The Patch
Pumpkin Patch
Kids raced across the field searching for the perfect pumpkin, and the patch quickly became a favorite photo spot.
Community Story
A Fall Afternoon That Brought Sunland Park Together
Pumpkins, costumes, music, and a whole lot of neighbors. Here's a look back at the City of Sunland Park's 1st Annual Fall Festival.
1stannual City Fall Festival
1,000pumpkins in the patch
2local schools supported
5hours of fall fun
The Story
From One Neighborhood to the Whole City
On Saturday, October 17, the Sunland Park Sports Complex filled with families, neighbors, and friends for the City of Sunland Park's 1st Annual Fall Festival. Under clear blue skies and perfect fall weather, families spent the afternoon picking pumpkins, painting, visiting local vendors, and simply enjoying time together.
What began as a cherished neighborhood tradition in Villa Valencia has grown into a celebration for families from every part of Sunland Park. This year, with funding support from the City's governing body and help from community partners, the festival opened its doors to the whole city.
There was something for everyone: a pumpkin patch with 1,000 pumpkins, pumpkin painting under the big tent, food and crafts from local vendors, music, train rides for the little ones, and a costume contest full of creativity.
Highlights
Highlights of the Day
From the pumpkin patch to the stage, the afternoon was packed with moments worth remembering.
Arts and Crafts
Pumpkin Painting
Young artists grabbed a brush and turned their pumpkins into one-of-a-kind creations, from spooky faces to bold, bright designs.
Dress Up
Costume Contest
Clowns, sharks, luchadores, and more. The costume contest showed just how creative Sunland Park families can be.
For the Little Ones
Train Rides
The barrel train kept the youngest festivalgoers smiling as it rolled through the festival grounds.
On Stage
Karate Demonstration
Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 El Paso wowed the crowd with an impressive karate demonstration.
Shop Local
Vendors, Food, and Friends
Local vendors shared delicious food and distinctive crafts, giving families a chance to shop small and support their neighbors.
Sunland Park Sports Complex
1,000 Pumpkins.
One Community.
Our Students
Students Who Showed Up to Serve
Students from Santa Teresa High School's National Honor Society (NHS) volunteered throughout the festival, handing out free water and snacks to keep families refreshed. Their service helped every guest feel welcome and cared for.
Thanks to sponsor donations, both schools will receive funding for student leadership programs.
Santa Teresa High School
National Honor Society members volunteered their afternoon to serve families.
La Unión Elementary
Funds will help purchase an LED digital announcement screen to keep Lions and Lionesses informed throughout the school day.
Behind the Scenes
It Takes a Community
Before the first families arrived, 1,000 pumpkins were unloaded and set out across the field by hand. From setup to cleanup, the festival came together because of the people who showed up to help.
More than anything, the day was about family: giving kids happy memories, spending time with neighbors, and bringing communities across Sunland Park together as one.
Photo Gallery
Scenes From the Fall Festival
Tap any photo to see it larger.
With Gratitude
Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Happen
Our Families and Neighbors
Thank you for coming out, sharing the day, and making the festival what it was.
Student Volunteers
Santa Teresa High School's National Honor Society and La Unión Elementary's Student Council and student body.
Parks and Recreation, City Staff, and Volunteers
For planning, setting up, and running every part of the day.
Local Vendors
For sharing delicious food, distinctive crafts, and your time with our community.
Performers and Partners
Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 El Paso, every costume contest participant, our festival sponsor, and the Sunland Park Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor and City Council
The governing body supported the festival with funding, and Mayor Javier Perea, Mayor Pro Tem Raul T. Telles Jr., and Councilors Alicia Salmon, Maria Burciaga, and Mili Sandoval celebrated alongside residents.
Until Next Time
Thank You, Sunland Park!
From the first pumpkin picked to the last light of sunset, thank you for making the 1st Annual Fall Festival a day to remember. Great things happen when our community comes together.