San Luis Cultural Preservation Fund

Sponsored by: Non-profit Costilla County Economic Development Council

The number of small businesses that fail in their first few years of operation is staggering.  If a business can stay open for 25 years, it is considered a great success.  Imagine a small, family-run grocery store celebrating its 150th year in business! In 1857 Dario Gallegos, one of the early settlers in Colorado, started a mercantile business in San Luis.  The store quickly became a hub of the community.  Despite two devastating fires and economic hardship in Costilla County, one of the poorest counties in the state, the store has remained opened and operated by the direct descendants of Dario Gallegos for one hundred and fifty years!

 

R&R Market is currently owned and operated by Felix G. Romero, Dario’s great-great-grandson, and it is now the oldest continuous business inColorado, located in the oldest town in the state. On June 30, 2007 the people of San Luis will celebrate this great achievement in Colorado history.  The historical town celebration will include: a historical presentation, a chili cook-off, poster and color contest for the students of San Luis, cultural music by “Mariachi San Luis” an art fair presented by local traditional and contemporary artists.

We need support to help sponsor a memorable anniversary event. This is an opportunity for you, your organization or your company to be recognized as a community supporter of something truly remarkable.  All sponsor donations and contributions will be listed in an event publication and posted on the “San Luis Cultural Preservation Fund” website.

 

This fund is being sponsored by the Costilla County Economic Development Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Every penny left over from the 150th anniversary event will be used to preserve the culture, history, and land in San Luis.

Thank you for your support and consideration in what will be an exciting and proud day for the people of San Luis, the San Luis Valley and the state of Colorado.

All contributions should be sent to:

“San Luis Cultural Preservation Fund”

P.O. Box 422, San Luis, CO. 81152

Please contact me to further discuss how your business or organization can participate in supporting this event.   I can be reached at 303-482-1607 or Lennellg@hotmail.com

Sincerely,

Lennell Gallegos-Ramos (Great-great-granddaughter of Dario Gallegos)