mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

MONTE VISTA- As Americans celebrated Independence Day on Friday, July 4, Diego Moreno watched a dream he once had, become a reality. 

What began as a vision inspired by his father and a lifelong passion for automobiles grew into one of Monte Vista's largest Fourth of July celebrations in recent years. Held at Chapman Park, located at 300-398 West Prospect Ave, the community car show drew 108 vehicles, more than doubling last year's participation, and brought hundreds of residents together to celebrate the nation's birthday with hometown pride. 

"I wasn't expecting it," Moreno said. "I thought maybe we'd have about 10 more vehicles than last year. I definitely wasn't expecting 108." 

By the time registration officially opened Friday morning, for the Second Annual Rolling Loud Car Show, Moreno and his co-organizer Josh Montoya, already knew the event was going to be much larger than anticipated. 

Cars began arriving around 8 a.m., and by 9 a.m., Chapman Park was already filling up. 

"I looked around and thought, 'Oh my gosh, we're still an hour away from registration, and we're already filling up,'" Moreno said. 

Last year, approximately 63 vehicles participated in the community car show. This year, attendance climbed to 108 entries, prompting Moreno and Montoya to ask the City of Monte Vista to expand the event into additional areas of the park. 

As vehicles continued arriving, the show reached capacity. 

"I think we had around 10 more vehicles that weren't able to get in because we just ran out of room," Moreno said. "I felt bad because I wasn't expecting that kind of turnout." 

The event featured classic cars, lowriders, motorcycles, lifted trucks, semis, food vendors, music, giveaways, water games and family-friendly activities throughout the day. 

Moreno said one of the highlights for him was visiting with participants and asking for feedback. 

"I'm a big believer in feedback," he said. "I wanted to know what people liked and what we could improve." 

The response was overwhelmingly positive. 

Many longtime car enthusiasts complimented the event and encouraged Moreno to continue building the annual tradition. Several suggested expanding the number of award categories because of the variety of vehicles on display. 

Moreno said those conversations have already inspired plans for next year's event. 

"I've got to start planning bigger," he said with a laugh. 

Participants traveled from throughout the San Luis Valley, including New Mexico, to take part in the celebration. Moreno said several participants told him they plan to return next year and bring additional friends and family members. 

"I exchanged phone numbers with a lot of people," he said. "They told me to keep them informed because they'll definitely be back." 

Moreno also believes Colorado's statewide fireworks ban, prompted by dry conditions and wildfire concerns, encouraged many families to seek out community celebrations closer to home. 

"A lot of people told me they wanted somewhere to go since there weren't fireworks," he said. "They wanted to come out and support the community." 

While the impressive turnout made the event memorable, Moreno said one of the day's truly memorable moments came after the trophies had been awarded. 

On Independence Day, participants lined up their vehicles and cruised from Chapman Park to the Veterans Community Living Center at Home Lake, giving veterans an opportunity to enjoy the classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and semis up close. 

"We wanted to show up for our veterans," Moreno said. "The veterans were really happy, and I can't express how thankful I am." 

He also expressed his appreciation to the Monte Vista Police Department officers, especially Officer Golden who helped escort the procession to the Veterans Community Living Center, saying their support helped make the patriotic tribute possible. 

For many participants, the cruise served as a reminder of what the Fourth of July truly represents-honoring the men and women whose service and sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms Americans enjoy today. 

Throughout the day, Chapman Park remained busy as families, admired the vehicles, listened to music, spent the holiday together, and celebrated Independence Day. DJ Petey Garcia kept the place rocking with great music for everyone. Moreno said hearing the laughter of children, and seeing the overwhelming community support made all the hard work worthwhile. 

He also expressed his gratitude to the City of Monte Vista, his sponsors, volunteers, law enforcement, participants and the Valley Courier for helping spread the word about the event. 

"The community really showed up," Moreno said. "I couldn't have done it without everyone's support." 

Amanda Romer of Monte Vista attended the celebration with her husband Eugene Ortega who received a trophy in one of the categories. Romer stated she was super excited about the event, and she hopes that it will become a tradition and be here next year. “It was a great car show. My husband won something, a lot of people took home trophies. We hope it will be here again next year, even my son Kai enjoyed it.”  

Just one week earlier, Moreno had shared his hope publicly of bringing a hometown Fourth of July tradition back to Monte Vista. 

Judging by the overflowing park, the record turnout, the smiles shared throughout the day and the special tribute to local veterans, many would agree he accomplished exactly what he set out to do. 

“I never expected this turn out.  Thank you to everyone who attended and helped out and made this possible.”