Ruidoso’s Annual Aspenfest Weekend
October 1st and 2nd 2005
Written by Chuck Duncan • Photography by Mickey Cochran (unless otherwise stated)
Every year for the past thirty-seven Ruidoso, New Mexico hosts a wonderful love affair with Autumn. Aspenfest is a full weekend of events including a Parade, Arts and Crafts show, Rod Run, Car Show and Chili Cook-off celebrating the changing of the season. This year will be especially memorable as Ruidoso celebrates its 100th birthday and big plans are already underway to commemorate this special event during the festival.
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The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday winding its way through Ruidoso’s Midtown.
Families and friends line both sides of the street for a mile in anticipation of colorful floats clowns, sirens, Shriners on mini motorcycles, candy, dancers and bands marching to the cadence of the big bass drum.
This is one of those magical times that families have been enjoying for decades here in the Mountains.
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Photography by David Horton
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The Aspenfest Car Show fills the streets with hot rods and restored cars from every era.
You can visit with the owners and reminisce about that old Chevy you had back in high school.
This event has become so big that it is now held at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and where you’re guaranteed to see something which will transport you back to the good ol’ days.
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The Arts and Crafts show is a long running tradition during Aspenfest and attracts the best crafters in the area. Beautiful works and great prices makes this a must see event, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
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| Of course, on Saturday October 1st from 10:00AM – 6:00 PM, the New Mexico State Chili Cook-off is a rockin’ good time where you sample the best chili in the world, enjoy a cold beer all with the backdrop of live entertainment.
This year Mike Pritchard’s Blue Thunder & Lightning Horns will rock the cook-off! Chili Chefs travel the country competing in these cook-offs and you better believe they know their meat and seasonings. Come sample them all as each have their own unique styles and flavors … no two are alike.
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And as if that is not enough you can get away from all the excitement by taking a drive up to the Sierra Blanca lookout just a few minutes from the Village. There you’ll enjoy awe inspiring vistas from the 10,000 foot altitude.
The Mountain explodes in color this time of year with the Aspen groves bathed in gold and the occasional Maple offering a splash of red. Bring your camera and capture what Aspenfest is really all about!
Be sure to stay in touch with further updates at www.goruidoso.com
or e-mail questions to info@goruidoso.com
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