Roosevelt Chamber cancels 2020 Heritage Days

PORTALES (KSEL)- The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce announced the 2020 Heritage Days celebration has been canceled because of concern over the COVID-19 crisis and public health mandates.

“After a consecutive run of 35 years, we are going to have to take a break this year due to the ongoing pandemic,” said Executive Director Karl Terry.

The event is scheduled the third Saturday in June each year with a street dance on the Friday before. Originally held downtown, the event has been held in City Park and in the Memorial Building for the last couple of decades.

After announcing the event would be postponed until a later time in the summer, the chamber found out that those possible dates already had the Memorial Building booked.

“We are also uncertain and even doubtful at this point whether the restrictions for mass gatherings will be lifted at all this summer,” said Terry.

The event has recently attracted close to 75 vendors and more than 60 classic cars in the Heritage Days Car Show. Portales MainStreet also usually holds the Heritage Days Fun Run in conjunction with the event. That group is still considering whether or not they can reschedule the run later in the summer or fall as a stand-alone event.

“We really appreciate and love all our vendors, car show and parade participants as well as the crowds that have attended this homespun event over the years,” said Terry. “Please know that in making this tough decision we have your health and safety first and foremost in mind.”

The Chamber is still planning for the Peanut Valley Festival Oct. 17-18. The Chamber also hopes to have the community’s annual fireworks display as well but several considerations will have to go into the decision to continue that event.