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Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826
Jemez Springs, NM – The National Park Service is looking to expand visitor services at Valles Caldera National Preserve this year by working with local food vendors to offer different New Mexican cuisines.
Currently, there are only light snacks available at the park. This makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive visitor experience, especially to out-of-town visitors arriving at the park in the middle of the day.
In addition to meeting basic visitor needs, local food vendors can enhance Valles Caldera experiences by offering visitors a chance to taste authentic New Mexican cuisine and learn about regional cultures with deep connections to the area.
“Food is a great way to experience a culture,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “New Mexico has a rich tapestry of cultures and some of the best food in the world. We’re looking forward to expanding the experiences available to visitors through new food offerings.”
The park is interested in offering food throughout the entire season, which runs roughly from May 15 through November 15. During the weekends, the park can see more than 300 visitors stop by the Entrance Station. Furthermore, food vendors are being sought for the park’s upcoming special events. The first event, Sopapillas y Estrellas, is July 5. The second planned event, Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta, runs October 5 through the 13.
Anyone interested in offering food in the park must apply for a commercial use authorization and meet U.S. Public Health standards. Please contact Brenda Montoya, the park’s Special Use Permit coordinator at brenda_montoya@nps.gov.
Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 14-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The park is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich cultural history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall.
National Park Service | More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.
Last updated: May 13, 2024