Chamber ‘cruzin’ with car-crazed summer plan

Los Lunas

It’s full speed ahead for the Los Lunas-Bosque Farms Chamber of Commerce as it prepares for a series of exciting events to hit Valencia County.

Get ready. An exciting, three-day event will begin on Friday, June 7, with the Cruzin’ South Rt. 66 Concert and Street Dance, featuring the “Original” Fireballs.

“I grew up with this old time rock ‘n’ roll,” Kent Saul, president-elect of the chamber, said last week. “This is an event where people can come out and enjoy a cold drink, listen to some great music and dance.”

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Los Lunas Visitors Center at the Valencia Y. Put your dancing shoes on for the “sounds of the ’50s and ’60s” as Freddie Chavez starts off the evening of “old style rock ‘n’ roll” with New Mexico’s own world famous Fireballs. Listen for songs like “Sugar Shack,” “Bottle of Wine,” “Torquay,” “Bulldog,” “Goin’ Away” and more.

Local food vendors will be on hand to serve delectable gourmet fajitas, barbecue, burgers and more. Tractor Brewing Company will provide the beer corral, located next door at Auge’s. Admission is $10 per person.

Car enthusiasts, look out. Summer- time is almost here, and that means the chamber’s annual car show is just around the corner.

The “Cruzin’ South Rt. 66” Sixth Annual Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 8. Registration will last from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with an awards presentation at 3 p.m. Trophies will be handed out for best of show, and door prizes will be given away from local businesses all day long.

The show has seen tremendous growth since its inception with just 54 cars. The last couple of years have seen the event expand to 200 and then 300 cars. It is expected that more than 400 cars will be on display at this year’s event.

“The car show is great entertainment. There’s no charge to come and be a spectator,” Saul said.

There’s something for everyone at this year’s car show. The chamber presents a wide array of entertainment, along with a carnival for the kids and different food vendors throughout the day.

“Come to this family-oriented event for good food and entertainment,” Saul said. “Everyone is invited — those who have a car and those who don’t. A lot of people come out who are interested in cars and motors. We have steam engines, hit-and-miss tractors … cars that cost very little to ones that cost $100,000.”

Chamber members meet once a month throughout the year to plan the big summer car show. As the event gets closer, the committee gets together every week to discuss new ideas. The show expands more and more every year.

“We try and come up with new and fresh ideas every year. This is what people like. They want more events,” Chamber Executive Director Diane Huckabee said.

Be on the lookout for motorcycle riders performing stunts, such as jumping over barricades and precision riding.

This year, the New Mexico Council of Car Clubs is bringing its 25th annual show to the sights and sounds of Los Lunas on Sunday, May 19. The car show has been held at the Albuquerque Museum for the past 18 years.

“Los Lunas is the talk of car clubs around the state,” Huckabee said.

“Our main focus is the summer festival. We draw hundreds of people from the surrounding states to our cruises every month. The car show has seen tremendous growth over the past few years.”

Saul agrees. “People are really finding what a wonderful community we have. They come from all over to meet here.”

Wait — the full day of events on Saturday isn’t over just yet. Saturday night belongs to “Flicks on Route 66.” Gather your friends and family and enjoy a night under the stars watching outdoor movies brought to you by the Rt. 66 Association. Bring blankets, chairs and a $5 donation for the movies to the Los Lunas Visitor’s Center.

Sunday, June 9, will be the “Cruzin South Route 66” Auto Swap Meet from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Huge swap spaces will be available at the visitors center.

“The swap meet is a good opportunity to clean out your garage. The audience is here. Buyers are looking for a car or motor. Come sell the items you want to get out of the way or find parts you’re looking for,” Saul said.

The chamber is looking forward to the busy three days when local businesses can be actively involved in the summer festival, June 7-9. It is its hope that guests of the dance, concert, car show and swap meet will stop, stay and play in Los Lunas. The events will draw visitors to Los Lunas and Bosque Farms restaurants, gas stations and retail stores.

“More and more people are coming to Valencia County,” Saul said. “They see we’re a friendly community.”

For registration and entry fee information, contact Diane Huckabee at 865-1581. The chamber is still looking for sponsors and door prizes to give away.