Scenes From SALA Event Center’s Third Anniversary Celebration Wednesday

SALA Event Center owner Allan Saenz, far right, with his wife Christa and their son pose with Santa Claus Wednesday evening during the third anniversary of the Center. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

SALA Event Center’s third anniversary celebration drew a crowd of friends and supporters Wednesday evening who enjoyed dinner, dessert and a hot chocolate bar as well as a visit/photo op with Santa Claus. In one of the theaters prior ro showing ‘The Polar Express’ owner Allan Saenz said it is hard now to believe that the location was closed.

“Imagine again, no movies, no popcorn, no events like this one. Again it feels like a long time ago – an empty building in Los Alamos with the doors closed. Every time I come to SALA, I think it’s so nice to have a movie theater in Los Alamos,” Saenz said.

He recalled coming to the Reel Deal with his family.to watch movies.

“Then after COVID, I came here with Jim O’Donnell, the previous owner, and we walked into this empty space and it was empty. It started the dream of what if we bring movies back.to Los Alamos That is how it started and now three years have passed and thanks to you, our members – that believe in this dream as well – we have this space open,” Saenz said. “We watch many stories on the big screen and some of those stories make us laugh and some make us cry but they make us dream as kids as well. I want to say, thank you for being a member and supporting this project. We could not have done it without you guys.”

Saenz thanked his team saying this could not happen without their awesome work. He noted that the current team is the best so far and that he has known some of them since they were in first or second grade, Now they have jobs here in this community, he said, and there is an opportunity for jobs for many teens to come.

“SALA is more than just movies. We have been able to make some changes in the theaters that allow us now to do fundraising, festivals, birthday parties, meetings – there’s a lot of community space. It is not just about having all these events for the community and watching all these movies, it’s that these events are making moments and stories for the community. From kids that come in their pyjamas to watch movies, to classics, to a safe space for for teens to come – it’s all those stories that SALA is creating,” Saenz said.

He thanked the sponsors that have been bringing in funding to help keep “this community hub alive”. He noted that in 2026, there will be changes to the lobby area to accommodate the service of beer and wine, plus additional food options. Work will also continue on the immersive theater space and there are plans to improve the heating and fix the roof.

“As we celebrate three years, we will watch ‘The Polar Express’ – a movie about believing. Thank you for believing so that we can have this space for the community,” Saemz said.

To find out more about SALA activities and membership options, go to the SALA Los Alamos Event Center website sala.losalamos.com.

Email: sala@losalamos.com or call 505-412-6030.