Ruidoso Events Calender - Racing, Shows, Art, Outdoors
May 16th, 2008 categories: Community
If you have been working on a summer escape to Ruidoso that includes camping, you have probably discovered that the Lincoln National Forest has been closed until we receive some precipitation to relieve the dry conditions in our area. Currently, within the village limits of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, no outdoor open flame of any kind is allowed, including cigarette smoking and gas grills. For a more comprehensive look of what the fire restrictions are in town and within the rest of the county, please take a look at the list of the Lincoln County fire restrictions. Don’t let the fire danger prevent a trip to our beautiful area. There are still so many wonderful things to do here, and I’ve included a list below to help guide you in the right direction.
Not only will the racing season begin at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, but Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to jump-start your summer activities. I’m including just a few of our community calendar events in this article, but with a little ingenuity on your part, you and your family can still find plenty to do in this neck of the woods.
Horse-racing Season: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino opens May 23 and runs through Labor Day. The racetrack is home to the world’s richest Quarter Horse race, the All American Futurity. To start things off, Country Music artist Marty Stuart will be performing live at the racetrack on May 24. For times and information, visit the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack website.
Dinner Shows: The Flying J Ranch will open its doors for the season at 6:00 PM the evening of May 23 and will be open nightly (except Sundays) until September 3. From September 3 to October 14 the Flying J Ranch will be open on Saturdays only.
Mountain Annie’s is open year round. Performances can vary from 50’s rock and roll to classic and contemporary to western cowboy music. On most nights the doors open at 6:00 PM, dinner is served at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 8:00. Shows and times are subject to change, so please visit their website or call 575-257-7982.
Arts & Crafts Shows: The 3rd annual Mescalero Arts & Crafts Show will be held at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, NM. Beautiful handmade items will be on display throughout Memorial Day Weekend. Fri 12-6 PM, Sat& Sun 10AM-6PM, and Mon 8 AM-2PM.
Art In the Pines Art Gallery is reopening its doors to showcase local artists’ works under one roof. No longer will you have to wander through town to each studio to find your favorite artist’s work. The Old Mill will be a new summer home for artwork this year. Call 575-378-5206 for details.
Ruidoso Noon Lions Crafts, Guns & Collectible Show will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center May 24-25 9AM-6PM Saturday and 9AM-3PM Sunday. There is an admission fee of $5 for adults and kids under the age of 12 get in free.
Outdoor Sports: On May 22, the 12th Annual Cree Meadows Golf Tournament kicks off with a shot-gun start at 12:30 PM. Fees include green fees, golf cart, dinner, and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ruidoso.
If you’re physically fit and like to run, the Mescalero Hotshot Challenge Run takes place on May 24, 2008 in Mescalero. There is a 15k, 10K Team Challenge, and 5K race to choose from. Call 575-464-4291 for the scoop.
There is almost an endless list of things to do in and around Ruidoso. These are just a few of the highlights of our early summer events. Here are additional summer events from the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce. Stay tuned for more. If you are aching, like so many of us, to spend some time camping and hiking in the forest then I suggest you check back with our site in the near future. As soon as the current fire restrictions lift, we will try to be one of the first to let you know. Until then, we hope you find at least one event that piques your interest and brings you to the mountain.
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My family and I are really looking forward to our annual trip to Ruidoso. There is always so much to do and see. This truly is one beautiful and fun place! ~ The Blogster
Hi Blogster,
Thanks for dropping by the Ruidoso-blog. I hope you can come out our way more often.
That is a very nice looking Tomato Blog you have there in Austin ! Good Luck.
Mary