This year’s Oppenheimer Festival was made possible with the generous support of TechSource, Inc. Gathered for a photo at SALA, from left, TechSource Vice President and Managing Director Los Alamos PMO Curtis Christensen, Deputy Director Los Alamos PMO Frank Tarantello, SALA owner Allan Saenz, TechSource Office Administrator Kella Romero and TechSource Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian D’Andrea. Courtesy/SALA
By ALLAN SEINZ
Owner
SALA Los Alamos Events Center
After two weeks of wrapping up the Second Annual Oppenheimer Festival, I am excited to share the highlights and successes of this year’s event, along with the results from the Oppenheimer Festival Explorer Card program!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: TechSource:
This year’s festival was made possible with the generous support of TechSource, Inc., an award-winning organization dedicated to community involvement and employee well-being. Their commitment to investing in Los Alamos and fostering local culture has been instrumental in bringing this festival to life. We are truly grateful to TechSource for their partnership in celebrating our community’s rich history and vibrant spirit.
Oppenheimer Festival 2024 included a range of perspectives on the legacy of the Manhattan Project through a carefully curated lineup of films, documentaries and expert speakers. Courtesy/SALA
Festival Highlights: Diverse Perspectives and New Insights:
The Oppenheimer Festival brought a range of perspectives on the legacy of the Manhattan Project through a carefully curated lineup of films, documentaries and expert speakers. Audiences learned much more about the impact of the atomic bomb, not just from the viewpoint of the scientists, but also from those who experienced its consequences firsthand.
Oppenheimer Festival 2024 attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in intimate discussions with Larry Sheffield following the premiere of his documentary Atomic Rocketeer. Courtesy/SALA
Successful Premieres and Screenings:
Our festival opened with the premiere of Larry Sheffield’s documentary Atomic Rocketeer, which explores Wernher Von Braun’s wartime rocketry and its crucial role in shaping America’s post-war space ambitions. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in intimate discussions with Larry Sheffield, who inspired many with his passion for documentary storytelling and his dedication to capturing the rich history of New Mexico.
Historic premiere of First We Bombed New Mexico. Courtesy/SALA
We also hosted the historic premiere of First We Bombed New Mexico, where audiences were moved by the powerful narrative brought forth by Lois Lipman and Tina Cordova. This screening sparked meaningful dialogue on the human cost of scientific advancement and the ongoing fight for justice and recognition for those affected by the Trinity nuclear test.
Local and regional media coverage of Oppenheimer Festival 2024. Courtesy/SALA
Audience Engagement:
The festival caught the attention of local and regional media, including Santa Fe New Mexican, Albuquerque Journal, and KOAT, drawing visitors from cities like Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Corrales and Albuquerque. Our combined efforts in social media promotion, local news coverage, and advertising successfully brought new faces to Los Alamos to experience the history and stories that shaped our town.
Oppenheimer Festival Explorer Cards. Courtesy/SALA
Engagement and Exploration with the Festival Explorer Card:
One of the highlights of the festival was the Oppenheimer Festival Explorer Card, which encouraged both locals and visitors to explore Los Alamos, discover our local gems, and engage with the town’s rich history. Participants eagerly tracked their points by visiting historic locations, participating in tours, and supporting local businesses.
These adventures not only provided valuable educational experiences but also fostered connections between visitors and our vibrant local community. Participants redeemed their points for fantastic prizes, and the initiative successfully drove increased traffic to our local businesses, helping them thrive during the festival.
Oppenheimer Festival 2024 winners, First Place Patricia Fisher with 524.36 points, Second Place Christine Smith with 497.79 points and Third Place Patricia Rathbone with 438 points. Courtesy/SALA
Grand Prize Winners:
- First Place: Patricia Fisher with 524.36 points
- Second Place: Christine Smith with 497.79 points
- Third Place: Patricia Rathbone with 438 points
Grand Prizes Included:
- 1st Place: Annual VIP SALA Membership, dining vouchers, games, books, and more.
- 2nd Place: Annual SALA Personal Membership, Oppenheimer merchandise, and dining vouchers.
- 3rd Place: SALA Movie Passes, book prizes, games, and other exciting items.
Thank You to Our Participating Businesses:
- Bradbury Science Museum
- Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op
- Gadgets Museum Shop @ The Bradbury Science Museum
- L.A. COOP Market and Art Tunnel
- Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse
- Mesa Top Games and Toys
- Beehaus
- Film Festival
- Muy Salsas
- Sugar and Cream Cafe
- Encanto Bistro
- Friction Ridge
- Señor Tortas
Looking Ahead: Immersive Festival 2025
We can’t wait to begin planning next year’s festival! The third Oppenheimer Festival promises to offer a new, immersive experience that builds on the success of this year’s event. We invite you to get involved and be a part of this exciting journey!
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and contributed to making this year’s Oppenheimer Festival an unforgettable success. Your support helps us celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of Los Alamos.