Jon Austria/The Daily Times at Berg Park on Friday.
FARMINGTON — The soft glow of luminarias and toasty bonfires will light up the paths of Berg Park, while various musical and choral ensembles sing holiday songs during the annual "River Glo" from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday.

River Glo is sponsored by the River Reach Foundation, a non-profit formed in 1986 to protect the river in Farmington.

River Glo, which is free to the public, will feature various school, community and church choral groups dispersed throughout the park. Hot chocolate, cider and other refreshments will be available for a suggested $1 donation.

San Juan College will be joining the Masterworks Chorus to present selections from Handel's Messiah in preparation for its December 14 and 15 concert at the College's Henderson Performance Hall.

Linda Edwards, San Juan College's choral director, has been bringing the college chorus to perform at River Glo for the past 14 years.

"River Glo is a very unique event," said Edwards. "Berg Park has undergone so many big changes, and it's really elegant now. (The River Reach Foundation) has incorporated the luminaria tradition of New Mexico, offering a warm, family-oriented thing for people to do in preparation for the holidays."

River Glo Chairman Bob Lehmer said many in the community come together each year to make the event a success.

"The City Parks Department did a lot to help us get it ready, and the Hermosa Middle School Student Council came out to fill luminaria bags," he said. "It's really a wonderful

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event, and those who haven't seen it really should come, as it's so beautiful down by the river. We're expecting great weather, also!"

Lehmer said in addition to the choral groups, Santa Claus will make an appearance and a nativity scene, complete with live barn animals, will add to the Christmas atmosphere. While the weather is expected to cooperate, visitors to the event should dress warmly.