Place: Young Park

Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Person interviewed: Kathleen Albers, Executive Director, Doña Ana Arts Council

How this site benefits you and your community: Young Park has been absolutely essential to the success of the Renaissance Faire, now going on its 47th year. As the largest cultural event in southern New Mexico, the Faire is a fundraiser not only for the Doña Ana Arts Council but for about 50 other nonprofits. Every year, this event raises approximately $50,000 for the Arts Council. Each participating nonprofit typically raises $1,000 to $2,000 through their sales. We are grateful for the Land and Water Conservation Fund that helped create this park because of the beautiful rolling hills and the lake are iconic to our event. The lake is the birthplace of Magellan the Dragon, a popular draw for the Faire.

Artists from all over the country come here year after year because of this gorgeous setting. This faire features activities for families, incredible art, wonderful food, and entertainment, providing memorable experiences for all. Attendance at the Faire ranges from 12,000-15,000 people each year, which translates to people staying in hotels, spending money at our businesses, and eating at our restaurants. This is tremendous and something that we are proud of. The Renaissance Faire wouldn’t be here without Young Park.