Sunday is Funday celebrates Rio Rancho’s 35th birthday

Festivities planned at Haynes Park

Rio Ranchoans have an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with fellow residents and celebrate the city’s 35th birthday at the 11th annual Mayor’s Sunday is Funday on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. in Haynes Park.

The event, described by Mayor Gregg Hull as “Rio Rancho’s community picnic,” features a full afternoon of activities.

Things actually get started at 11 a.m. with the Mayor’s Challenge, where teams compete against Hull and his squad in a birthday-themed relay race to win the Tony Popper Memorial Trophy.

Following the competition, children will be able to play freely on the obstacle-course toys and features.

There will be plenty of food and drink offerings. Musical entertainment, which starts at noon, will be provided by the High Desert Jazz Band, a 17-piece band boasting a 1940s repertoire, and the High Desert Pipes and Drums, a bagpipe group that has competed at the World Pipe Championship in Glasgow, Scotland.

Swimming will be available in three sessions in Haynes pool on a first-come, firstserved basis.

There will also be a scavenger hunt with prizes awarded, and a silent auction.

Some items available at the auction include goldplated watches from Harris Jewelers, a rifle from the Rio Rancho Armory, an Eddie Bauer backpack, oneyear-membership in the Rio Rancho Kiwanis, tickets for Disney On Ice from Santa Ana Star Center, pet and beauty supplies, home improvement items, and gift certificates from a wide variety of local businesses.

Many community organizations throughout Rio Rancho will participate in the festivities. Some local groups represented at booths include Girl Scouts, Watermelon Mountain Ranch, A Park Above, Rio Rancho Police Department, St. Felix Pantry and the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society.

There is limited parking around Haynes Park, 2006 Grande Blvd., with much more available in the Intel lot off Westside Boulevard. There will be free shuttle service to and from the Intel lot to the park.

Sunday Is Funday will be accessible to people of all abilities, with paved accessible pathways throughout Haynes Park, handicapped parking at Intel’s parking lot and Roskos Field, and liftequipped shuttle vans to ease transportation. There will be two charging stations for scooters or power chairs, and accessible portable bathrooms. Event schedules and vendor lists will also be available in large, easy-toread print.

Admission is $1 for those 12 and older. Proceeds from the event will support youth programs in Rio Rancho.