By Roger Rael
The Raton Range
RATON — The streets of Raton came alive Friday afternoon as generations of Tiger Alumni gathered for the annual Raton High School Homecoming Parade, bringing together students, families, alumni, and community members for a celebration filled with school spirit and hometown pride.
Under partly cloudy skies and a perfect fall afternoon, the parade route was filled with smiling faces, familiar waves, and plenty of memories as Raton celebrated what makes a small community special: people showing up for each other.
One highlight of the afternoon was seeing alumni return home to celebrate with the community. Members of the Raton High School Class of 1966 and the Class of 1996 were spotted representing their graduating classes.
There was also a search for another familiar group.
“I was trying to find the Class of 1976,” one parade observer said. “I thought I saw them, but I wasn’t sure. If they were there and I missed them, I hope they had a great Homecoming celebration too.”
The parade featured a little bit of everything that makes a hometown celebration memorable.
The Raton Police Department and Emergency Services brought out some impressive vehicles, giving residents a close-up look at the equipment used by the people who protect and serve the community.
“They were beautiful machines of steel,” one observer said.
The crowd also enjoyed a live demonstration from a local karate school, showcasing skill, discipline, and the dedication of young athletes in the community.
The Tiger spirit was on full display as the Raton Tiger cheerleaders and the Little Tigerettes entertained the crowd before the football teams made their appearance. Junior varsity, varsity, and younger players all took part, giving fans a chance to cheer on athletes from multiple levels of the program.
The parade also recognized the coaches who dedicate countless hours to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
“Coaches do more than teach the game,” community members said. “They help strengthen kids’ minds, spirits and confidence.”
Local businesses also joined in the celebration, including Magnum Concrete, which entered two vehicles into the parade.
Standing next to one of the company’s large cement trucks provided a reminder that size matters.
That truck may not have actually been traveling down the road at 90 miles per hour, but standing beside it certainly made a person feel small.
The parade also included appearances from several community leaders and local candidates participating in the election season, including Linda Baca, Warren Walton, Berto Dominguez, Linda Gallegos and Cody Ayon. Members of Colfax County government were also present, including Commissioner Kern.
Residents enjoyed collecting candy, grabbing small giveaways and catching football-themed items tossed into the crowd.
Those little footballs may have been simple souvenirs, but for many longtime residents, they represented something bigger: the traditions that make Raton feel like home.
From generations of alumni returning to the streets to children watching their first Homecoming parade, the afternoon showed the strength of a community that continues to come together.
It was a reminder that Raton’s traditions are built by the people who show up, cheer loudly, and support the next generation.
Now the Tigers turn their attention to the football field.
