Christmas on the Pecos gears up for year 18

[eff]

Mother of 4 wrote:

Why are the prices so outrageously high?! And I can agree with Lynn and Nancy, the home owners should get help with their electric bills. I don't live on Riverside but we have friends that live on Riverside and they are average hard working Americans, and with electricity bills on the rise they wonder how they are going to make a nice display with the money they have budgeted. That's typical for the the Chamber to expect a huge display but not help.

Thanks to Rep Harry (cap & trade) Teague thgeir electric bills will skyrocket.......... End of pecos on the river????

[Grump Resident]

Forget about it! I say we dont turn out lights on and ses what happens. What are they gonnda do anyway. There is no legal statute that can force me to participate or turn on my lights. I say pay for my bill or subsidize this whole project. Cards, thank you letters, and awards do not put food on the table. Cold hard cash does. Where will the tourists and chamber be when I cant pay my electric bill or need to buy food. What am I gonna get, a free boat ride. Please!

[Riverside Resident]

Grump Resident wrote:

Forget about it! I say we dont turn out lights on and ses what happens. What are they gonnda do anyway. There is no legal statute that can force me to participate or turn on my lights. I say pay for my bill or subsidize this whole project. Cards, thank you letters, and awards do not put food on the table. Cold hard cash does. Where will the tourists and chamber be when I cant pay my electric bill or need to buy food. What am I gonna get, a free boat ride. Please!

I think that is a good idea, I'm tired of putting up with them telling and calling me what to do for Christmas, here their getting rich off of us. Don't tell me they are just breaking even, where does all that money go that they make off of us? I think I might just turn on my lights when I feel like it, unless the chamber starts sharing all that money they make!

[-Amethyst-]

I wonder if the last two posters are trolls or are they really Riverside residents?
3

[Christmas on the pecos]

Riverside Resident wrote:

<quoted text>
I think that is a good idea, I'm tired of putting up with them telling and calling me what to do for Christmas, here their getting rich off of us. Don't tell me they are just breaking even, where does all that money go that they make off of us? I think I might just turn on my lights when I feel like it, unless the chamber starts sharing all that money they make!

I too am trying to make ends meat after everything that has happened in the last year. I defiantly would like the Chamber of Commerce start paying us for bills that we incur each Christmas. What can we do?

[carlsbad resident]

Whether or not they are trolls or real residents the point they seem to be making is EVERYONE has been affected by this down economy. Surely the Chamber has been affected as well. I wonder if they have cut back on COTP as a way to conserve? Grump and Riverside resident both make good points. I do know the Chamber gives the homeowners some free tickets, but in reality many of them have their own boats and don't need the tickets. I think COTP is pretty, but I wouldn't want to go every year. I definately wouldn't pay $17.50 for 1 ticket. I know they have a few nights for Eddy County residents but I think they are still around 10-12 bucks. Don't really know the exact amount.

[Darby]

-Amethyst- wrote:

Really? Are you sure they get no compensation? Not even an allowance to buy the big displays? Doesn't make sense to me, that the residents for no reason whatsoever would spend 1,000's of dollars so Carlsbad can benefit from ticket sales, which yes are a bit high!
I imagine there is some kind of closed door promises or lining of pockets somewhere down this line. I know that my electric bill rises quite a bit with the displays I put up during christmas, so I imagine there's is outrageous considering how long the city expects them to light up their displays.
I am wondering where Lynn and Nancy got their information, I will look into this because it just doesn't sound right, no one in this day and time does anything for free.

No, Amethyst, these homeowners do not receive compensation for their participation. They purchase the lights and decorations, provide the electricity, and set up, take down, and maintain the displays (from Thanksgiving to New Year's). Please keep in mind their generosity as you enjoy the event.

[Diamond-Dave]

eff wrote:

<quoted text>
Thanks to Rep Harry (cap & trade) Teague thgeir electric bills will skyrocket.......... End of pecos on the river????

That's, One term Harry, Cap and Tax, Teague. He voted against the House health reform bill, because it did not go far enough toward socialsim! Bye bye Harry, better screw us well, as it will be your swan song!

[Diamond-Dave]

Uh, what is Pecos on the River?!

[Johnny Chingas]

Diamond-Dave wrote:

Uh, what is Pecos on the River?!

ARE YOU AND AK47 GOING SUCH A NICE cupfull of choriso to bad you d.d doun;t have one choriso that is;

[Johnny Chingas]

Diamond-Dave wrote:

<quoted text>
That's, One term Harry, Cap and Tax, Teague. He voted against the House health reform bill, because it did not go far enough toward socialsim! Bye bye Harry, better screw us well, as it will be your swan song!

HAHAhaha racist RACIST AK47 RULES YOU.you want to open your;e big trap agin so i can tell you what you want to hear.

[Frisky Smith]

I would really like to hear from a homeowner on this one because I agree that they must feel pressured to put up a big display. Discounts at Walmart? They're decorations are crap. What makes the attraction are unique displays like Brad Light's, not Walmart decor. The homeowners must be in a good mood and motivated and to search for unique decor to coordinate a theme. I think a token gesture from the Chamber is in order. No, not their entire elec. bills but maybe 10% for the month of Dec.?

[Wanda Welch]

I'm a real river resident and this weekend we will finish putting up our lights, decorating our yard and then be able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Christmas all around. I do not feel pressured to put up a big display...by the Chamber or anyone else. This is our 18th year of participating in this event. Christmas on The Pecos began as an idea to bring people to Carlsbad during a slow season. It was not started to be a money maker...only to promote Carlsbad. I have also served on the COP Committee for 18 years. It is an event for the residents right here in our town. My personal pleasure in participating in this event is watching the eyes of the little kids...my grandkids included, when they see all the lights. To hear the squeals of delight, and to see the excitement. To have our little ones run down in the yard and punch the blowup snowmen. Sure it is a lot of work...I feel no pressure as to how big our display is. Like many residents, we add to the display each year and ,no, we don't have a theme...just spreading the joy and love that is Christmas and sharing it with others. Don't take the people you hear complaining to seriously, if this was the last year for Christmas on The Pecos, I would still decorate my yard next year as I am sure many others would do.
Our electric bill, as is yours, is controlled by Xcel Energy...not the Chamber of Commerce.
I feel we are blessed...right here in River City...to have an event like this to share with the community and those outside our community. Let's share the Christmas spirit...not only during this time of year...but every day because we live in a great little town where we as citizens can pull off a nationally recogonized event such as this.

[Retiree]

Wanda Welch wrote:

I'm a real river resident and this weekend we will finish putting up our lights, decorating our yard and then be able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Christmas all around. I do not feel pressured to put up a big display...by the Chamber or anyone else. This is our 18th year of participating in this event. Christmas on The Pecos began as an idea to bring people to Carlsbad during a slow season. It was not started to be a money maker...only to promote Carlsbad. I have also served on the COP Committee for 18 years. It is an event for the residents right here in our town. My personal pleasure in participating in this event is watching the eyes of the little kids...my grandkids included, when they see all the lights. To hear the squeals of delight, and to see the excitement. To have our little ones run down in the yard and punch the blowup snowmen. Sure it is a lot of work...I feel no pressure as to how big our display is. Like many residents, we add to the display each year and ,no, we don't have a theme...just spreading the joy and love that is Christmas and sharing it with others. Don't take the people you hear complaining to seriously, if this was the last year for Christmas on The Pecos, I would still decorate my yard next year as I am sure many others would do.
Our electric bill, as is yours, is controlled by Xcel Energy...not the Chamber of Commerce.
I feel we are blessed...right here in River City...to have an event like this to share with the community and those outside our community. Let's share the Christmas spirit...not only during this time of year...but every day because we live in a great little town where we as citizens can pull off a nationally recogonized event such as this.

Great post Wanda!! We can only wonder what this town could be like if everyone had an attitude like yours. Keep up the good work.

[cingaroso]

Que crees PENDEJO Juanny Chingas!?!!

Creo que eres un GRINGO PENDEJO que no pueden hablar en espanol como un latino.

Actualmente, creo que tu eres la idiota "phenomenalwoman"

[Riverside Resident]

Wanda Welch wrote:

I'm a real river resident and this weekend we will finish putting up our lights, decorating our yard and then be able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Christmas all around. I do not feel pressured to put up a big display...by the Chamber or anyone else. This is our 18th year of participating in this event. Christmas on The Pecos began as an idea to bring people to Carlsbad during a slow season. It was not started to be a money maker...only to promote Carlsbad. I have also served on the COP Committee for 18 years. It is an event for the residents right here in our town. My personal pleasure in participating in this event is watching the eyes of the little kids...my grandkids included, when they see all the lights. To hear the squeals of delight, and to see the excitement. To have our little ones run down in the yard and punch the blowup snowmen. Sure it is a lot of work...I feel no pressure as to how big our display is. Like many residents, we add to the display each year and ,no, we don't have a theme...just spreading the joy and love that is Christmas and sharing it with others. Don't take the people you hear complaining to seriously, if this was the last year for Christmas on The Pecos, I would still decorate my yard next year as I am sure many others would do.
Our electric bill, as is yours, is controlled by Xcel Energy...not the Chamber of Commerce.
I feel we are blessed...right here in River City...to have an event like this to share with the community and those outside our community. Let's share the Christmas spirit...not only during this time of year...but every day because we live in a great little town where we as citizens can pull off a nationally recogonized event such as this.

Good for you Wanda, I hope the very best for you. You must have a hard working man to help, I wonder if he is working or not and has a lot of time on his hands.
But, the majority of us do not have the time and money to keep putting on this parade for the Chamber's sake and their bank account. This is a lot of work to keep organizing this every year for the sake of the Chamber. I do not have the luxury of having my husband to make time for this, since we both work and have kids to tend to. I believe we should be compensated for their big increase of tourist this year and have to install the lights for us. Then I would be happy like you, Wanda.
Sorry to all, I had to vent.

[Frisky Smith]

Thanks, Wanda and Riverside Resident. I still think the Chamber should reimburse residents for a portion of their electric bill if they bring it in. I'm sure RR is not the only disgruntled resident involved in this. It would be a great good-will gesture.
When visiting other hyped light displays in other cities, what's impressive is the cool themes and over-the-top decor, not Walmart decor that you can see on any other house. Just because it's on the river does not make it impressive. My 1st COTP tour was 6 or 7 years ago and it was really cool. I specifically remember the displays of the Margarita glass (Lucy's, I think) and of course, Brad Light's. My trip last year was not as good, a whole lot of generic displays. A good relationship with the Chamber would hopefully make residents want to out-do themselves with the displays and truly make the event a destination that keeps getting better and better. As for me, I think I'll wait another 6-7 years before I go again. Thanks for what you do, riverfront residents.

[Frisky Smith]

Another question: What happens if you do not decorate? I'm not talking about the old, infirm, or Jewish (don't get crazy, it's just a joke). I'm talking about folks that just don't want to. What happens if you don't get them up by the time COTP opens? What if you do decorate but turn you lights on too late or turn them off too early to save $? Just curious.

[Bob Lee Swagger]

I'd like to see a theme like Spinal Tap's, Christmas with the Devil, in someones back yard.

[Hats OFF to You]

Frisky Smith wrote:

Another question: What happens if you do not decorate? I'm not talking about the old, infirm, or Jewish (don't get crazy, it's just a joke). I'm talking about folks that just don't want to. What happens if you don't get them up by the time COTP opens? What if you do decorate but turn you lights on too late or turn them off too early to save $? Just curious.

Then...you get THE PHONE CALL.
I don't believe anyone wants COP to go away they just want RELIEF and an enjoyable Thanksgiving Back without added stress of lights and decorating. Anyway you slice it is considered a hardship by MANY homeowners. Perhaps all the yards should be adopted, but then they would have to deal with strangers in their yards. Some are elderly and really don't want to be targeted as such. We all see the benifit of COP, just not all directly reap the profit from it. While it may be a joy for some to many it is just another obligation and a financial drain. There are two sides to every coin. Hats off to the ones that choose to decorate and hats off to the ones the don't. Maybe 2010 will come with resolutions to appease all.