Jenny's View

April 2022

Dear Friends,

Our Party of the Century was a smashing success!

Santa Feans and visitors enjoyed a festive scene at the corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and San Francisco Street where Mariachi Azteca de Santa Fe belted out Mexican ballads from our rooftop.  We even rolled out the red carpet – street side to the hotel lobby that transformed into a margarita bar, complete with the presence of our mascot, “Harvey” showcasing our signature Centennial Tequila and the unforgettable, Concha the Burro who graced us with her presence.  She was an absolute hit!  La Plazuela transformed into a festive courtyard café with white lights and colorful flags strung across the entire atrium.  The beloved, Bill Hearne played his signature folk tunes in the New Mexico Room while champion Hoop Dancers, Tyrese Jensen and his sister, Kai Jensen mesmerized audiences in the Santa Fe Room.  And that was just the cocktail hour!

I was deeply honored to acknowledge our current and former owners, and introduce the honorable Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.  Can you believe Governor Lujan Grisham’s father was one of the local legends that actually rode his horse into La Fonda during the Fiesta Celebration decades ago? She shared the hilarious story about how his behavior resulted in banishment from the hotel for an entire year! The Governor presented us the serape her father wore on the occasion as a truly memorable gift.   

After three years of research and interviews, we were finally able to debut our Centennial documentary, narrated by the incomparable, Ali MacGraw.  Ali is a true friend of La Fonda and along with many others, volunteered her valuable time to the project.  I was thrilled to see the many local icons who graciously participated in the film in attendance: Paul Bardacke, Saul Cohen, Penina Ballen, Marian Silver, Joe Schepps, Meredith Schweitzer, Barbara Felix, Tony Abeyta, the Harvey Twins, Beverly Ireland and Bernette Jarvis; and our dedicated staff, Rik Blyth, Carol Anglin, Stormi Stalhut, Araceli Sotelo and Mary and John Nuanez.  Unfortunately, not all participants could make it, but I know they were here in spirit.

Our dear friends, Stephen Fried and Barbara Felix offered sage words about their experience with the rich history and architecture of the hotel.  Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber and our amazing Vice President and General Manager Rik Blyth, led a champagne toast and revealed our commemorative bronze plaque that will forever mark our 100 years of hospitality. Stay tuned for updates about its installation in our lobby!  And my brother, Phillip Wise, Co-founder of Cienda Partners, closed out the evening with a tribute to our legacy of service to the Santa Fe community and expressed our unrelenting appreciation for our La Fonda family.  Both he and I understand that such an historic event, filled with energy, laughter and magic, could not have happened without our amazing team.  

Explore our event photo gallery that highlights scenes from our Party of the Century!

Interested in purchasing exclusive photos from our event by photographer, Daniel Quat? View them here!  Available for a limited time only.  

Here’s to another 100 Years!

Jenny