SALA NEWS RELEASE

On Saturday, August 16, the Oppenheimer Festival 2025 kicks off with a free, family-friendly community event — the Walk to Restore the House. Beginning at SALA Event Center, participants will make their way through historic downtown Los Alamos to the Oppenheimer House, guided by Todd Nickols and the team from the Los Alamos Historical Society.

Along the route, the walk will feature special stops hosted by Historical Society team members and local groups:

Romero Cabin – A Historical Society guide will share the history of one of the oldest preserved structures in the community.

Los Alamos Demonstration Garden – Insights from the Los Alamos Master Gardener Association, who maintain the downtown demonstration garden, sharing the living history and plant life of Los Alamos.

Public Statues – Learn the stories and symbolism behind the town’s historic sculptures.

Rose Garden – The Garden Club will speak about the origins and care of this cherished landmark.

The walk concludes at the Oppenheimer House, where Todd Nickols will speak about the home’s legacy and the current campaign to restore and open it to the public. At 9:30 a.m., the Hillstompers will perform on-site to help raise awareness for the preservation effort.

“I hope the Oppenheimer House can open its doors to the public. We need to create awareness to bring it back to life,” said Allan Saenz, SALA Event Center owner and Oppenheimer Festival organizer.

Participants are encouraged to donate directly to the restoration campaign via the Los Alamos Historical Society’s website.