Fall Festival keeps out of the cold in Events Center

PHOTOS: 2024 Rio Rancho Fall Festival

Oct 21, 2024

RIO RANCHO — The annual Rio Rancho Fall Festival Oct. 19 was slow for attendance when the doors opened to the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Every year, the festival features similar events such as pumpkin carving, music, food trucks and lots of vendors. The big difference this year was the location of the festivities.

Rio Rancho’s Deputy City Manager Peter Wells says that is due to the festival’s usual location being under construction.

“It’s not an entirely outdoor event this year is because of the construction work taking place over Campus Park, phase two. However, with the weather, I think we might have ended up coming inside today anyways, but it just sort of worked out, having it indoors and outdoors this year,” he said.

He was mostly right as the weather that day was a bit unruly with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. During the beginning of the festival, however, the sky was clear and there was only a slight breeze.

As the trunk or treat began, a dark, looming cloud of rain rolled in.

Wells’ spirit was not deterred by the day’s weather as he was inside the events center, enthusiastically dressed as Alexander Hamilton, greeting attendees as they came through the doors.

“I like historical characters, and I love the musical ‘Hamilton,’” he said.

Inside the events center, people dressed in Halloween costumes had plenty to do. Besides the music from country and western band Back in the Saddle, there was a station for balloon animals, an arts and crafts section hosted by True Value and the favorite attraction: bouncy houses.

For the adults, there was a line of vendors selling everything from Scentsy supplies to Christmas decorations.

One of the MC’s was Van Nunley, who is half of the radio show Two Men On, was excited for the adult attractions.

“Don’t forget about the food trucks and the beer garden outside. I will be spending some time in the beer garden if you want to find me later,” he said on the microphone.

City Councilor Deb Dapson thought the turnout was less than usual in part because of the stormy day and also the date of the celebration being somewhat confusing.

According to Wells, the city tries to put on a large community event every quarter of the year. Up next is the annual Winterfest.