Native American Pavilion to Feature Demonstrations by Area Artists
ALBUQUERQUE NM—One of the first things people consider when heading to a very large public event is traffic, parking and access to all that is going on. And, the big question, “What kind of food will they have?” For months the Centennial Summerfest planning team has been working to ensure that the event offers great solutions to those questions.
First, getting there will be less stressful for those who choose public transportation. The event begins at Noon and runs until 9:30 p.m. If you are coming from north or south, the Rail Runner will have an extended schedule to ensure that all riders are able to relax and enjoy the trip. With the downtown station just a short two blocks from the east end of the event at 3rd and Central Avenue, access couldn’t be easier. For a complete Rail Runner Centennial Summerfest schedule, visit www.ABQSummerfest.com and click on Transportation & Parking.
For those within the Albuquerque area, two ABQ Ride Park & Ride locations will provide bus service direct to the event. From the east, the UNM Football Stadium at University Blvd. and Avenida César Chávez will offer plenty of parking with drop-off/pickup at the PNM Building on Silver between 4th and 5th Streets. From the west, the K-Mart at Central Ave. and Atrisco will offer parking and regular service to Central Ave. between 8th and 10th Streets.
Once visitors have arrived, another transportation service will be available for those who do not wish to walk the entire event. ABQ Trolley will be making continuous loops around the event on Copper Ave. (one block north of Central) and Gold Ave. (one block south of Central). Pick up locations on both streets are at 3rd, 5th and 7th Streets.
Those who choose to drive to the event should prepare for greatly increased traffic. Paid City parking will be available at the Acropolis (220 Copper Ave. NW), Civic Plaza (3rd & Marquette NW), the Convention Center (MLK at Broadway NE), 2nd and Gold SW (near Century Theatres), and 5th and Copper NW. Many downtown parking areas will be designated for performers, exhibitors, vendors and volunteers and will not offer public access.
Once there, a veritable feast awaits the visitor! Starting with the Food Court on Central Ave. between 2nd and 3rd, a variety of delicious taste treats will tempt the most discerning palate: dinners including meat loaf, pot roast, chicken, and pasta; gourmet burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and more; a large selection of ice cream flavors from Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery; plus gourmet coffees and shaved ice.
On Central and 3rd, the Hispanic Heritage Stage and Pavilion will feature a menu of authentic New Mexican foods. At the World Beat Stage and Pavilion, fresh sushi and Italian fare will bring an international flavor. At Central and 5th, the Native American Stage and Pavilion will be serving fry bread, Indian tacos and buffalo burgers on fry bread.
For a bit of nostalgia, visit the Rock and Rockabilly Stage and Pavilion located at 5th and Central to try the turkey and beef TV dinners with mashed potatoes-a great memory for grownups raised in the “50s and ’60s. An ice cream parlor offering soda fountain treats will fit right in with the diner décor.
At the Central and 7th Street location of the Office of African American Affairs Juneteenth Stage and Pavilion the aroma of Mr. Powdrell’s BBQ and great Southern cooking will draw in the crowds to taste the family recipes that have delighted several generations of Albuquerqueans. And at the “100 for 100″ Art Show on 7th Street north of Central, a menu of aqua fresca, shaker salads, fruit cups and more will please those who want lighter fare.
Robinson Park (Central between 8th and 10th) will feature the Territorial Village. And what could be more fitting than a real chuck wagon featuring a matanza-delicious pork prepared the traditional way?
In addition to the large food court and themed offerings from each Pavilion, there will be beverage stations staged along the route, and ice cream cart vendors strolling Central Avenue. One thing is certain, there is no excuse for leaving Centennial Summerfest hungry!
And, as visitors stroll up and down Central enjoying the music, exhibits, art, Science & Technology and more, they can find protection from the sun at the Information Booths located on Central Ave. between 2nd and 3rd Streets, and between 7th and 8th Streets. Centennial Summerfest commemorative caps and pins can be purchased there, as well as sunblock.
Centennial Summerfest is New Mexico’s largest Centennial celebration and features six different stages and pavilions along Central Avenue, a vintage car show, “100 for 100 Art Market” featuring art from throughout the state, food vendors, a Science & Technology Center and much more.
The event begins at Noon and the pavilions will close at 6 p.m. when the Main Stage becomes the focal point for the evening. The opening acts on the Main Stage at 3rd and Central include popular country singer Will Banister, and Native American Grammy®-winning flute player Robert Mirabal. At 8 p.m. the multiple Grammy-winning band Los Lobos will take the stage to rock the night away until the close of Centennial Summerfest at 9:30 p.m.
Centennial Summerfest is a collaborative effort between the City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor, and Bernalillo County. Sponsors for the event are Century Link, Coca-Cola, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the Albuquerque Journal, Cumulus Media, KRQE News 13 and 2 KASA Fox. This event is produced by the City’s Cultural Services Department. For additional details on all City cultural events, visit www.cabq.gov/cultural-services or call 311. TTY users call 711.




