While most National Park Service sites in New Mexico saw a slight dip in attendance last year, Carlsbad Caverns did not.
That’s according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, who reported that 12 of the 15 NPS sites in New Mexico saw their visitation go down in 2022. Keep in mind, however, that’s after nearly everyone received record visitation in 2021, mostly because people wanted to get out after the coronavirus shutdowns were lifted.
However, Carlsbad Caverns National Park was one of three locations where visitation continued to go up. In 2022, the Caverns reported 390,932 recreational visits. Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park also reported increases. White Sands National Park is still continuing to see a very high number of visits as well. The Caverns is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and a number of events are planned through the next eight months. The park is holding its centennial celebration on Oct. 25, while other related community events are being included throughout the year. In fact, our Independence Day celebration this year is named “America, the Beautiful” in recognition of our beautiful nearby national parks.
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The Affirming Hearts Advocacy Center, formerly known as the Cavern City Advocacy Center and the Foundry Home, is holding a fundraiser. The Advocacy Center provides services for child survivors of crime and child witnesses to crime. The Foundry Home serves as a youth crisis shelter that provides beds for up to eight youth for 21 days.
Board member Amy Dugas is organizing the 2nd Annual “kNOw MORE Project” fundraising event on July 29, and she is currently seeking sponsors and vendors. The event itself will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the beach bandshell.
She is also looking for bakers, cosmetologists and others wiling to volunteer their services to help children and teachers get ready for the school year. Last year, Dugas says that the fundraiser was able to raise $14,000 and help more than 50 kids with supplies and backpacks.
Donations can always be made to the Cavern City CAC, P.O. Box 1441. Thank you for considering support for this excellent fundraiser.
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Last week, at the prayer breakfast, we introduced all of our elected officials who were present at the event. However, we mistakenly left out everyone currently or previously representing Eddy County. We wanted to thank County Assessor Rhonda Hatch, County Commissioner James “Bo” Bowen, Undersheriff Matt Hutchinson and former County Commissioner Susan Crockett for joining us as well.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway