Las Golondrinas Board Member to Receive Community Award
According to Main Street director Michael Peranteau, Affeldt demonstrated the best traits of entrepreneurship, creating local jobs and demonstrating care for Las Vegas’ historic architecture and culture through his major renovations at two hotels.
“Allan is the perfect candidate for this award,” said Peranteau. “From the Plaza Hotel to the amazing La Castañeda, no one person in recent memory has been a better example of what a truly great entrepreneur can be.”
At the gala, Las Golondrinas will present to La Castañeda a framed replica of the U.S. Army regimental flag of the “Rough Riders,” the unit that made the famous charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba during the 1898 Spanish-American War. As a result, Rough Riders from the territory helped earn statehood for New Mexico. The first reunion of the famed unit was held at the Castaneda Hotel in 1899, led by their commander, then New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt, before he became president of the United States.
“Our giving the flag not only honors the service and sacrifice of New Mexicans, but also shows our appreciation for the restoration of the historic La Castañeda,” said Daniel Goodman, Las Golondrinas museum director.
Funds for the flag presentation were received in a special grant to Las Golondrinas.
Main Street de Las Vegas is a nonprofit that promotes economic development with an historic preservation ethic.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas, The Southwest’s Premier Living History Museum attracts more than 52,000 visitors annually in Santa Fe with its 34 historic buildings and farm fields on 200 scenic acres.
Tickets for the MainStreet Las Vegas September 21 gala, from 6–10 p.m. at the Castaneda Hotel, are available at $75 each from the MainStreet Las Vegas, N.M., Facebook page.