State Parks Director Christy Tafoya, JP Reed, Timothy Reed, Gary Gallegos, Chuck Gallegos, Elena Cargo Reed, and current Villanueva State Park Superintendent John VillanuevaState Parks Director Christy Tafoya, JP Reed, Timothy Reed, Gary Gallegos, Chuck Gallegos, Elena Cargo Reed, and current Villanueva State Park Superintendent John Villanueva

Villanueva, NM – Villanueva State Park celebrated their 50th anniversary Saturday with a music, a car show and a fantastic community turnout.

Park Manager John Villanueva and State Parks Director Christy Tafoya kicked-off the event in front of Cargo Rock by recognizing the families of two prominent figures in Villanueva State Park’s history – former governor David F. Cargo who dedicated the park on October 29, 1967, and Fortunato Gallegos, who was the park’s first superintendent.

“My dad absolutely loved this area and he really wanted to create something special for the community and all the other communities around here,” said Elena Cargo Reed, daughter of late governor David Cargo. “It’s nice to keep this place alive and it’s a great place to visit.”

Director Tafoya also read a proclamation by Governor Susana Martinez proclaiming April 28, 2018 as Villanueva State Park Day in New Mexico.

Director Christy Tafoya presents former governor David Cargo’s daughter Elena Cargo Reed and family with a plaque commemorating Cargo’s dedication of the park 50 years ago.

Villanueva State Park’s first car show had more than 30 entries – all vying for bragging rights and a nice trophy. The winners: David Archuleta won Best Custom with a 1969 Chevy Camaro, Ernie Garcia of Encino, NM, won Best of Show with his 1967 Impala, Mark Rivera won the People’s Choice Award with a 1963 Wildcat Buick, and Eddie Sena won Best Truck with a 1958 Cameo Apache.

Laura McCann taught visitors about the Swainson's hawk during a presentation at Villanueva State Park’s 50thAnniversary celebration

Laura McCann taught visitors about the Swainson's hawk during a presentation at Villanueva State Park’s 50thAnniversary celebration. New Mexico Raptors is a Peralta-based non-profit organization.

Visitors enjoyed music all afternoon by the Martinez Brothers and Sangre de Indo.

Villanueva State Park is the 22nd park in the state’s recreation system.

For more information about Villanueva State Park, call or visit www.nmparks.com.

Conditions are Right for Adventure at New Mexico State Parks!

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.

Villanueva State Park’s first car show had more than 30 entries – all vying for bragging rights and a nice trophy.