Let New Mexico Take Your Breath Away

Featured Destination: Welcome to Ruidoso and Lincoln County, New Mexico!

Nestled high in the mountains of Southern New Mexico, Ruidoso boasts itself as the coolest place to be! With average daytime summer temperatures in the 70s, tall swaying pines, rushing streams and a lively small town atmosphere, Ruidoso is truly a paradise. Whether you're seeking excitement or solitude, we've got just the right mix of lodging, restaurants, shopping, activities and attractions for the whole family. You may find yourself on one of the 9 area golf courses or meandering through rows of unique shops. The kids will be tugging on you to go horseback riding and ride go carts. Adults will be anxious for the gaming and live entertainment. Not excited yet? How about a dinner show or chuck wagon? Can you imagine yourself cheering as the winning horse crosses the finish line? Hiking, biking and camping in the forest seem fun? Or perhaps you long for the retreat and want the spas and resorts in which to be pampered. Ruidoso has it all and is the coolest place for your next getaway vacation. Visit us online at www.RuidosoNow.com to learn more!

Don't miss our signature events, and be sure to make lodging reservations early.

• August 1 to 3, 2008
  Old Lincoln Days - Lincoln, NM - Street vendors, food, parade and mountain man camp. Don't miss the "Last Escape of Billy the Kid" pageant. 575-653-4025.
• August 30 & 31, 2008
  18th annual All-American Gun & Western Collectible Show: Ruidoso Convention Center, 9-5. Everything that relates to guns as well hunting equipment, knives, cowboy gear, saddles, blankets, spurs, western relics, Indian artifacts, jewelry, coins and much, much more. Admission $5 adults, kids 12 & under free. Under age 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Info: Jackie, 575-257-6171.
  http://trekwest.com/gunshow/
• September 1, 2008
  All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino: Each year, the racing season comes to an end with the running of the World's Richest Quarter Horse Race, the Grade I All American Futurity. For information 575-378-4431.
• September 17 to 21, 2008
  39th Annual Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally: Ruidoso Downs Sports Theater Complex, 3/4 miles east of the racetrack entrance. The motorcycles come back for glorious fall weather and an exceptional trade show, live entertainment and more. For information call 800-452-8045.
  http://www.motorcyclerally.com/
• October 4 & 5, 2008
  Aspenfest Weekend - It's our annual fall celebration complete with a parade through midtown (Sat, 10am, from the corner of Sudderth & Mechem to 700 block of Sudderth), Arts & Crafts at Schoolhouse Park on Sudderth (Sat 9-5:30, Sun 9-5, admission $1 adults, free to kids under 12), & a Rod Run Car Show at the racetrack (Sat, 8-4, free admission). Bonnie Richardson (Arts & Crafts) 378-4661, Ron Duscha (Car Show) 915-598-0621,& Rachel Weber (Parade) 575-257-7395.
  http://www.ruidosonow.com/aspenfest/
• October 10, 11 & 12, 2008
  19th Annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium:
  This annual celebration is held at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and features cowboy poets, musicians, chuckwagon cooks/craftsmen plus This year will feature Johnny Bush & The Bandoleros plus Red Steagall and Lynn Anderson performing a special tribute to Cindy Walker. For information call the museum at 575-378-4142.
  http://www.cowboysymposium.org/

Featured Event: World's Largest, Santa Fe Indian Market, is August 23-24

The Santa Fe Plaza is host to the most prestigious Native American arts show in the world - the annual Santa Fe Indian Market - on August 23 and 24, 2008.

The Santa Fe Indian Market has long been the place where Native American art meets the world. Each year the Santa Fe Indian Market includes 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes who show their work in over 600 booths. The event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe from all over the world. Buyers, collectors and gallery owners come to Indian Market to take advantage of the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. For many visitors, this is a rare opportunity to meet the artists and learn about contemporary Indian arts and cultures. Quality is the hallmark of the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Demonstrations by Native American groups and artists allow visitors a chance to learn more about different tribal and artistic traditions. A book booth sells educational and informative books, some signed by Native American authors. From Indian tacos to chili stews to mutton on fry bread, a unique taste of Native American culture is available from early morning until the market closes.

Santa Fe Indian Market is sponsored by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA). Their mission is to advocate for Native American arts and cultures (particularly those in the Southwest), and to create economic and cultural opportunities for Native American artists by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market as the finest Indian art event in the world; cultivating excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms; and developing programs and events that support, promote, and honor Native American artists year-round.

Visit www.swaia.org