Government shutdown prompts local event relocations and cancellations

The annual Wildlife Zone family event, hosted by the Friends of Bosque del Apache, will go on as planned this Saturday—but at a new location. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, facilities at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge are currently closed, prompting organizers to relocate the event to the Socorro Convention Center, 1220 US-60, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 18.

“Due to the government shutdown, we’re not allowed to use the facilities at Bosque del Apache, so we’ve had to pivot and move it to Socorro,” said event organizer JuliaAnna Blomquist.

Despite the change in venue, Blomquist said the event will remain the fun and educational experience families have come to expect. Attendees will receive an activity booklet to collect stamps from various booths focused on wildlife, geology, and nature. Completing enough stations earns participants a prize bag filled with a custom hat, stickers, and educational items.

Highlights include live ambassador animals such as raptors, reptiles, and a prairie dog from Prairie Dog Pals of Albuquerque.

“We really hope people come out, enjoy it, and have fun,” Blomquist said. “It’s going to be very educational and engaging for all families who attend.”

Meanwhile, the 80th Anniversary Trinity Test Observance and Open House scheduled for Saturday, October 18 has been cancelled with no word on when or if it might be rescheduled. Currently the White Sands Missile Range Museum is closed until normal government operations resume.