The Boulevard Neighborhood Association invites the community to participate in its annual Christmas Eve Luminaria display on the center median of East Third Avenue on Tuesday.

This year’s Luminaria chairman, Boulevard Neighborhood Association member Graham Stahnke, has organized the placement and lighting of several thousand luminarias in the historic district from 15th to Second streets along the tree-lined Boulevard median.

Durango families are invited to fill sand bags and center them on the median strip between 3 and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Volunteers should dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and gloves and join wherever work groups are congregating.

Lighting is expected to be around 5 p.m.

Typically the candles remain lit past midnight for those attending Christmas Eve masses and services at East Third Avenue churches.

For more information, call Stahnke at 259-1160 or Karen Brucoli Anesi at 799-0680.

Mrs. La Plata County contestants sought

The search is on for the new Mrs. La Plata County.

Once selected, the community representative will compete in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant to be held April 12 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in downtown Denver.

City and county titleholders will compete to win more than $50,000 in prizes, including an all-expenses paid trip to the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant.

Interested applicants must live or work in the La Plata County area and must be married during the time of competition. They also must be a resident of the state for at least six months, a U.S. citizen and be at least 18 years old. There is no age limit or performing talent contest.

While beauty is a key element in the competition, contestants are urged to voice their opinions on marriage and important issues of the day.

For more information, visit www.mrscolorado.com or call (303) 593-1199.

Tree recycling drop-off in Santa Rita Park

Christmas tree recycling is available at Santa Rita Park from Dec. 26 to Jan. 31.

The city of Durango reminds residents that there is no curbside pick-up of Christmas trees. Residents may drop off their natural trees, free of ornaments and tinsel, at the drop-off site near the large playground area in Santa Rita Park. The trees will be recycled into mulch.

For more information, call 375-7300.

Herald Staff