It's May in Santa Fe, and today Bienvenidos is starting off it's Golden Anniversary year with the opening of the booth for the season.............

As I arrive downtown at our window under the portal of the First National Bank, the crowd is starting to build............

We always have our Crack Troops on duty on Opening Day..................

The smashingly turned out, Madame President, Pat...................

And lots of celebratory goodies for those in attendance..................

For some members, this will mark many, many summers already spent volunteering in the booth..............

For some of the others, this will be the first such summer..................

Balloons add a festive touch.....................

Carmella's future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades.....................

Annette is jazzed about another summer season beginning.................

Dene did most of the publicity and preparation for today's event...............

Our old school chum, Kathy, represented our patron, the Bank--she is a vice-president at First National.................

As the ceremony begins, a few words from Simon representing the Chamber of Commerce...............

As well as from His Honor, the Mayor............................

Kind words from another "Bank Lady"....................

Bienvenidos Day in the City Different.......................

The Bienvenidos crowd seeks shelter from the sun under the portal as the speeches continue.................

More club members say: "Gimme shelter......"...........................

Time for the official Ribbon cutting..........(Click on image if you wish to enlarge your view)

Yeeeeeeah Bienvenidos!.......................................

No one--young or old--can resist a bunch of bouncy balloons.................

The refreshments are professionally served..................

"NO SOUP FOR YOU................"

And so as I walk back home on this windy morning, I know all is well for the tourists to our city because, THE BOOTH IN NOW OPEN!!!