Thursday is Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas.
Sandoval County and some of its communities will be observing the holiday, meaning most services will be unavailable.
Most City of Rio Rancho offices and facilities will be closed. Emergency and public safety services will operate without interruption. All city outdoor pools will maintain regular operating hours.
Public safety agencies and emergency services will remain operational. Trash pickup will be delayed by a day.
Village offices in Corrales will be closed.
In Bernalillo, the Martha Liebert Public Library website lists programs scheduled for Thursday. The town’s website does not list any Juneteenth closures.
In Placitas, Juneteenth will also be observed on June 19. While some local events and businesses may have altered hours, The Merc will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Placitas Cafe will be closed, as it is closed on Thursdays. The Placitas Community Library’s Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it is recommended to call ahead to confirm Juneteenth hours.
As Juneteenth is also a federal holiday, most banks will be closed.
State and federal government offices will be closed Thursday, and the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail. FedEx and UPS, however, will be available, as will most major retailers.
Several events are planned for the weekend following Juneteenth. A Juneteenth celebration with live music, performances, craft vendors and food trucks is scheduled for Haynes Park in Rio Rancho on Saturday, June 21. Additionally, the Placitas Ranch Fest, an outdoor market and interactive event, will take place at Elk Ridge Ranch on the same day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Juneteenth is a federal holiday. While most major retailers are expected to be open, it’s advised to contact businesses directly to confirm their hours. Government offices at the federal, state, and county levels will generally be closed.