After a yearslong hiatus, the village of Placitas business community rallied to bring back Placitas Appreciation Day.
The Placitas Chamber of Commerce has been the driving force behind the community event for the past two decades, and then the COVID pandemic hit, effectively shutting it down.
“After taking a break for a few years, we wanted to re-envision what Appreciation Day would be,” said Ruth Bouldes, an event organizer and member of the chamber. “We are a small chamber and community and this event helps bring us all together. We need to show each other support.”
By all measures, the organizers feel like the event, held at the Homestead Village Shopping Center on June 1, was a success.
At least 13 businesses and organizations participated in the event, which drew over 350 people throughout the day. Bouldes says the chamber is now trying to reach out to the homeowners’ associations in the community to get them involved.
“There are so many of them here in Placitas, as our community grows,” she said. “I think with their help, we can get the word out about our little chamber and help the business community here grow.”
Volunteers from the animal rescue Watermelon Mountain Ranch washed dozens of pets, while the Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Department was on hand to give demonstrations to families. Several classic car enthusiasts filled the parking lot to show off their rides.
The Placitas Chamber of Commerce isn’t affiliated with the national chamber. They exist solely on community support.
For more information on the Placitas Chamber of Commerce, visit Placitaschamber.com or call (505) 867-7471.