Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Aug. 3 Remembrances
Organizations throughout El Paso will mark the five-year anniversary of the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart that claimed 23 lives and injured 22 others. The city of El Paso and various community partners will host a series of commemorative events to honor the victims and promote community resilience. Below is a roundup of events planned this week.
For a complete list of Aug. 3 tribute events, visit epstrong.org.
Sunday, July 28-Saturday, Aug. 3
Unite with Light
When: 8:30 p.m. daily.
Description: Community members are encouraged to light porches or windows with orange lights each evening in honor of the Aug. 3 victims. Various landmarks and buildings will be illuminated orange in remembrance including public art installations located along Interstate 10 and Airway Boulevard, and near the Abraham Chavez Theatre.
Monday, July 29-Friday, Aug. 2
City Hall Tribute
When, where: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., City Hall, 300 N. Campbell St.
Description: A tribute display in the foyer of the City Council chambers featuring photographs of the 23 victims of the Aug. 3, 2019, Walmart shooting.
Thursday, Aug. 1
City Hall Blood Drive
When, where: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., City Hall, 300 N. Campbell St.
Description: Vitalant and the city of El Paso encourage the public to donate blood in honor of the victims.
Friday, Aug. 2
El Paso Zoo Blood Drive
When, where: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
Description: Vitalant and the city of El Paso encourage the public to donate blood in honor of the victims.
Anti-Defamation League Panel Discussion
When, where: 5:30-7 p.m., Philanthropy Theatre, 125 Henry Trost Court.
Description: The Anti-Defamation League will host a panel discussion titled “Remembering August 3rd: Memory, Trauma & Extremism,” moderated by KFOX-TV anchor Robert Holguin. Panelists include Dena Marks, law enforcement liaison for ADL Southwest; Bob Moore, president and CEO of El Paso Matters; and Elizabeth Robles, licensed trauma and grief therapist. The event aims to address the impact of the shooting and the ongoing fight against hate and extremism. Registration is required for attendance.
‘Acts of Kindness: The El Paso Play’
When, where: 7 p.m., El Paso Energy Auditorium, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza. Shows are also scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Aug 3-4.
Description: Playwright Gregory Ramos, moved by the sorrow he felt after the Aug. 3 tragedy, responded by using art to heal. His play was developed through about 100 interviews with El Paso residents in the aftermath of the tragedy. Directed by Adriana Dominguez and Samantha Michelle Nava, the play features six actors performing multiple roles that project the community’s anger, sadness and resilience. Due to the seriousness of the material, a licensed mental health therapist will be available at each performance to support audience members. Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. Performance should last a little less than two hours with no intermission. Free admission.
A new memorial to victims of the Walmart shooting, designed by Tino Ortega, features 23 names engraved on granite pillars arranged in the shape of a crown. The memorial, commissioned by the City of El Paso, will be unveiled on August 3. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Saturday, Aug. 3
Remembrance Ceremony and Public Art Memorial Unveiling
When, where: 9:30 a.m., Jim Crouch Park, 7500 W.H. Burges Drive
Description: The city of El Paso will host a special remembrance ceremony with remarks from Mayor Oscar Leeser, the consulate general of Mexico in El Paso, and a special recognition by Fort Bliss. The event will also feature the unveiling of the “August 3rd Memorial,” a granite installation by El Paso-based artist Albert “Tino” Ortega.
Del Sol Medical Center Remembrance Ceremony
When, where: 10:30-11:15 a.m., Del Sol Medical Center, 10301 Gateway Blvd. West
Description: Del Sol Medical Center will host a remembrance ceremony to honor the victims and recognize the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for them. The event will include reflections from hospital leaders, a moment of silence, and the lowering of the U.S. flag to half-mast.
Star on the Mountain
When: 8:30 p.m.
Description: The El Paso Chamber will flash the Star on the Mountain 23 times in honor of each of the victims.
Day of Resilience Ceremony
When, where: 6-9 p.m., Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive.
Description: El Paso County and United Way of El Paso will host remembrance activities around the El Paso County Healing Garden. At 6 p.m., county officials will unveil a mural dedicated to the victims. At 8:30 p.m., a reading of the names and light beam ceremony will close the ceremony.
Ariyana Anaya wipes away tears after rehearsing lines for the play “Acts of Kindness,” July 28, 2024. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Other events
12th Annual Border Latch
The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition hosts the 12th Annual Border Latch Celebration from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Jenna Welch and Laura Bush Community Library on the El Paso Community College Northwest Campus, 6701 S. Desert Blvd.
This free event celebrates the anniversary of the Border Latch, where lactating individuals and their supporters gather to promote the best nutrition for their children and offer peer support. The event is part of the global World Breastfeeding Week celebrations and will be held in El Paso and in Ciudad Juárez Parque Central auditorium. The event begins at 9 a.m., with the countdown at 10:30 a.m.
Viva! El Paso Closes 2024 Season
The final performances of the 2024 season of Viva! El Paso will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3, at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Viva! El Paso brings the region’s rich history to life, with this year’s iteration featuring music by Cody Ritchey and Jim Ward. The show is directed by Jaime Carrasco, with vocal direction by Desiray Anchondo and features choreography by Barbi Valdiviez, Enrique Valadez and Crystal Salas.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, military, and groups. They can be purchased at the door, the Plaza Theatre Box Office Downtown, or via ticketmaster.com.
Women Hike: Lower Sunset
Explore the beauty of the Franklin Mountains with a guided hike led by a park ranger from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, in Franklin Mountains State Park beginning at Tom Mays Access Road.
This moderate 2.5-mile hike begins with a steep descent before transitioning to a trail that climbs out of the canyon. Hikers will navigate around rock outcroppings before finishing with a slightly steeper climb to a scenic overlook.
Admission is $5 for individuals ages 13 and older, while Texas State Park Pass holders and children ages 12 and younger can join for free. Payments should be made at the Visitor Center upon entry. Reservations are required at 915-444-9121.
Participants are advised to bring water, snacks, hiking boots or shoes, and comfortable clothes. Optional items include binoculars, a hiking stick, a camera, and a map.The meeting location is at the end loop in the Tom Mays Unit. Information: Diana.Moy@tpwd.texas.gov or 915-444-9121.
The post El Paso marks Aug. 3 anniversary with week of tributes, events appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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