Upcoming Events for July 1, 2024

Do you want to advertise your Torrance County event in the Mountainair Dispatch? I’d love to publish it (free!). Email todd@mountainairdispatch.com with the details.

Federal Government

Pecos National Historical Park

Ancestral Sites Tour

• Daily until September 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Meet at the visitor center, 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, NM 87552

Trading Post Chats

• Daily until September 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Meet at the trading post (look for the pink building), 1/2 mile south of the visitor center, off of NM-63, Pecos, NM 87552

Glorieta Battlefield Walking Tour

• Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, weekly until September 7, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
• Meet at the visitor center, 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, NM 87552

Forked Lightning Ranch House Caravan Tour

• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, weekly until September 7, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
• Meet at the visitor center, 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, NM 87552

Cultural Demonstration: Yucca Fiber with Mary Weahkee

• July 6 and 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Fiber artist and archaeologist Mary Weahkee, a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo and the Comanche Nation, will demonstrate the traditional art of making yucca cordage and accompanying materials. Stop by the visitor center either day to learn more about the creation, processing, and uses of yucca fibers!
• At the visitor center, 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, NM 87552

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

On July 3, 2024, the Abó visitor center and restrooms will be closed.

Ranger Choice Program

• every Friday at 11:00 AM; no registration is required
• Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira unit visitors centers.

Abó Ranger-Led Hike

• every Friday at 11:00 AM until August 30, 2024
• Abó Unit, Salinas Pueblo National Monument, 69 Ruins Road, Mountainair, NM 87036

Gran Quivira Ranger-Led Hike

• every Saturday at 11:00 AM until August 31, 2024
• Gran Quivira Unit, Salinas Pueblo National Monument, 4030 Quivira Flats Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036

Quarai Ranger-Led Hike

• Every Sunday at 11:00 AM until August 25, 2024
• Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036

Pueblo and Mission Program

• Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM
• Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira unit visitors centers.

State Government

New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Benefits Outreach Visit

• Socorro: July 9, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Forget Me Not Veteran Center, 705 North California Street, Socorro, NM, 87801
• Socorro July 23, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Forget Me Not Veteran Center, 705 North California Street, Socorro, NM, 87801
• Albuquerque: every Monday and Wednesday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the VA Regional Office, 500 Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (inside the Albuquerque Federal Building and Courthouse)
• Truth or Consequences: Wednesdays, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the New Mexico State Veteran Home, 992 South Broadway Street, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901

Cerrillos Hills State Park

Amigos de Cerrillos Hills July 4th Picnic

• July 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Join us for the Amigos de Cerrillos Hills State Park Annual July 4th Community Picnic in Cerrillos! The BBQ includes hotdogs, watermelon, guest speakers, and a fun live animal event at the Cerrillos Hills State Park visitor center.
• Cerrillos Hills State Park, Co Rd 59, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010

Elephant Butte State Park

2024 Elephant Butte Fireworks Show

• July 6, 2024, starting 30 minutes after sunset.
• Elephant Butte Lake State Park will host a fireworks show shot from Rattlesnake Island over the lake's waters. The show can be seen from the park's main area or on the water. Fees for the show are waived after 6:00 PM.
• Elephant Butte State Park, 101 Hwy 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Leasburg Dam State Park

Star Program

• July 27, 2024, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• Join us for a night of star gazing. Members from the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces will operate a 16" telescope to view amazing night sky objects. Through several telescopes, you will see nebulae, globular clusters, star clusters, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and more! The show starts at sunset located at the Observatory - next to the visitor center parking lot. $5 per vehicle park entrance fee.
• Leasburg Dam State Park, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Manzano Mountains State Park

No events are scheduled at this time.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Guided Bird Walk

• Every Saturday and Sunday - 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
• Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed.
• Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent, and sunscreen as needed. They should meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (on the Northeast side of the parking lot).

The Sun Shines on Nature

• July 6, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Every Saturday, a new topic will be presented. These events are especially for kids aged 5 to 10. Children should always bring their own adults so they can enjoy the program with their children. Meet in the Visitor Center.
• Call to reserve a spot 505-344-7240.
• Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria Rd., NW Albuquerque, NM 87107

Dancing With Nature

• July 13, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Every Saturday, a new topic will be presented. These events are especially for kids aged 5 to 10. Children should always bring their own adults so they can enjoy the program with their children. Meet in the Visitor Center.
• Call to reserve a spot at 505-344-7240.
• Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria Rd., NW Albuquerque, NM 87107

Torrance County

Torrance County government offices will be closed for Independence Day on July 4, 2024.

Torrance County Fair Board Special Meeting

• July 2, 2024, at 6:30 PM
• County Offices, 205 South Ninth Street, Estancia, NM 87016
• Call 505-544-4700 for details

Torrance County Planning and Zoning Committee Regular Meeting

• July 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM
• County Offices and via Zoom, 205 South Ninth Street, Estancia, NM 87016

Torrance County Fair Board Regular Meeting

• July 9, 2024, at 6:30 PM
• County Offices, 205 South Ninth Street, Estancia, NM 87016
• Call 505-544-4700 for details

Torrance County Commissioners Regular Meeting

• July 10, 2024, at 9:30 AM
• County Offices, 205 South Ninth Street, Estancia, NM 87016

Torrance County Commissioners Regular Meeting

• July 24, 2024, at 9:30 AM
• County Offices, 205 South Ninth Street, Estancia, NM 87016

Torrance County Fair Fairgrounds Clean-Up Day

• Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 7:00 AM-12:00 PM
• Torrance County Fairgrounds, Leonard Ave, Estancia, NM 87016

Torrance County Fair

• Tuesday, August 6, 2024, to Friday, August 9, 2024
• Torrance County Fairgrounds, Leonard Ave, Estancia, NM 87016

Estancia

Estancia municipal offices will be closed for Independence Day on July 4, 2024.

Board of Trustees Meeting

• Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:15 PM
• 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016

July 4, 2024, Independence Day Estancia Park Events

• 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Estancia Municipal Pool open
• 1:00 PM - Horseshoe Tournament sponsored by Estancia Rotary
• 6:00 PM - Kids Bicycle Parade; registration begins at 5:00 PM at the Estancia Fire Department
• Age Groups: 5 years old and under, 6-11 years old, 12-18 years old
• Dusk - Fireworks

Board of Trustees Meeting

• Monday, July 15, 2024, at 6:15 PM
• 513 Williams Ave, Estancia, NM 87016

Mountainair

Mountainair Municipal Court

• Thursday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, with arraignments from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM and trials from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Mountainair Town Council

• July 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM
• Mountainair Town Council building, 107 1/2 North Roosevelt Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036.

Willard

Village Council Meeting

• July 8, 2024, at 5:30 PM
• Willard Village Hall, 720 Dunlavy Ave, Willard, NM 87063

Other Organizations

Mountainair Rotary Club

• 12:00 PM every Thursday
• Claunch-Pinto SWCD Conservation Center, 1206 NM-55, Mountainair, NM 87036
• Attendees should bring lunch.

Free Sunday Mornings at the Albuquerque Museum

• Every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; EXCEPTION: No free admission during Balloon Fiesta (October 7–15, 2023).
• Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 505-243-7255
• Timed ticketing applies. Before your visit, please reserve your tickets to Albuquerque Museum online at HOLD MY TICKET. Free admission applies to general museum admission only. Fees for special exhibits and events still apply.

Mountainair Gymkhana Rodeo

• Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 8:00 AM
• Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 8:00 AM
• Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 8:00 AM
• JP Helms Rodeo Arena, 609 3rd St, Mountainair, NM 87036

Symbolism - Real to Surreal

• Exhibit Opening Reception on July 27, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
• MMAC Annual Meeting from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM
• Member Party from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036

West Fest Dance

• Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
• Country Western Dance and music by Paul Pino and the Tone Daddies
• Free admission; all-ages show
• Manzano Mountain Art Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036

Manzano Mountain Art Council Exhibit: Inspired by the Land

• Now through July 31, 2024
• Artists can apply online at https://forms.gle/gLB7wCQsodRMMLUG8
• Manzano Mountain Arts Council, 101 East Broadway, Mountainair, NM 87036