NW New Mexico News

Based on the crowd photos we’ve seen, it’s probably safe to say that this year’s CavernFest had the best attendance ever. The events drew tens of thousands on Friday night and all day Saturday. We have received nothing but good reports in terms of safety and overall success of the event.

CavernFest was put together several years ago by members of the community, including Jason Shirley and Karla Niemeier, who wanted to add a fun downtown activity for residents and visitors. This year’s list of outstanding performers included Robert Houston White, a Carlsbad High School alumni who plays bass with Carson Jeffrey. There were also dozens of vendors and numerous games and activities. We also love events where some of our local bands get to perform with national groups.

Special thanks to Carlsbad’s MainStreet staff, board and the numerous volunteers who made the event possible. Board President Susan Crockett and Director Kat Davis did an excellent job bringing everything together. There were many improvements that were made to this year’s event, such as turning the angle of the stage, that made it more enjoyable for the thousands of visitors. Of course, thanks to the many sponsors who allowed CavernFest organizers to put together a free event, especially Chevron, XTO Energy and Carlsbad Chevrolet.

CavernFest all began as just an idea, and now it’s a massive annual event that draws tens of thousands of visitors. It takes many volunteers and sponsors to pull it off, however.

What’s coming up next?

Carlsbad’s NAACP and Ebony Car Club will be holding its annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday at Troy Young Park. The annual celebration of the end of slavery will include a ride along from MLK Park to Troy Young Park at 10 a.m. June 17. There will be music all day at the park, as well as vendors, jumpers, door prizes and more.

Additionally, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd annual Green Chile Cheeseburger Cook-Off will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the Carlsbad Beach Park. Musician Charlie Ingraham will perform at 7 p.m. and the Carlsbad Water Park will be open from 6-8 p.m. to the first 100 people. This event is hosted by the Chamber’s Age Friendly Committee, and it is a great addition to our summer activity list.

There’s also an addition being made to the Independence Day activity list. An independent organizer has put together a “Star-Spangled Paddle” paddle event along the Pecos River beginning 8 a.m. Sunday, July 2. This event will run from the train bridge fishing area and travel down to the beach area. This will be in addition to the electric light boat parade being put together for the evening of July 3.  It should be a lot of fun.

Sincerely,

Original source can be found here.