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OPINION
Letters to the Editor
March 19, 2026
A “fair” property for our county and youth
Editor:
An exciting and totally positive event has happened for Valencia County. On Friday, March 6, at the special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners resolution 2026-18 was unanimously approved.
What’s so special about that? Well, Resolution 2026-18 approves an agreement between Valencia County and the Valencia Fair Management Company Inc. for the county to take control of the property surrounding the fairgrounds area to build a state of the art “expo center” with sports and recreation fields. Capital outlay funds are already available for the first stages of the project.
Twenty-plus years ago, when I moved to our county and attended my first county fair, I was so impressed by the variety of animals being exhibited. Beautiful chickens and pheasants, all kinds of rabbits, various goats, a 4-H dog show and, of course, all of the 4-H livestock.
When I drove around the county, I saw llamas and horses of all breeds, donkeys and mules. The Valencia Valley Kennel Club was putting on two days of AKC all breed dog shows, obedience trials and other tests for titles that attracted between 800-1,000 entries. The VCNB featured the internationally competitive Arabian horses bred by Sonrisa Farms in Peralta. I visited the Dahl sheep breeder in Belen and met chorro sheep at a local event.
With such depth of variety, so many county residents involved with so many animals that are so important to their lives, clearly, we needed an attractive, state of the art expo-center to host the many competitive events and shows that occur nationally for all of these various types of animals. Clubs holding these events have a difficult time finding suitable venues.
Well, now Valencia County will have the perfect venue, conveniently located and “built to suit.” I anticipate that our county commission will be seeking input from everyone who participates in “animal shows,” dog-cat, pigeons, poultry, rabbits, halter horse events, etc., as well as performance events for information on what is needed to create an inviting, safe environment to host these events.
So, be sure to get in touch with your county commissioner or the county manager to be informed as the project moves forward.
And, since people are so quick to complain, maybe say thanks to our commissioners and the Valencia County Fair Board members who negotiated this agreement for all of us.
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Gail Goodman, EdD.
Los Lunas
A treasured building
Editor:
There is currently some discussion about the historic Raymond Gabaldon Elementary school in Los Lunas.
Specifically, to restore it or demolish it. The school is a WPA project built in 1938. It has features similar to the school in Santa Rosa and Tomé before that historic school was demolished.
To my understanding there are about 10 acres housing several portables, the main school and a gym. The structure is constructed of adobe/terron and is of sound standing. This school, like other WPA project buildings, hold historic, symbolic and treasured memories.
It is worth saving and possibly some aspects can be repurposed as is the Santa Rosa school. To those making the decision about how to proceed, please do not make the mistakes some communities have made when destroying historic sites.
The Belen church comes to mind. The old school on the plaza in Tomé as well as the WPA grade school in Tomé. These buildings held communities together. They were a focal point and landmarks that cannot be replaced.
Public input is important and alumni of this school have to be informed as to the future of this important historic site.
Rita Padilla-Gutierrez
Tomé
