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New Mexico November 2009 E-Newsletter Articles

Welcome.

As Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, I welcome you to New Mexico, a truly diverse destination. Winter is almost upon us. The days are crisp and cool, and the mountains are already welcoming their first taste of snowfall. Holiday festivities are right around the corner. Come celebrate a season like no other in a place like no other: New Mexico, your Land of Enchantment.

Michael Cerletti

Colorful Red Rock Balloon Rally Fills Blue Skies above Gallup

More than 200 balloons from across the country will take to the skies December 4-6, 2009 for the 29th annual Red Rock Balloon Rally near Gallup

Frequently described as a balloonist's paradise, a highly prized invitation to this event - the second largest balloon event in the world - offers pilots the opportunity to compete for fine Native American arts and crafts.

The Red Rocks are the cemented sands of a fossilized beach, colored by dissolved iron seeping down from more recent volcanic activity, worn smooth by Anasazi residents who carved hand and toe holds in the walls to reach the mesa tops. This is the only ballooning event where spectators are encouraged to become active participants by joining balloon chase crews.

Events include:

Friday, December 4: 7:30 a.m., Mass Ascension & Balloon Races at Fox Run Golf Course and Mass Ascension & Balloon Races Red Rock Park; and 6 p.m., Glow in the Rocks and Indian Dances and Bonfire at Red Rock Park
Saturday, Dec 5: 6:30 a.m., Dawn Patrol at Red Rock Park; 7:30 a.m., Mass Ascension & Balloon Races at Red Rock Park; 9 a.m., Pyramid Rock Run at Red Rock Park; 2 p.m., Parade of Balloons on Coal Avenue; and 6 p.m., Balloominaria Balloon Glow at Rio West Mall.
Sunday, Dec 6: 6:30 a.m., Dawn Patrol at Red Rock Park; 7:30 a.m., Mass Ascension & Balloon Races at Red Rock Park; and 10 a.m., Awards Brunch and Auction at Red Rock Park Convention Center.

Visit www.redrockballoonrally.com.

Truth or Consequences Stages First Ever Hot Springs Festival

The city of Truth or Consequences - known by many names over the years, including Hot Springs (changed to Truth or Consequences in honor of the popular radio program by the same name) will commemorate the event with its first ever Hot Springs Festival November 14, 2009, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The street fair in downtown T or C on Broadway and Foch Streets will include live music, chalk art by Sierra County Elementary School students, arts and food vendors, a birthday party for the community and recognition of residents ages 95 years and older, a beer garden, hot springs tours, a historic photo display at the Geronimo Springs Museum and performances of the play "Change and Change Again" by the T or C Community Theater at the Senior Recreation Center. For a full schedule of events, visit www.hotspringsfestival.com

When the festival concludes at 6 p.m., the monthly Downtown Gallery District Association Art Hop kicks off. Galleries and downtown shops will be open until 9 p.m. Other events are also planned during the weekend.

For more information contact Gina Kelley at 575-740-3902 or sierracountytourism@gmail.com.

‘Molecules to the MAX,’ Sharks,’ Now Showing
at New Mexico Museum of Space History

The new IMAX film "Molecules to the Max," is currently showing at the Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo.

Produced by Nanotoon, developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation, this animated film takes the audience deep into the innermost workings of the cosmos through the adventures of a round eyed oxygen atom named Oxy and her two oxygen atom friends, Hydro and Hydra. These atomic musketeers explore inside places no one has ever been like snowflakes, chewing gum, pennies and the human cell. The straight man to the trio is, naturally, the on-board computer of their incredible ship the Molecularium.

Also playing at the IMAX Theater is "SHARKS", a stunning immersive IMAX experience that takes the audience around the globe documenting the life of the ultimate predator. The stunning images really place the viewer in the middle of the colorful undersea world. Along with incredible shark encounters, audiences will get up close with sea lions, be surrounded by huge schools of fish and get so near to manta rays and jellyfish swimming past that they can reach out and touch them.

IMAX ticket prices are $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and active military, $4.50 for children ages 4-12 and children ages 3 and younger are free. Movies start every day at 11a.m., with the last showing at 5 pm.
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs.

Visit www.nmspacemuseum.org.

Spaceport America to Offer Hardhat Tours

Officials from the New Mexico Spaceport Authority will begin offering paid public hardhat tours of the Spaceport America construction site beginning December 2009.

The tours will highlight New Mexico history from Spanish conquistadors to pioneer rocket research and the new commercial space industry. Tour participants will receive an on-site tour of the construction site including the runway and vertical launch facility. Tour details and reservation forms will soon be available on the Spaceport America website, www.spaceportamerica.com.

Spaceport America is the world's first purpose-built commercial space facility. Spaceport America has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, UP Aerospace, and Armadillo Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight. Spaceport America's 10,000-foot long runway is now under construction and is expected to be complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.

Ski Season Just a Snowfall Away

Move over fall, winter is coming. New Mexico’s ski season is nearly here, and excitement is in the air. High altitudes, coupled with New Mexico’s light, fluffy snow and brilliant sunshine, create some of the finest ski conditions in the West. There is no reason to spend an extra five or six tiring hours in the car heading further north and standing in long lift lines when you get there when you could already be on the slopes of New Mexico’s incredible ski areas. Make your reservations now for some super New Mexico skiing this season. Come "Ski & Ride the Winter Sun."

Red River Ski Area is "The Place to Learn," where skiers and snowboarders of all levels feel at home. For those more experienced skiers and riders, the resort offers challenging trails and the Bobcat Terrain Park. For those families that would like to see the sights from the top of the mountain at night, snowmobile tours are offered on the weekends and available by reservations through the Skier Services office. Red River has opened on Thanksgiving Weekend for 46 consecutive years; and with a little help from its recently updated snowmaking capabilities, that’s not going to change. Visit www.redriverskiarea.com.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort enters the ski season as the fastest growing resort in New Mexico - yet visitors still won't wait in line for a lift. Opening weekend is slated for November 21. Sipapu offers incredible specials all season long, so you can customize your trip by selecting your favorite specials or take advantage of the incredible packages, and enjoy a fun-filled vacation without worrying about the cost. Visit www.sipapunm.com.

Ski Apache is southern New Mexico's Premier Ski and Snowboard Resort. Fifty-five trails, beginning at 11,400 feet, fan out for skiers and snowboarders of all levels with a fall line of over 1,800 feet, making skiing and snowboarding a blast. Ski Apache is located just minutes from the mountain resort village of Ruidoso and the spectacular Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero. Visit www.skiapache.com.

Ski Santa Fe is nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 16 miles from the heart of historic Santa Fe. With a base area elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the continental United States.Its triple chairlift takes snow sport enthusiasts to a new height of 12,075 feet and some of the southwest's finest skiing. The vistas atop Ski Santa Fe are unsurpassed and act as the gateway for thrills including steep bump runs, powder filled chutes, gladed tree-skiing, and plenty of groomers. Local patrons and visitors from around the world can all find something for their taste, whether a first time skier/boarder or seasoned veteran. Visit www.skisantafe.com/index.php/home

With winter setting in and daytime temperatures dropping, snow guns at Taos Ski Valley are operating 24 hours a day.The crews are making snow on 100-percent of the beginner and intermediate terrain, giving Taos Ski Valley the largest snowmaking coverage area in the region. Snowmaking continues until the middle of January. The recent snowfall and cold temperatures have everyone at Taos Ski Valley gearing up for a great season. Opening day is planned November 26. Visit www.skitaos.org.

Angel Fire Resort opens for the winter season December 12, followed by the grand opening of night skiing on December 19. If your family is into it, so is Angel Fire. With two high-speed quads, two freestyle terrain parks and a mountain as big as all get-out, Angel Fire Resort has enough to keep the family happy all winter long. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter activities here include snowmobiling, tubing, Nordic skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides, snow blades, snow skates, ice fishing, horseback riding and torchlight parades. Visit www.anglefireresort.com

Pajarito Mountain Resort is located on the eastern edge of the Jemez Mountains, five miles west of Los Alamos. It comprises around 750 acres of land, privately owned by Los Alamos Ski Club that was developed as a ski area in the late 1950s. Pajarito Mountain currently has 40 trails on 300 acres of skiable terrain, not counting some excellent tree skiing, and has some of the best bump skiing in the state. It is rarely crowded, and is noted for its lack of lift lines, offering 1,200 feet of vertical, five chair lifts and one surface lift. Open to the public and with miles of groomed, lots of bumps, tree skiing, and a brand new terrain park, it is New Mexico's best kept skiing secret. Visit www.skipajarito.com/mountain.php.

Sandia Peak Ski Area, 45 minutes from Albuquerque, is scheduled to open December 19. The Ski Area is fully equipped for a fun day on the slopes. Here you find Sandia Peak's certified snow sports school, a complete rental shop, skiers' cafe, and the Wintermill Ski Shop. Visit http://www.sandiapeak.com/index.php?page=winter-sports

Retreat on cross-country skis or snowshoes to the center of the Valles Caldera, where you'll find yourself surprised by the wide expanse and distances. The Valle Grande, the largest of several large grassy meadows within the Valles Caldera, stretches more than three miles across and offers rolling terrain. Expect to be fully immersed in the quiet tranquility you can only find in snow-covered landscapes. You can also choose to traverse the Valle Grande and enter quiet mountain forests to more remote areas. Ski or snowshoe onward to the History Grove or Jaramillo Meadow for a grand tour of some of the prettiest areas of the Preserve. Visit www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/skisnow.

Enchanted Forest Cross County Ski Area, New Mexico's only full service cross country ski area, offers 33km of trails groomed for both classic and freestyle skiing, and 15 km devoted to snowshoes. The area, located three miles from the Town of Red River, traditionally opens in late November. Visit www.enchantedforestxc.com.

Ancient Native American communities, historic Spanish towns, and the spirit of the Old West are part of what make New Mexico so distinctive for any visitor. Soaring Rocky Mountain peaks and winter sports areas that offer outstanding terrain, diversity, and value will make every skier and boarder feel right at home. The combination means a winter trip to New Mexico is one exploration after another, both on the mountain and off.

Visit www.skinewmexico.com.

Upcoming Holiday Events

Santa Fe Indian Market Winter Showcase New Holiday Tradition

The fourth annual Santa Fe Indian Market Winter Showcase – featuring more than 100 of the nation’s top Native American artists – is November 27-29, 2009 at the Santa Fe Convention Center.

The event is sponsored by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), the non-profit organization that produces the Santa Fe Indian Market every August, also in Santa Fe.

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, a non-profit organization, is an advocate for Native American arts and cultures (particularly those in the Southwest). SWAIA creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native American artists by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market, cultivating excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms, and developing programs and events that support, promote, and honor Native artists year-round.

Visit www.swaia.org.

Albuquerque's 'Twinkle Light Parade' is November 28

A wide variety of entries all decked out in festive holiday lighting will take to the streets of downtown Albuquerque November 28, 2009 for the "Twinkle Light Parade." The parade – themed "Red or Green?" - begins at 5:15 pm.

The parade route begins at 3rd St. and Central Ave.; heads west on Central Ave.; and ends approximately two miles later at the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, at Central Ave. and New York.

Following the parade spectators and parade participants may enter the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at the River of Lights ($7 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12). Santa Claus will also be on hand to visit with both young and old.

Spectators may view the parade along Central Ave. between 3rd St.and San Pasquale from both sides of Central.However, west of San Pasquale, it is best to view the parade on the south side of Central because westbound Central traffic will be allowed starting at Rio Grande Blvd.

Free parking will be available in the following City Parking Lots between the hours of 3-7 p.m.: Civic Plaza, Convention Center, 5th and Copper, 2nd and Gold, and Acropolis (3rd and Copper). Free parking is also available at Atrisco Plaza.

Rapid Ride is free to and from the parade and anywhere along the parade route 3-10 p.m. For Rapid Ride and general bus information, call 505-243-7433.

There will be a free shuttle bus service from K Mart Plaza to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s River of Lights and back.Pick up/drop off at K Mart Plaza will be on the west side. Pick up/drop off at the River of Lights will be in the west lot. No public vehicles will have access to this lot. Security will be provided.Eastbound access to the River of Lights, west of Atrisco, is only possible by parking at K Mart Plaza and using this shuttle or by using Rapid Ride.

Winding River Reflects Twinkling Lights
at Carlsbad’s Annual Christmas on the Pecos

The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad.

Bundled up against the winter chill, you stare in fascination as your boat flows through at the fairyland of twinkling lights created by more than 100 Pecos River homeowners and corporate sponsors who spend hours creatively decorating backyards and boat docks with millions of lights.

"Christmas on the Pecos reflects the magic of the holiday season," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico tourism Department. "This waterfront tour is a unique experience, which has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and is one of New Mexico’s most cherished holiday events."

Christmas on the Pecos River is a 50-minute tour that sets sail 12-15 times each night, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., from Thanksgiving night to New Year's Eve. Tours depart from the Pecos River Village, transformed each December into a wonderland of sparkling lights and delights. Wander through a gallery full of gifts created by local artists and enjoy holiday refreshments at the Pecos River Village before and after your tour.

Traditionally tours sell out quickly, especially on weekends, Fridays and Saturdays in December. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Be sure to wear warm clothing and bring a blanket.

For more information visit http://www.christmasonthepecos.com/

Lincoln County Celebrates the Season

November 13 -15, 2009: Christmas Jubilee, Ruidoso Convention Center. Adult admission is $1. Ages 11 and younger are free. Visit www.christmasjubilee.net
November 26: Ski Apache Opens, weather permitting. Visit www.skiapache.com
November 27: Annual Lighting of the Village, Midtown Ruidoso. Visit www.ruidosofol.org
November 27-29 and December 4-6: Walk through Bethlehem at Church of the Nazarene. 6 p.m. except December 5 matinee 2 p.m. only (reservations required). Visit www.ruidosofol.org
November 30- December 4: Gingerbread House Competition, Inn of the Mountain of Gods. Call 888-324-0348
December 3: Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting, Schoolhouse Park, Ruidoso, 6 p.m. Visit www.ruidosofol.org
December 4- 6 and December 11- 13: Lincoln County Community Theater: A Christmas Story, Ruidoso School Performing Arts Center. Times vary. Call 1-888-71-LIGHTS
December 5: Parade of Lights, Midtown Ruidoso, 5:30 p.m.
December 6: Annual ENMU-Ruidoso Community Choir Christmas Concert, Spencer Theater. 4-6 p.m.
December 19: Ski Apache Torch Light Parade, Ski Apache. 5-8 p.m.

Tourism Department Announcements

New Mexico’s 2010 Tournament of Roses® Parade Features Balloons,
Chuck Jones’ Pepé Le Pew

Academy-Award®-winning Pepé Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat, entertainers of the young and the young at heart for more than 60 years, will take to the southern California skies aboard one of the Land of Enchantment’s most iconic images when New Mexico’s float – "Enchantment is in the Air" - travels Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California January 1 in the 2010 Tournament of Roses® Parade.

The float design was unveiled October 29 at a reception at the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum – a fitting location considering New Mexico is America’s premier ballooning capital; and Pepé Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat were created by the late cartoonist Chuck Jones. Even with his passing, Chuck’s ties to New Mexico remain strong - one of the three Chuck Jones Galleries is located near the Santa Fe Plaza.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on New Year’s Day.

This is the fourth time in the past five years that New Mexico will be represented by a float in the Tournament of Roses® Parade, and it follows on the heels of last year’s float, "Hats Off To New Mexico – Beep Beep," starring Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner, which won the Bob Hope Humor ("most comical and amusing"). The 2008 float, featuring Roswell aliens and Spaceport America, was also honored, as winner of the as Grand Marshal’s Trophy "for excellence in creative concept and design." It is one of the top three awards given each year.

"Fanciful balloons - marvelous, mysterious, colorful balloons - evoke all of the wonder and fun of childhood’s simplest joys," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "These children, now adults, can relive those magical days of youth in New Mexico. Whether traveling a winding mountain road or floating high above over cities, villages or the wide open plains in a hot-air balloon, visitors to New Mexico are ‘A Cut Above the Rest’ (theme of the 2010 parade)."

The love-struck French skunk Pepé Le Pew is seeking "l’amour" as he yet again is in romantic pursuit to seduce Penelope Pussycat with amorous gifts of red roses and a heart-shaped box of chocolates. In her attempt to escape the ever-persistent Pepé, Penelope dangles precariously from the gondola of a swaying hot-air balloon. Pepé turns from side-to-side as he offers tokens of his affections.

The picturesque landscapes of New Mexico are comically depicted in animation art form from the snow-capped trees of the majestic mountains, through the teetering rock formations on down to the colorful desert floor bursting alive with blooming yuccas.

American Eagle Begins Santa Fe-LAX Nonstop Service

Beginning November 19, 2009, American Eagle will offer nonstop service once a day between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. This new service is in addition to the two daily nonstop flights between Santa Fe and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Flight # 3157 departs Santa Fe at 2:45 p.m. and arrives at LAX at 3:55 p.m.

Flight # 3156 departs LAX at 12:20 p.m. and arrives in Santa Fe at 3:15 p.m.

You can travel to/from cities around the country or around the world via Los Angeles or Dallas/Fort Worth, as together, American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve more than 250 cities in 40 countries.

Visit www.aa.com

And don't forget to mark your calendars:

November 2009 Events

15        Mixed Nuts Arts & Crafts Show, Rodeo – hidalgocounty.org

17-22 Festival of the Cranes, Socorro – friendsofthebosque.org

27        Lighting of State Christmas Tree in Santa Fe

            President’s Day Observed

27-30   Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Holiday Show – www.riograndefestival.com

December 2009 Events

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Train Rides, Chama – cumbrestoltec.com

Christmas in Madrid, 12/6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 – visitmadridnm.com
4 Trails of Lights – Las Cruces – 575-541-2288
4–6 WinterFest, Los Alamos – 505-661-4844
5 Jolly Holidays & Fine Crafts Show, Corrales – corrales-mainstreet.org
5-6 Christmas in the Foothills, Hillsboro – hillsboronm.com
Salmon Ruins Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair – 800-448-1240
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day, Pojoaque Pueblo – indianpueblo.org
Riverglow, Farmington – 800-448-1240
Floating Lights Parade, Elephant Butte – elephantchamberofcommerce.com
Navajo Nativity, Farmington – 800-448-1240
20 New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque – newmexicobowl.com
Farolito/Luminaria Tours, Santa Fe & Albuquerque – newmexico.org
Lighting of Luminaria, Carrizozo – townofcarrizzo.org
Christmas Carols & Luminarias, Old Mesilla – 575-524-3262
24-28 Dances at various pueblos – indianpueblo.org
28-29 Santa Fe Spanish Market – www.spanishcolonial.org
31 New Year’s Eve Dances at various pueblos – indianpueblo.org
Torchlight Parades at various ski areas – skinewmexico.com