Plans for the Questa Fiestas are pressing forward, as multiple organizers work together to make the event a success. “We are really working to ensure people can return this year and feel the same community vibe we had last year,” Chairperson Katrina Gonzales says.
Members of the planning committee include Maria Gonzalez, who is responsible for the Princesa and Reina pageant; Alyssah Duran who is responsible for fundraising, and Daniel Cordova, responsible for musical talent. In addition, JoAnn Cisneros is responsible for food vendors and Yolanda Sanchez for craft vendors.
“We are seeing some slow progress from the community. Last year, we had Monte Carlo Grill running the bar, but they’re unable to do it this year, so I am waiting to hear back from the Alley Cantina in Taos to see if they are interested in taking it on,” Gonzales says
The committee is also planning to have a “fun jump” for kids, a horseshoe tournament, and the much anticipated pizza oven vendors from last year. The group is also working with Living Word Ministries, Red River Community Church, and Freedom Church to plan kid-friendly outdoor fun. Gonzales says she is hopeful and anticipates that the Questa Fire and EMS will be running the burger stand again this year.
“We’ve had a few hiccups and it’s been difficult bringing everything together this year, but we keep moving forward. I really want to ensure we continue moving forward and keep this tradition alive,” she says.
When asked what might be beneficial to unite the community in the future, without hesitation, Gonzales points to joining forces with St. Anthony’s Church in Questa. “Historically, the celebration would start with a mass at St. Anthony’s… and then the mayordomos would travel to the Molycorp Fields where the priest would bless the ground before the Fiestas officially commenced,” Gonzales recalls. “That is what brought many together, was the celebration of the feast day of St. Anthony’s… I hope one day we can join together again.”
Right now, Gonzales says she hopes she can gain more buy-in from the community. “I really want our community to come together for this event. This is more than just “the Fiestas.” This is a chance for us to come together, neighbor to neighbor and catch up on life. What is happening in your life? How are you doing? These things make the community stronger, and I sincerely hope we will see our people come together for this event to reconnect.”
If you would like to obtain a vendor permit, you can contact Village Clerk Valerie Vigil at vvigil@villageofquesta.org or by phone at 575-586-0694.
