Cortez residents lined Montezuma Avenue early Saturday afternoon for an annual tradition: the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Parade.
The parade included floats and marchers alike. Businesses and local agencies such as fire and police departments slowly paraded down the street, cheered by onlookers on the median and along the sidewalk.
“It’s a community event,” said Celeste Watson, who came to watch her husband taking part in the event.
The parade was hosted by the Cortez Rotary Club and is a part of the 89th annual rodeo, which runs at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds Thursday through Saturday.
Some of the parade participants included the Valley Inn Nursing Home, Ute Mountain Casino and Southwest Memorial Hospital. The Montezuma-Cortez High School marching band made an appearance too, playing tunes down the street.
“It’s tradition,” said Denice Ledesma. “Since I was little and now that I have little ones of my own.”
ealvero@the-journal.com