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
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.
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.
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.of managing the refuge for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat.
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 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.”
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.
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.
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.
The purpose of New Mexico’s Off-Road Vehicle Safety Act which went into effect January 1, 2006, 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
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Don’t forget to mark you calendars for these upcoming events, many of which celebrate the holiday season:
December
December 11-12:
December 24 (Christmas Eve)
December 25- Christmas Day
December 25-28
December 25-29
December 26
December 28