New Mexico State Police crack down on underage drinking at Boots in the Park
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – In just over a year, a newer country music concert series has drawn big crowds to Balloon Fiesta Park, and police say that same event is one they're watching for underage drinking. With a sold-out crowd, 'Boots in the Park' was brought back for a second time to Albuquerque last month. While Balloon Fiesta is used to handling big crowds, there's one element police say makes a big concert series more difficult. 'Unfortunately, when there is big crowds like this and alcohol, there is going to be those few in the crowd,' said New Mexico State Police Public Information Officer Amanda Richards.
Story continues below
Trending: Rio Rancho High baseball player accused of urinating in water jug no longer faces charges
News: VIDEO: Albuquerque man accused of killing 14 dogs denies accusations
Environment: Researcher explains why earthquakes are rattling parts of New Mexico
New Mexico State Police issued 12 citations at the park for underage drinking, with teens using fake IDs or, in some cases, getting adults to buy alcohol for them.
In response, the event organizer sent KRQE News 13 a statement saying: 'Activated Events enforces strict alcohol safety at all festivals through trained bartenders, dedicated ID specialists, and multi-layered age checks. We work closely with local authorities to exceed regulations, reflecting our commitment to responsible service and festival attendee safety.'
'I think it's always possible, right, it's a collaboration between law enforcement, we are there trying to do our part, but it's also up to the alcohol servers as well, right to make sure that there is responsible serving of alcohol as well,' said Richards.
While 12 citations may not seem like a big deal compared to the size of the crowd, they know they can't catch everyone. 'It can lead to other things like DWIs or fights or other things like that. Alcohol can have some lasting consequences,' said Richards.
They are prepared to make changes if the trend continues. 'If this continues to grow, then of course, State Police will step up and do our part to keep the crowds safe so this event can still be enjoyable to the public,' said Richards.
Activated Events said they're planning on bringing 'Boots in the Park' back for 2026, but no dates have been set yet.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Authorities seeking wildfire equipment stolen from New Mexico Forestry Division
Jun. 27—New Mexico State Police is asking for the public's help in recovering wildfire equipment worth $180,000 that was stolen earlier this month from the state Forestry Division. The thefts occurred as several wildfires burned thousands of acres in the southern part of the state. "The loss of this equipment absolutely made things worse for firefighters and responders on incidents this week and the week before," said George Ducker, spokesman for the division. "We spent a lot of time sourcing, purchasing and building the equipment ourselves." The stolen equipment includes two white utility box trailers, a red Kubota tractor, a black open utility trailer and a Camp-In-A-Box, which contains necessary equipment for setting up overnight camps during wildland fires, the department said. State Police said the thefts occurred on June 7 and 8, when security footage captured a Black Chevrolet Tahoe accessing the Forest Division depot on Richards Avenue in Santa Fe on three separate occasions. The facility's gates were locked and no personnel were on site at the time. The Forestry Division has been working with State Police to recover the equipment, but the division has no leads at this time. In the past month, New Mexico has experienced multiple wildfires, including two that torched over 100,000 acres in and around the Gila National Forest and the Desert Willow Complex Fire that burned 10 homes and injured several firefighters in Los Lunas. Of the items stolen, the Camp-In-A-Box, would have been the most helpful to have during the wildfires, Ducker said, and "certainly would have been used in the last week." "I don't know what goes through the minds of folks who want to steal this kind of equipment," Ducker said. "Whoever did this clearly doesn't care about who they impact, and they don't care about the downstream effects of something like this." State Police spokesperson Amanda Richards said that while the investigation is ongoing, authorities are asking the public to provide any information that could help. "Investigations are complex and they take time... but at this point it doesn't hurt to ask the public for their help," Richards said. Anyone with information regarding the theft is encouraged to contact State Police officer Edward Quintana at 505-425-6771.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Consulting company hired to create plan to redevelop New Mexico State Fairgrounds
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made it clear she's eyeing the State Fairgrounds for a possible major redevelopment project. Now, we're getting closer at finding out if that will happen with the state now hiring a company tasked with making a master plan on the possibility. 'It's a passionate issue, people have strong feelings, we want to turn the heat down and look at the facts,' said Martin Chavez, spearheading the State Fair Initiative. Story continues below Trending: Consulting company hired to create plan to redevelop New Mexico State Fairgrounds KRQE Investigates: Former APD officer tied to DWI scandal now working in Durango KRQE Investigates: 'DWI King' cashing in while his cases crumble Entertainment: Why is New Mexico a Netflix production hub? Figuring out if the State Fair needs to move from the middle of Albuquerque is the question, now underway for the former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez and a major consulting firm. The state on Wednesday announced Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. has the contract to create a master plan for the fairgrounds that's expected to detail all the potential options, including what can or can't be built on the property. 'We anticipate a range of options from this contractor, including keeping the fair where it is, building the fair up, moving the fair, doing all in-fill, mixed-use mixed-income, building a $400 million arena, and creating an entertainment district in that part of Albuquerque,' said Chavez. Chavez is spearheading the governor's initiative and says community meetings and economic analysis will be a part of it. The idea of a revamp for the 236-acre site sparked in December, but Chavez said nothing has been or will be decided until the master plan is finished. He adds that the project is also majorly focused on Albuquerque's revitalization. 'The target isn't the fairgrounds, the target is the neighborhoods around it and something to change the trajectory of that part of Albuquerque because right now it's not going in the right direction,' said Chavez. City councilor Nicole Rogers said she hopes the fair will stay in her district, and the master plan can detail improvements to the area. 'For me, this is just an opportunity for us to dream big about what's possible and I know from my constituents, like most folks want it to stay in the neighborhood and so let's see how we can activate it and modernize it,' said Nicole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor for District 6. The consulting firm the state hired will get over $800,000 for the master plan. Chavez said they'll have a six-month window to finalize their work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
New Mexico Supreme Court orders a pause in the trial for two former firefighters accused of rape
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The rape trial against two former Albuquerque firefighters was scheduled to last all week, but has now been put on pause while the New Mexico Supreme Court determines whether the charges against them are valid. Aden Heyman and Anthony Martin are accused of sexually abusing a woman while off duty at a party. Story continues below Trending: Consulting company hired to create plan to redevelop New Mexico State Fairgrounds KRQE Investigates: Former APD officer tied to DWI scandal now working in Durango KRQE Investigates: 'DWI King' cashing in while his cases crumble Entertainment: Why is New Mexico a Netflix production hub? Investigators said Heyman, Martin and another former firefighter, Angel Portillo, took turns raping the woman in Martin's home before she escaped out of a window. Wednesday morning, Judge Britt Baca informed the court about the supreme court's decision. The jury has been put in recess until Friday, but as of now there is no mistrial. The supreme court is reviewing a claim by the defense, alleging the grand jury that indicted the defendants, did so based on flawed instructions by the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
