The 100 Days of Summer kicked off May 26 and runs through Sept. 8. Los Alamos County Image“There’s nothing to do” is a commonly stated phrase, especially in small towns. The Los Alamos County Community Services Department is striving to prove this statement wrong through its 100 Days of Summer Program.
The program kicked off May 26 during the Los Alamos County Summer Concert; its purpose is to educate locals on the multitude of local programs and activities in town so they will stay in the County rather than venture elsewhere in search of things to do.
To accomplish this objective, 100 Days of Summer Program Guides, along with 100 Days of Summer Program cards and a card with a bucket list of ideas, are available at various County facilities as well as the visitor centers in town. These County facilities include the aquatic center, Los Alamos Golf Course, Mesa Public Library, the White Rock branch library and the municipal building.
People can study up on the various local programs and events, participate in various local activities and fill out the program card. If the completed card is returned to any County facility, the participant will be entered into a chance to win a “staycation.” This prize will feature a gift collection of items from various local businesses.
The drawing for the “staycation” will happen during the Sept. 8 summer concert. It is unnecessary to be present to win.
Some of the events and programs listed in the guide are fairly well-known such as the outdoor Farmer’s Market and summer concert series. Others may surprise people such as the field trips the Fuller Lodge Art Center is planning to Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu as well as fly-fishing lessons at the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Additionally, residents can take part in the #100AHA Moments Photo Contest. People are encouraged to take pictures throughout the summer of different sites in Los Alamos and post them on Instagram with the hashtag #100AHA Moments. Every week the County will select its favorites and post them on the County’s Instagram page: @LOSALAMOSCOUNTY. Participants will also be entered in the drawing for the “staycation.”
Kirsten Bell, management analyst with the County’s Community Services Department, added the idea was to create a central hub for the different programs and events in the community.
“The overall vision is to get people out and be active. We have a lot of assets, a lot of programs, a lot of events,” said Visual Information Specialist in the County’s Communications and Public Relations Department Leslie Bucklin.
Plus, she said the 100 Days of Summer ties into the County’s new branding initiative and invites the community to get involved in the initiative.
Community Services Department Director Brian Brogan said the program not only shows locals what’s offered in Los Alamos but also helps residents communicate that to tourists.
Since the program kicked off, enthusiasm has been strong. Bell said, “People are really excited.” She added the summer program will hopefully kick off many other similar programs. “We’re launching it and seeing where it goes,” Bell said.
LACDC Communications Director Ryn Herrmann appreciates the direction the County is taking. “This particular piece was put together by the County. I think it’s an excellent piece for locals and shows how there is so many different things going on and addresses everyone’s tastes,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that the County did.”
For more information about the 100 Days of Summer Program, e-mail the Community Services Department at CSD@lacnm.us.
