City discusses why it moved the Twinkle Light Parade
Posted at: 09/12/2012 9:36 PM
| Updated at: 09/12/2012 10:19 PM
By: Joe Vigil, KOB Eyewitness News 4
Many Nob Hill merchants are thrilled that the annual Twinkle Light Parade is moving into their neighborhood this winter.
Some Old Town merchants are frustrated the parade is moving away from them. "It sucks because it really is going to hurt Old Town," said longtime jewelry merchant, Ramona Tafoya.
Other merchants are frustrated, saying they were never included in discussions about the changes.
"We didn't know about it and that is a huge concern. Because anytime that things are taken away from the area where we've normally had them before, certainly there should have been some discussion about it," said Laura Martinez. She is the General Manager for The Basket Shop in Old Town.
City leaders said the parade was moved mainly because of the relationship it has developed with the business/community group, Nob Hill Main Street. The City and Nob Hill Main Street have worked closely on the Route 66 Summerfest in Nob Hill.
Dana Feldman, the Deputy Director of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Department, said the city has worked hard to bring different events to different business districts in the city for economic development. Feldman said with the Route 66 Summerfest being so successful, they wanted to partner with Nob Hill Main Street to do more.
"They already have the Shop and Stroll that takes place there every year. It's also very popular. So it seemed like a natural fit and something new for us to try for this year for the Twinkle Light Parade," Feldman explained.
Feldman also said the city works on dozens of projects with Old Town each year, including many youth, dance and music events. In fact, the big Salsa Fiesta is set for this Saturday in Old Town. The event is expected to bring in up to 15,000 people to Old Town.
Feldman could not say if the Twinkle Light Parade would return to the Downtown and Old Town areas next year.
> Twinkle Light Parade moving to new part of town
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