda Schaefer, senior director of marketing and public relations for the college, said Nov. 29 the event is scheduled to run as planned despite the forecast.
Motorists are asked to enter the campus from the west side, using Butler Avenue to access Sunrise Parkway. The route from that point will be marked, allowing drivers to exit onto College Boulevard, where all traffic will be directed to turn south to East 30th Street. All drivers will be asked to turn off their headlights as they drive through the display.
The Pinon Hills Boulevard entrance to the north side of the college campus will be closed during the event.
Those who wish to avoid the hassle of driving can take advantage of the free Park-N-Ride Red Apple Luminarias Trolley that will be operating during the event. To access the service, park at Piedra Vista High School and hop on the trolley.
Those who wish to walk through the campus for the display can park at the Quality Center for Business, the San Juan College School of Energy or the north Child and Family Development Center parking lots, all of which will be accessible by traveling south on College Boulevard from Pinon Hills Boulevard.
The campus radio station, KSJE-FM 90.9, will be broadcasting Christmas carols during the event, while Mary’s Kitchen, the campus eatery, will have hot food available for purchase until 7 p.m., and snacks, beverages and hot chocolate for sale until 9 p.m.
Anyone interested in picking up luminarias for their use after the event may do so after 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. For more information, call 505-566-3403.
Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.
This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Riverglo organizers say snow is OK, but rainy weather will mean no-go
