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New Mexico November 2008 E-Newsletter Articles

Colorful Red Rock Balloon Rally Fills Blue Skies Above Gallup

More than 200 balloons from across the country will take to the skies December 5-7 for the 28th 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. You'll want to have your camera ready as these rainbow colored giants come to life.

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. Now, adventure-seeking balloonists soar above the magnificent canyons where movie producers once filmed Western epics. This is the only ballooning event where spectators are encouraged to become active participants by joining balloon chase crews. The Red Rock Balloon Rally partners with many area service organizations to help provide funding for local service activities.

Come join the balloonists who will walk and fly in beauty during this fun-filled weekend in the heart of Indian Country. Visit the Gallup Red Rock Balloon Rally where the winds caress the rocks and the Southwest's wide open skies welcome you to this magnificent New Mexico destination.

Events include:

Friday, December 5:
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 6:
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 7:
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.

Plans Made for Creation of Pecos Canyon State Park

Governor Bill Richardson has announced his support for establishing Pecos Canyon State Park, comprised of state-owned lands in Pecos Canyon north of the Village of Pecos.

“Pecos Canyon State Park is the 5th State Park that I have established and will join the 35 state treasures that make up our world class State Park system,” said Governor Richardson. “I am confident this new state park will be a treasure for years to come for New Mexicans and visitors to share.”

The Governor will support legislation in the 2009 session to establish Pecos Canyon State Park. Proposed legislation would authorize the New Mexico State Parks Division to enter into an agreement with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish allowing State Parks to legally manage recreation on lands currently owned by the State Game Commission.

The State Game Commission owns approximately 186 acres in six different locations along 17 miles of Pecos Canyon that are extremely popular for fishing access and other wildlife-associated recreation, including day-use and overnight camping. A 20-mile stretch of the Pecos River, from its headwaters high in the Pecos Wilderness on the Santa Fe National Forest south to Terrero, is already designated under the National Wild & Scenic River System.

For more information visit www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/

Ski Season Just a Snowfall Away

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.

Red River Ski Area celebrates its 50th anniversary with the addition of anniversary festivities and bargains. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels feel at home here, which is why Red River is “The Place to Learn.” 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, new snowmobile tours are offered on the weekends and available by reservations through the Skier Services office. Red River has opened on Thanksgiving weekend for 45 consecutive years, and with a little help from its recently updated snowmaking capabilities, that’s not going to change. Visit www.redriverskiarea.com.

After another record-breaking season last year, Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort enters the 2008-2009 ski season as the fastest growing resort in New Mexico - yet visitors still won't wait in line for a lift. Sipapu plans to once again be the first resort to open in New Mexico; opening weekend is slated for November 15. To celebrate this distinction, Sipapu will be offering incredible specials all season long, including its most-popular deal: buy one full-priced lift ticket, stay one night for free. Sipapu is known for offering the best deals in the Rockies. Visit www.sipapunm.com.

Discover Ski Apache, 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 here a blast for everyone. And Ski Apache is located just minutes from the beautiful mountain resort village of Ruidoso and the spectacular Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero. Ski Apache has scheduled Thanksgiving weekend opening, weather permitting, of course.

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 New Millennium Triple Chairlift will take 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. Ski Santa Fe is family oriented, but those seeking a challenge can find their place on the mountain. Santa Fe Ski Area has scheduled its opening Thanksgiving weekend.

Visit www.skisantafe.com/index.php/home

For the first time ever, Taos Ski Valley will this winter open to snowboarders for a full season, with opening day scheduled for November 28. The opening season for snowboarding has been hotly anticipated by riders around the country, after the ski valley announced last season that it would be welcoming snowboarders to the legendary mountain for the first time. Taos Ski Valley kicked off the announcement with a two-week long preview for snowboarders at the end of last year’s winter season.
In preparation for the season, Taos Ski Valley has doubled the size of the Out To Launch Terrain Park. The terrain park is located on Maxie's run under lift #7 and is sure to be a popular spot on the mountain for jibbers this season. Additionally TSV has expanded its Children’s Center. Both the adult and children’s rental shops have been remodeled to make room for snowboards and the Snowboard school for riders of all ages will be in full swing on opening day. Skiers and riders alike will have two new runs to explore this season. North American, a double-black diamond rated glade with 1,400 feet of vertical feet, will challenge experts. Novices will enjoy The Burrough, a new beginner’s area that includes a moving carpet. The Burroughs will be 400 feet long this season and will expand into a full hill next summer.
Visit wwwskitaos.org.

Angel Fire Resort gears up for the ’08-’09 winter season with more glade terrain, expanded freestyle parks and a multi-million dollar hotel renovation. The resort’s annual Benefit Day is December 19th with all lift tickets priced at $15. One hundred percent of the lift ticket proceeds will be donated to NMX Sport, a New Mexico non-profit organization dedicated to introducing youth to outdoor recreation. 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 the Los Alamos Ski Club, that was developed as a ski area in the late 1950s. Pajarito Mountain currently has about 300 acres of cleared 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. It is open to the public, selling both day tickets and season passes. Mountain officials have just about completed a new Terrain Park on "Easy Mother,” with a number of new rails and boxes. "Lumberyard" has been returned to a normal ski trail. Scheduled opening is December 19th. Visit www.skipajarito.com/mountain.php.

Sandia Peak Ski Area, 45 minutes from Albuquerque, is tentatively scheduled to open December 19. Visit www.sandiapeak.com/index.php?page=winter-sports

Chama continues to be a popular getaway for cross-country skiers that seek the “off the traveled path” snow experience. Tucked at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 1880s railroad town is known for its narrow gauge steam train, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Sargent Wildlife Area, a 20,000-acre elk refuge turns into a winter playground for cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. While the area is not groomed for the most part, the terrain is gently sloping with a spectacular mountain backdrop. And because Sargent is off limits to machinery, no snowmobiles are allowed, ensuring a quiet, serene experience. Visit www.chama.com

Cross-country skiing at Valles Caldera last season was fantastic and it is predicted 2008-09 will be the same. Retreat on cross-country skis or snowshoes to the center of the Valle Grande where you'll find yourself surprised by the wide expanse and distances. This valle, 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 is New Mexico’s largest full-service cross country ski area, offering 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 mid-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.

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 glides through the fairyland of twinkling lights created by more than 100 Pecos River homeowners and corporate sponsors who spend hours 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 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/

Madrid Hosts Christmas Open House

The 26th annual Madrid Christmas Open House, featuring special events, sales and activities, is held throughout December.

Madrid, New Mexico is a unique place in the Land of Enchantment. From the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th, it was an important coal mining center. When the coal mines closed in 1954 it became a ghost town for about 20 years. In the 1970s the town was resurrected as an art colony. Today you can see traces of the mining history, but you can also enjoy the art and services provided by the current residents of Madrid.

Basking in the glow of holiday lights, visitors can stop by participating merchants for coffee, hot chocolate or apple cider as they search for that perfect gift.

Stage coach rides are from 4-8 pm on Sundays, and pictures with Santa Claus are 4-8 pm on Saturdays and 2-6 pm on Sundays during this holiday season.

Madrid is located 30 minutes south of Santa Fe on State Road 14.
Visit www.visitmadridnm.com.

Holiday Festivities at the Palace of the Governors

The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe announces the ever-popular holiday event “Christmas at the Palace” December 12, and “Las Posadas” December 14.

Enjoy Santa Fe holiday magic in activities at the Palace of the Governors and on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Christmas at the Palace and Las Posadas promise old-fashioned charm and treasures, and are wonderful holiday experiences for the entire family.

Christmas at the Palace, December 12, 5:30- 8 p.m.: Children can visit with Santa Claus to share their wishes for Christmas morning. Luminarias (small bonfires) illuminate the courtyard and keep revelers warm. Enjoy warm cider, cookies, and musical performances by local choirs and musicians while touring the Palace.

In the spirit of the Christmas season, visitors can view “Tesoros de Devoción: Treasures of Devotion,” a collection of religious bultos, retablos, and crucifijos dating from the late 1700s to 1900, on exhibit at the Palace of the Governors. The exhibit demonstrates how European stylistic traditions and iconography were combined with new palettes, different styles, and distinctive regional decorative designs that transformed New Mexico santo making into a unique hybrid.
Admission is free during Christmas at the Palace (as well as every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Admission is also free to New Mexico residents on Sundays making Tesoros de Devocióon a convenient stop prior to the Las Posadas event.

Las Posadas, December 14, 5:30- 7 p.m. Las Posadas, “The Inns,” is the re-creation of Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem seeking shelter. Join a procession that encounters devils while Mary and Joseph search for a place to stay. Participants are welcome to carry candles as the procession moves through the Plaza. The Courtyard of the Palace of the Governors will offer safe lodging to Mary and Joseph and provide refreshments to procession followers.

Both events are free.

The Palace of the Governors, located on the Plaza in Santa Fe at 105 West Palace Avenue, was built by the Spanish in1609 and has been New Mexico’s state history museum since 1909. It is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. The museum’s collection of more than 17,000 historical objects documents the Spanish Colonial, Mexican, American Territorial, and recent eras in New Mexico history. Items date from the time of the earliest Spanish explorations in the 16th century and chronicle 223 years of Spanish administrative control, 25 years as part of Mexico, 66 years as a territory of the United States, and from statehood in 1912 to the present. In 2009, the Palace of the Governors will be incorporated into the New Mexico History Museum, a 96,000-square-foot building now under construction behind the Palace.

Call 505-476-5100 for more information, or visit www.palaceofthegovernors.org.

Design of New Mexico’s ‘Hats Off To New Mexico – Beep!Beep!’ Float in 2009 Tournament of Roses® Parade Unveiled

The beloved cartoon characters of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner have entertained millions of young children, and the young at heart, since 1949 when animation legend Chuck Jones first introduced us to his parody of chase cartoons.

On January 1, 2009, the wacky and zany antics of these two stars of the cinema - florally recreated and larger-than-life – will headline the State of New Mexico’s float, “Hats Off To New Mexico – Beep! Beep!,” as it travels Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California in the 2009 Tournament of Roses® Parade.

This is the third time in the past four years that New Mexico will be represented by a float in the Rose Parade, and it follows on the heels of last year’s float, “Passport to Our World & Beyond,” winner of the coveted Grand Marshal’s Trophy “for excellence in creative concept and design.” It is one of the top three awards given each year.

Once again, the New Mexico float will be designed by award-winning float designer Raul Rodriguez and built by Fiesta Parade Floats of Pasadena, Calif. under contract with the New Mexico Tourism Department.

Raul Rodriguez was a featured guest for the unveiling of the 2009 float design Thursday evening (October 16, 2008) at the Chuck Jones Gallery just off the Santa Fe Plaza. Also in attendance was New Mexico Tourism Department staff, including Cabinet Secretary Michael Cerletti.

“Our roadrunner will be fondly and forever linked with the late cartoonist Chuck Jones’ Road Runner,” Secretary Cerletti said, “so we think he is perfect to remind the world that New Mexico is the place to be for fun-filled entertainment.”

While New Mexico’s state bird has been entertaining visitors to the Land of Enchantment since its official designation in 1949, so has its cartoon counterpart entertained movie-goers. In fact, both celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2009.

“Chuck Jones’ Road Runner was the perfect tie-in to this year’s Parade theme, ‘Hat’s Off to Entertainment,” Secretary Cerletti said. “New Mexico’s film history began before there was a Hollywood, on a sunny fall day in 1898 when Thomas Edison’s crew shot ‘Indian Day School’ at Isleta Pueblo. New Mexico continues to play a major role in the entertainment industry, as more than 400 hundred major film productions have been shot on location in the Land of Enchantment, including 110 during the past six years, adding nearly $2 billion dollars to the state’s economy. The list of films is a remarkable compendium of the history of filmmaking, as New Mexico’s vast panoramas, offering rich detail at every turn, could keep a location scout happy for a thousand years.”

Float Description
Zooming down the roadway of old Route 66, Wile E Coyote, strapped atop an ACME rocket, is making yet another futile attempt to catch the Road Runner, just as he shifts into high gear. Fans know it is only a matter of seconds before this elaborate scheme will invariably fail with catastrophic results for the Coyote.

Their accelerating chase travels through the abstract scenery of New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment. The vast landscapes of the State 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.

“It can be a huge undertaking or something quite simple,” Secretary Cerletti said of the challenge to create a float that can represent New Mexico’s diverse entertainment offering in a colorful, eye-catching design. “New Mexicans, however, robustly celebrate this diversity; and when people around the world turn on their television sets to watch the 2009 Tournament of Roses® Parade broadcast, our ‘Hats Off To New Mexico – Beep” Beep!’ float will turn heads. Fiesta Parade Floats has done a remarkable job in capturing the whimsical side of New Mexico’s entertainment story.”

Wile E. Coyote will be crafted from brown uva and creamy white pampas grass. He rides atop a rocket created in 8,200 brilliant red carnations. The Road Runner will sport a plumage of dark blue sinuata statice and light blue delphinium florets with legs decorated in yellow split pea beans applied one-by-one.

The Road Runner is going full speed with legs moving so fast they are almost a blur as the Coyote hangs on tight to the gyrating rocket to which he is attached. The pinnacles of the rock formations spin and wobble to the vibration of the musical sound track and the Road Runner’s famous Beep! Beep!

New Mexico will come vividly alive in more than 50,000 roses. The unique rock formations will be created in butterscotch and bronze chrysanthemums with striations of roses. The desert floor will feature roses in shades of orange, while the yucca blossoms will be created in over 10,000 white dendrobium orchid florets individually glued onto small welded rods. Black chive seeds and white sweet rice cover the Route 66 roadway.

The national and international exposure offered New Mexico through television coverage of the 2008 Tournament of Roses® Parade was valued at more than $1 million, according to industry experts. Nearly 40 million Americans in 16.5 million households tuned in to watch the parade on nine national and international television networks, including NBC, ABC, HGTV and the Travel Channel. The Parade was also broadcast live in 150 countries and territories.

It is estimated the exposure offered New Mexico following this year’s appearance –especially considering the publicity generated as winner of the Grand Marshal’s Trophy last year– will be even greater. Co-sponsors of this year’s event including Isleta Casino & Resort, New Mexico State Parks, Albuquerque Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Santa Fe Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the Town of Taos, the Town of Red River, Santa Fe Brewing Company, ESPN and El Pinto Restaurant in Albuquerque.

New Mexico Tourism Department Promotes Off-Highway Vehicle Safety

The purpose of New Mexico’s Off-Road Vehicle Safety Act - which went into effect January 1, 200- is to encourage the responsible and safe use of our public lands.

Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, said, “We want to leave the land healthy and unspoiled, and our wildlife and wildlife habitat protected for our continued enjoyment in the future.”

The 26-member Off-Highway Safety Board, created as part of the legislation, established helmet and eyewear standards for children ages 18 and younger. The rule also establishes training criteria for organizations which are interested in training children to safely ride all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and dirt bikes on public lands, as well as establishing size-fit standards for children ages 18 and younger. Available certified training classes can be found at www.atvsafety.org.

Since the enactment of the OHV Safety Act, the New Mexico Tourism Department’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program has encouraged the safe use of all off-highway vehicles. To that end, the Department has recently initiated an in-state billboard campaign that directs all off-highway vehicle users to the Department’s web site, www.B4uRide.com, for additional information.

Contact OHV Program Manager Mona Medina, 505-827-7605 or mona.medina@state.nm.us; or visit www.B4uRide.com.