The annual South Valley Pride Day returned in late April for the first time since the pandemic began.
It was held at the Westside Community Center, KOB 4 reported.
South Valley Pride Day occurred every year for a decade before the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event for the last two years. Its return after a long absence created a festive occasion.
"I'm a South Valley guy all my life," Larry Gallegos, Bernalillo County spokesperson, told KOB 4. "The South Valley is just a very unique place. The people here are very prideful of what we do and what we have, and so we like to just kind of show it off and let people come down and try the food. The entertainment's going to be great."
Gallegos said there were approximately 40 vendors on-site and more than 60 entries in the parade. In addition, 10 outstanding citizens were honored for their service to the community.
"Back in 2020, we actually had picked our outstanding citizens and they didn't get to have it, so we're gonna bring them up also and give them a chance to be celebrated," Gallegos said.
Albert Lopez and his wife Deborah both grew up in the South Valley; they were delighted that the celebration resumed.
"What I like about the South Valley is enjoying the relationships with people and making sure that we support the area, the farmers, and all the natural areas in the South Valley," Deborah said.
