FUN IN THE SUN
Scorching temperatures force attendees to seek shady shelter
Summerfest heats up Nob Hill >>
It was a scorcher.
That was the sentiment of many who came to Summerfest Saturday afternoon as the festivities kicked off in Nob Hill.
Over a hundred people dotted Central Avenue and gravitated to any shade they could find or clutched umbrellas as the temperature broke 100 degrees.
Whether it was classic cars, a variety of musical talents, good food, or local art — everyone seemed to have a reason to brave the sweltering sun.
Although the band doing Al Green covers that Diane McCash and her husband Charles came to see had packed up, the couple planned to stay awhile.
“It’s hot as hell,” Diane McCash said as she scooped fast-melting ice crystals out of a paper cup.
Despite the heat, McCash said Summerfest provides a tremendous value for residents.
“It’s community-building,” she said. “The way they highlight local artists, artisans, vendors — just a really great bonding opportunity.”
From under an awning, McCash lamented the lack of shade and removal of the medians and trees along Central avenue for the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system. “They turned Central into a desert,” she said.
The couple said they will wait until later in the day to invite the rest of the family.
“Once the sun goes down they might be interested,” McCash said, with a laugh.
Candy-colored vintage cars adorned the east side of Central while the smells of tacos, barbecue, gyros and a number of foods drifted from a line of food trucks.
Farther down Central, visitors could find bounce houses, two rock walls, tents with face painting and local arts and crafts stretched to the main stage.
J.R. Salazar held an umbrella above his wife Veronica as the two strolled along Central. Despite the heat, both of them were upbeat and happy to be out.
“So far it’s good,” Veronica Salazar said, thankful for the slight breeze carrying across the street. “There’s not very many people.”
The Salazars were on their way to the music, having already checked out their main interest, the car show.
Veronica Salazar said Summerfest is a great way to show off what’s along Route 66 as the “logo” of Albuquerque.
“Everybody gets a chance to see what’s in the Nob Hill area,” J.R. Salazar said.