Sunday is Funday again draws a big crowd in Rio Rancho

Another "Mayor’s Sunday is Funday" is in the books.

This year was the 19th annual "Sunday is Funday" event that brings the community together for an afternoon of family-friendly fun in Rio Rancho.

Once again, thousands of people attended this year’s event on Aug. 18 at Haynes Park.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Rio Rancho Kiwanis Club member and event organizer Dave Heil said. “I think things went well.”

Heil said over 6,400 people attended this year's event, up about 400 from last year.

"Sunday is Funday" is a joint venture between the Kiwanis Club and the city of Rio Rancho. Tony Popper, the late former city councilor, Kiwanian and community volunteer, started the event as a fun, affordable activity for families.

The kickball trophy is named after Popper, who had the idea for Sunday is Funday in 2005. He wanted a picnic event that provided a fun and budget-friendly experience that all residents and neighbors of Rio Rancho could enjoy.

Popper, who passed away in 2013, was a passionate supporter of his community. Known as "Mr. Rio Rancho,” Popper not only created the "Sunday Is Funday" event, he also worked diligently to promote the City of Vision as it grew, serving as a city councilor and member of New Mexico's Soil and Water Commission. He also helped establish the Esther Bone Library, Storehouse West, Watermelon Mountain Ranch, Pork and Brew and the new Rio Rancho High School. He was a member of Kiwanis and the Elks Lodge. He even played Santa in the Rio Rancho Christmas parade.

“I know his family is always happy to hear that we keep doing this, so that's great,” Heil said. "And I always get a nice note from his daughter.”

The first “Sunday is Funday” event sprouted in 2006 from a campaign promise for an election that Popper lost.

Popper ran for mayor of Rio Rancho and, during his campaign, raised awareness for the need for a community event that all families could afford.

“Sunday is Funday” was the result.

The 19th edition of Popper’s idea was another fun-filled community party.

“The weather was perfect. And once again, Rio Rancho came together as a community to celebrate who we are as a city,” Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull said. “I just want to say thank you to everybody who participated in Rio Rancho’s 19th annual Sunday is Fun Day this year, and thank you for helping us make it a great success.”

PHOTOS: Mayor's Sunday is Funday 2024

Scenes from the 19th annual Mayor's Sunday is Funday in Haynes Park Aug. 18, 2024.

The show this year featured the traditional mechanical bull, New Mexico National Guard climbing wall and fun jumps. The Haynes Park pool was also open and accessible for free to anyone attending the event.

New attractions this year included the No Limitz Band sharing the stage with youth entertainment groups, and the Childrens Entrepreneur Market, a national organization that promotes future entrepreneurs, joined with the Rio Rancho Kiwanis Club to provide a youth-oriented marketplace.

This family event featured games, music, entertainment, food, vendor booths, a raffle, a silent auction and various activities. The theme this year was Community Unity.

“This is just a great event. We come every year,” Rio Rancho resident Matt Gonzales said. “It’s just nice to get out and enjoy Rio Rancho."

The Mayor’s Kickball Tournament again was held at the park’s north end.

Sold-out vendor spaces housed more than 150 booths for attendees to browse for information, freebies and games. Local nonprofits had their own space with the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Alliance.

“Sunday is Funday” also included fire and police vehicles and a medical helicopter.

The “Mayor’s Sunday is Funday” is sponsored and coordinated by the Rio Rancho Kiwanis Club and partner community service organizations. Proceeds benefit youth programs in Rio Rancho including clothes and food for children in need, Boys and Girls Club and youth leadership programs such as high school Key Clubs.

“The Kiwanis organization did an amazing job, and we are grateful for them and Dave Heil for all the hard work that they did to make this event come off without a hitch,” Hull said. “Tony Popper would be proud right now, because this is exactly what he wanted to see.”