By Rodd Cayton
It’s time for Bernalillo County’s East Mountains communities to gather and celebrate themselves, as well as check out a local gem’s new look.
District 5 County Commissioner Eric Olivas is hosting the annual East Mountain Celebration Sunday at Los Vecinos Park, 478 State Route 333 in Tijeras. The park, he told the Route 66 Independent, is hosting its first major event since the park’s long-awaited renovation was completed, including a new sod playing field, a skate park, playgrounds, drainage upgrades, and a new walking path. The event returns to Los Vecinos after two years at Vista Grande Community Center in Sandia Park.
The afternoon will include the presentation of five Outstanding Citizen Awards, “recognizing East Mountain residents whose service and community spirit exemplify the best of the region,” according to a news release announcing the event. Visitors will also encounter live music, food, art, craft vendors, and a car show. Olivas, who plans to attend, said some community groups will also be on hand, including the East Mountain Historical Society and the East Mountain Wildfire Preparedness Association.
“The East Mountains have a way of bringing people together, and this celebration is one of the best examples of that,” Olivas said. “It’s a chance to enjoy the place we love, recognize neighbors who make a real difference, and spend time together in community spaces.” He said the event typically draws East Mountains residents as well as visitors from Albuquerque looking for a fun little trip.
Free parking will be available at Roosevelt Middle School, 11799 State Route 337 and A. Montoya Elementary School, 24 Public School Road, both in Tijeras. A free shuttle service will take visitors to and from Los Vecinos Community Center. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
More information is available here.