Archive for December, 2008

The New Mexico Tourism Department Scenic Byways Program announces the awarding of nearly $850,000 in federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration’s Scenic Byways program to help fund projects for fiscal year 2009.

The Tourism Department submitted at total of 10 grant applications and all but one were funded.

“Scenic Byways funds are especially beneficial to rural New Mexico,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department.  “Most of our 26 byways run through less-traveled areas of the state.  This program brings much-deserved recognition to hidden wonders.”

These grants are part of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognizes selected roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities. The grants will be used for projects such as scenic overlooks, visitor information centers, pedestrian trails, bike paths, safety upgrades, and educational and promotional materials. These projects fund New Mexico’s tourism infrastructure.

“We received funding for all but one of the projects we submitted, a total of $849,323,” said Laurie Frantz, State Scenic Byways coordinator. “This is more funding than we’ve received since 1999. Last year our funding was significantly up also.  I attribute this to our request for a letter of support from Senator Jeff Bingaman to the federal Secretary of Transportation supporting our submission. I am very pleased at the level of funding we received. These funds help us preserve and enhance New Mexico’s tourism infrastructure.”

More than 4,000 beachside luminarias will light the way for thousands of visitors when Elephant Butte Lake State Park hosts the 14th annual Luminaria Walk and Floating Lights Parade, 5- 8 p.m. Dec. 13. The event, backlit by a fireworks display exploding across the night sky, will also feature hayrides, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus – all to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of New Mexico.

“We’re expecting 6 -10,000 people this year for the Weekend of Lights,” said Kay Dunlap, Elephant Butte Lake State Park superintendent. “It is now the highlight of several other weekend events in T or C beginning Friday afternoon, so we expect a huge turnout.”

Sponsored by the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce, the Luminaria Walk begins at 5:00 p.m. and leads from the Marina del Sur/Dirt Dam area to 27 stations along the beach, each sponsored by various organizations and individuals offering refreshments such as posole, hot chocolate and cookies. Luminarias also line the roadway from the main entrance to the marina parking lot. Visitors may walk along the beach or board a hay wagon available for those who might need assistance.

At 6:30 p.m., the Christmas Floating Lights Parade will begin at Marina del Sur as dozens of sail and motorboats glide along the lake, aglow with Christmas lights, Santa, reindeer and snowmen.

The park is encouraging a $1 per person donation to the Make a Wish Foundation of New Mexico. The Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Other events scheduled for the weekend in T or C include the Christmas Casa Tour and Golf Cart Decoration Contest at Turtleback Mountain Resort and the four-wheel drive Christmas Crawl at the Butte.

For more information on the Luminaria Walk, contact Kim Skinner at 575-744-4708; for information on the Floating Lights Parade, contact Steve Hayner at 505-269-0469. Elephant Butte Lake State Park information is available at 575-744-5525 or visit www.nmparks.com.

Special Presentation: “Cowgirl with Some Sand”
Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Gale Ginn, a retired bronc buster, cowgirl poet, and riding double in films, talks about her work with Hollywood stars such as Shelley Winters, Alan Ladd and Joseph Cotten. Following a 75-minute feature film called “Untamed Frontier,” Ginn, now a Las Cruces resident, will talk briefly about her career on horseback. She will be joined by film buff and movie reviewer, Jeff Berg. Admission is free.

New Exhibit: “Elements from the Front Range Contemporary Quilters”
Opens Dec. 15
Elements from the Front Range Contemporary Quilters features 40 quilts created by an organization of artists primarily from Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas. Inspired by the themes and atmosphere of the West, these artists explore the concept of elements from a wide array of perspectives. Their quilts allude to earth, air, fire, and water, as well as to environmental degradation, seasonal change, day and night, and the chemical makeup of the planet on which we live. The exhibit will be in the museum’s Traditions Gallery and will be on display through Feb. 8, 2009.

Festive Family Fun
Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For children ages 4 to 12, accompanied by an adult
Spend a fun-filled day at the museum with your child. Learn how various cultures have celebrated the winter holidays. Create imaginative decorations; take a musical trolley ride and hear stories about the past. Don’t forget to bring your lunch. Pre-registration is required. $20 for one child and one adult; additional children and adults are $5 each.

For more information, please call (575) 522-4100 or visit www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org