More than 25 people attended a meeting Sept. 13 evening at the Posse Lodge to discuss the formation of a rodeo and fair committee and to determine if there is community interest in 4-H and livestock showing.

The meeting was organized by Daniel and Kirsty Archuleta and included Brendan Tuning of Los Alamos Parks and Recreation, Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Agent Carlos Valdez and James Whitehead, president of the Los Alamos Stable Owners Association.

The group discussed the possibility of creating a board similar to the LASOA or a sub-committee to the Parks and Recreation Board. Valdez spoke about the need to promote 4-H within the community and announced that enrollment for the new 4-H year will begin in October. Several people at the meeting expressed an interest in both indoor and livestock 4-H projects, including showing poultry and rabbits. Rio Arriba County Fair Association has approved the participation of youth from Los Alamos County who are enrolled in 4-H and have a livestock project to show their animal at the 2018 Rio Arriba County Fair.

Many attendees expressed a desire to help preserve the strong Western heritage of the area by providing opportunities with horses and livestock to the next generation. It was noted that rodeo is a dying sport but that interest in roping is skyrocketing. It was suggested that a community spirit be developed at the stable area in an effort to provide more horse-related activities for local youth such as gymkhanas, barrel-racing, youth rodeos, goat roping and ladies’ dummy roping.

“I would like to thank everyone that came out for the meeting. I appreciated all the great input from everyone and personally learned more about that kind of interests are out there. I feel we can come together and preserve the heritage of the stable and arena life,” Daniel Archuleta said.

The next meeting is slated for 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at a yet to be determined location. For more information, call 505.920.4770.