Archive for December, 2008

The eighth annual Parade of Lights in Ruidoso, featuring more than 50 entries, is Saturday (December 6, 2008), beginning at 5 p.m. Ruidoso’s Parade of Lights has been named a “Top-100 Event” by the American Bus Association.

“New Mexico is its people, doing positive things for their communities, for their culture, for their friends and for themselves,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Ruidoso is offering unique family fun this holiday season, and we encourage all New Mexicans and our visitors to join in the festivities.”

Before the parade, beginning at 4 p.m., enjoy live music in Midtown. After the parade, visit the Treasures of Sierra Blanca Art Show, Bonfire and Artist Reception at River Crossing in Midtown for art, fire, music, and dancing.

Other seasonal Festival of Light activities this year include “A Walk through Bethlehem,” an interactive tour through an outdoor set, complete with 50 actors in period costumes, on Thursday (Dec. 4) Friday (Dec. 5) and Sunday (Dec. 7), 6 p.m., at Church of the Nazarene in Angus.

The Lincoln County Community Theatre presents “Snow Queen” on Friday (Dec. 5), 7 p.m., with matinee showings Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6-7), 2 p.m. at the Ruidoso Schools Performing Arts Center.

Eastern New Mexico University- Ruidoso will also join the festivities, hosting the ENMU Concert and Sing-Along at the Ruidoso High School on Sunday (Dec. 7), 4 p.m.

For more information contact Steve Tally, Director of Tourism, tourism@ruidoso.net or 575-973-2955. For information about any of these events or lodging availability, call 877-784-3676.

Nightmare Before Christmas to Premier At IMAX

Every holiday season, the New Mexico Museum of Space History drapes its golden cube with Christmas lights and, when they’re turned on, the building becomes the largest holiday tree in the Tularosa Basin. “This year, the event is going to be a little different than in the past, we’re going to start a little earlier with a holiday scavenger hunt in the museum, prizes for the winners, cocoa and cookies in the lobby then the lighting ceremony and a special showing of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in the IMAX theater,” said Museum Public Relations Director Cathy Harper. The event is free to the public on Friday, December 5, although everyone is asked to bring a non-perishable food item. The holiday scavenger hunt is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the museum, followed by the lighting ceremony at 6:30 and the movie at 7:00. Those who attend the scavenger hunt will also receive a preferred seating ticket for the movie.

 “Admission to the museum for the scavenger hunt is free, but we would like everyone to bring a non-perishable food item. The scavenger hunt is open to kids in kindergarten through ninth grade, but all children must be accompanied by an adult,” said Harper. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each age group (kindergarten – 2nd grade, 3rd – 5th grade and 6th-9th grade). First prize is a scholarship to “Shuttle Camp 2009” (day camp only), second prize is a giant six-foot Estes model rocket and third prize is a family membership to the museum. “We’ll start the scavenger hunt on the fourth floor of the museum and kids will work their way down to the first floor filling out the scavenger hunt form as they go. When they get to the first floor, they’ll turn in their filled in scavenger hunt form and receive a free goody bag,” explained Museum Education Specialist Emmanuel Davila. Cocoa and cookies will be available on the first floor as well. Museum staff will draw for the winners, but each scavenger hunt form must be filled in completely and correctly to be eligible. If a form is drawn that does not meet that criteria, another form will be drawn.

 Winners will be announced at approximately 6:30, prior to the building lighting event. Once the “golden cube” turns into a giant Christmas tree, everyone is invited to the IMAX Theater to watch a free DVD presentation of  “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. This award winning classic film from Walt Disney and Tim Burton will be shown in the newly released digitally restored and remastered state of the art technology DVD format. Seating is limited in the theater however those who attend the scavenger hunt will be given seating preference. An additional showing of the movie may be available at 8:00 pm if demand warrants it.

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about museum hours, theater show times and special events, call 575-437-2840, toll free 1-877-333-6589 or visit www.nmspacemuseum.org.

The annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths, which brings people together to aid the efforts of Taos County’s non-profit organizations, is Friday (December 5, 2008) at El Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos. The scheduled start is around 6 p.m., at the conclusion of the annual lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree on Taos Plaza.

“The Festival of Trees and Wreaths is about community, and about giving,” said Chris Baker, publisher of The Taos News and founder of the event. “It’s a way for people to help those who have, in turn, dedicated their lives to helping others.” Now in its eighth year, the event has raised more than $150,000 to benefit approximately 40 local non-profit organizations.

Artificial trees or wreaths are purchased by individuals or businesses that decorate the item and determine which local non-profit group will benefit by the sale of that item at the silent auction. Bids close at 8 p.m. that night. The winning bidder can either keep the tree or wreath or donate it to Community Against Violence, which will give it to a Taos family that could use a little extra holiday cheer.

Joining The Taos News as sponsors are El Monte Sagrado Resort, Taos County Chamber of Commerce, Museum Association of Taos, Taos Community Foundation and Wal-Mart.

“Taos is a town dedicated to bettering the lives of those who call it home,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Community leaders who seek creative ways to keep Taos a vital community with events, such as the Festival of Trees and Wreaths, are to be commended.”

“The festival recognizes the efforts of all the nonprofit organizations in Taos County, and this is one chance that we all have to make a difference and help those in need,” said Joanne Crass, The Taos News advertising manager.

Admission is $15 per adult; children are admitted free. All admission proceeds go to the Museum Association of Taos, which uses the money for its education programs.

Additional things to do in Taos, New Mexico: Taos plaza, southwest art