Community Services/Non-Profits near Bernalillo, NM

“Was at the Elks Lodge, my daughters niece was having her high school celebration there. It was very nice. The people there were also very nice. If I had the chance I would attend another event at the Rio Rancho Elks Lodge.”

“A must see, bucket list experience!Thanks to my friends who live in NM, I was fortunate to experience the 51st International Hot Air Balloon Festival twice during my visit in early October. We woke up at 3a on both days for the short drive to the fiesta grounds, although with all the other cars on the road it was more like a couple of hours waiting in traffic and waiting to park. Still, the excitement in the air was palpable, and worth the lack of sleep to experience "dawn patrol" when the first handful of hot air balloons go up in the dark morning skies.It's also good to go early so you can check out the fiesta merch tent, grab a cup of coffee and a donut before the long lines, and hit the porta potties. After the first time in one, decided to get in the longer line for the flush portables!As the skies lightened, more balloons floated up into the skies creating a colorful skyscape. Cheers accompanied lift off as the crowds shouted their appreciation. The fiesta grounds are huge, so we easily walked 10,000 steps just going from one end to the other but stayed on the grassy lawn rather than by the vendor booths which sold fiesta food (burritos, churros, funnel cakes, fries, etc) and more merchandise.It was all very chaotic, but the mood was generally happy! On the eclipse day, we had on our special glasses to watch the event which was almost surreal. The temps dropped and the skies took on an almost washed out color. It wasn't completely dark because the moon had a ring of fire from the sun peeking behind it. Next year's event is scheduled Oct. 5-13 and is themed "Embrace the Sky" ... highly recommend!”

“This location is very upscale. The interesting thing is that other locations there is a fee to use credit card and this location does not. Makes me wonder if there an effort by goodwill to cater to those they think are more affluent.”