After a two-year hiatus, this year’s CavernFest featured a Saturday night performance by the Randy Rogers Band and two days of great music. The annual downtown event draws tens of thousands of visitors and local residents. Carlsbad MainStreet had not been able to hold a CavernFest for the two previous years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but everything fit back on track this year, thanks to the hard work of Carlsbad MainStreet’s board and staff, and the event’s many volunteers and sponsors. The City of Carlsbad was proud to be a partner with CavernFest, which also included several dozen food vendors, numerous local and regional performers, dozens of craft vendors, axe throwing, bouncy houses and a lot more. Behind the scenes effort includes trash pickup, water distribution, security, sound, video and many other activities.
It was a hot weekend, but it was also a lot of fun. Carlsbad’s Sheriff’s Posse Arena, the Halagueno Arts Park, and the beach area were busy at the same time with other activities. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to show off Carlsbad.
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The Eddy County YHEC (Youth Hunter Education Challenge) 4H teams recently went to Raton, the NRA Whittington Center, to compete in the state competition for YHEC. They competed on Friday and Saturday and received high rankings. The Club Leader is Travis Walker. The youth learn many different aspects of outdoorsmanship. They compete in Rifle, Archery, Muzzleloader, Shotgun, Wildlife ID, Orienteering, and a responsibility exam. The Senior team came home with a fourth place award and the Junior team came home with a second place award. Senior Team Coach Jeremy Dowdy received first place for coaches. Colton Winters received first place overall in Junior Division.
Senior Youth Competitors were Hayden Abell, Hunter Dowdy, Jacob Dowdy, Jacob Griffin, and Trey Tarvin, Lupito Carrasco.
Junior Youth competitors were Jake Babin, Hunter Bock, Benny Calderon, Arianna Carrasco, Gage Clifton, Kaylee Dowdy, Taygen Dowdy, Gus Lopez, Colton Winters. Wyatt Hunt was a sub junior competitor. Congratulations to these competitors on a very successful event.
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We’re very saddened to report that local pastor Dick Means, who has been the pastor at Cavern Baptist Church in Carlsbad for more than a decade, has passed away. Means had also been real estate agent for many years before serving as a pastor. Residents are sharing many wonderful stories about his generosity and about his faith. He was a very highly involved member of our community and he will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway