Bessemer Christmas Extravaganza continues: Honors life of late city councilman Ray Aguilera

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Continuing with a tradition, some families were gifted with the Christmas spirit and more through the annual Bessemer Christmas Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 16. The event, created by the late Pueblo City Council Member Ray Aguilera, has continued on in his memory to help Pueblo families in need.

The goal Friday for the Aguileras family was to continue with the tradition and support the community. Around 600 families showed up at the Pueblo Fairgrounds and left with bags of holiday food and several toys. An early start to the morning for the more than 100 pueblo volunteers who were packing, displaying, and bringing holiday joy to the Bessemer community. 

"We felt very strongly about doing it this year because everything has been so expensive, and families are struggling right now," said Andrea Hansen, Vice President of the Pueblo Poverty Foundation.

Hansen is the late Ray Aguilar's daughter. He originally founded the annual Bessemer Christmas Extravaganza. It started 10 years ago with an idea, to make sure each low-income family in the Bessemer area had holiday cheer.

"We know how much it meant to my dad and we are happy to continue his legacy," added Hansen.

Today, Aguilar's goal continues. Family and kids from Minnequa and Colombian Elementary Schools were able to drive through the Pueblo Fairgrounds Friday and pick up a bag full of groceries, toys, and special ingredients to make a meal for the holidays. 

"As his daughter, it means the world to me, I know that he would be happy that we are continuing it. Kids and the Bessemer community meant so much to him," said Hansen. 

Overall, it's been an afternoon of gratitude and giving. Hundreds of people attended today's event many of them expressing how thankful they are that this tradition continues.