Lynn and Tom Long ( Pajarito Mountain), Mia Casados (Los Alamos County Community Services Department), and Patricia Burnside, Allan Saenz, and Magaly Veleta (SALA Event Center} were celebrated for their nominations at the annual Top HAT awards ceremony. SALA received the award for Best New Experience. Photo Courtesy LAC
COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos County is thrilled to announce the “Oppenheimer Festival,” held annually at SALA Event Center, was named the 2024 New Mexico Top HAT (Hospitality and Tourism) Award Winner for Best New Experience on November 20. In addition, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and the Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series were also honored as finalists. The annual awards ceremony, presented by the New Mexico Hospitality Association, honors excellence in elevating New Mexico’s tourism and lodging industries.
The “Oppenheimer Festival”, which debuted in 2023 in conjunction with the world premiere of
the movie “Oppenheimer” as part of the County’s Project Oppie Initiative, celebrates the legacy
of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” and the pivotal role Los Alamos
played during the Manhattan Project. Hosted by SALA Event Center, the now annual Festival
features film screenings, panel discussions, art exhibits, and live performances. The Festival’s
innovative approach to connecting the past with the present has quickly made it a cornerstone
event, drawing visitors and locals alike to reflect on the profound historical contributions of Los
Alamos. The Top HAT award states:
Best New Experience: Oppenheimer Festival – Recognized for its innovative celebration
of J. Robert Oppenheimer and Los Alamos’ profound historical legacy, this festival at
SALA Event Center combined history, science, and culture to create a one-of-a-kind
experience.
“We are truly honored to receive the New Mexico Hospitality Association’s award for Best New
Experience in New Mexico, recognizing our second annual Festival,” owner of SALA Event
Center Allan Saenz said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2024 sponsor TechSource for
their trust in the Festival, which made it all possible. This award is dedicated to our incredible team—including our talented young staff members—whose passion and hard work brought this event to life.”
Other events in the county honored as finalists for this year’s awards include:
Outstanding Attraction: Pajarito Mountain Ski Area – Celebrated for its breathtaking
scenery and thrilling slopes, Pajarito Mountain continues to be a premier destination for
outdoor recreation, attracting adventurers year-round for outdoor activities, including
events, races, concerts, and more.
Outstanding Event: Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series – Honored for its enduring community impact, this beloved free series brings live music, vibrant energy, and a sense of togetherness to the heart of Los Alamos every summer.
“These recognitions are a testament to the creativity and dedication of everyone involved in
showcasing the unique experiences that make Los Alamos County a premier destination,” said
Ellyn Felton, Los Alamos County Marketing Specialist. “We are proud to see these efforts
celebrated at the state level.”
The 2024 Top HAT Awards Gala took place in Albuquerque, bringing together leaders and
innovators from across the state for an evening of celebration and recognition.
For more information about visiting Los Alamos County and its award-nominated attractions,
visit visitlosalamos.org.