“A Land So Strange” @ The Hubbard Museum

Depression Era Rendering of the Altar Sanctuario Chimayo

Over the past four centuries, a distinctive culture has evolved in New Mexico, an area described 400 years ago in the journal of Cabeza de Vaca as Una Tierra Tan Extraña…… A Land So Strange. The Hubbard Museum is proud to present its newest interpretive exhibit, A Land So Strange, which opens Saturday, June 16th, and runs through February 8, 2013.

As the State of New Mexico celebrates its 100th anniversary, A Land So Strange was created and designed by Curator of Exhibits, David Mandel and Curator of Collections, Adele Karolik, to provide a unique and educational journey through nearly 400 years of New Mexico history. With hundreds of artifacts and images from the 16th century to the 20th century, the exhibit tells the story of the Native Americans, the Spanish, and the Euro-Americans who created the New Mexico we experience today.

Take a closer look at materials drawn from collections around the nation that represent these separate cultures at Ruidoso Downs’ The Hubbard Museum, just minutes from Vera Cruz Mountain Ranch.

Hours

9:00 am-4:30 pm daily

Address

26301 Hwy 70 West

Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346

Map

Contact

Phone: 575-378-4142
Email: info@hubbardmuseum.org

Ruidoso construction values see jump

Dianne Stallings dstallings@ruidosonews.com of RuidosoNews.com reports good news on the real estate front in Ruidoso:

Construction values in Ruidoso jumped nearly $1 million from June to July with two large commercial projects leading the way.

“Single family permits were down a little bit, but I’m not worried,” said Ruidoso Building Official Shawn Fort. “Stuff is coming in. We permitted a large commercial project (this month) that will show up on the next report.”

The second of two Dollar General stores being developed by Faith Construction contributed the most value to July at $985,166. The 9,000-square-foot structure, which Fort described as “very similar” to the Dollar General going up on Sudderth Drive, is being built at 1110 Mechem Drive by the same company, Les File Dry Wall of Albuquerque.

Mark Marquez of Recom Construction is building the second commercial project, a dental office of about 2,500 square feet at 456 Mechem Drive. Marquez is a popular local builder, who several years ago created Boulder Plaza at the intersection of Mechem and Sudderth. The building value is listed at $335,496. The structure is two floors with the lower level designed as a garage and for storage, Fort said. Parking is planned for the back and front of the building off of Rainbow Drive.

In July, 98 permits were issued for a building value of $2,072,110, generating permit fees for the village of $18,351, according to Fort’s just-released monthly report. That compares to 110 permits in June for a building value of $1,104,477, generating $15,463 in fees.

Although only one new single-family housing start was registered in July, the value was a hefty $479,035 and the two commercial projects added up to $1.32 million. Other contributors to the healthy July showing this year were 13 residential deck permits valued at $88,625, and $78,759 for seven residential additions and alterations.

The month was on a par with July of 2011, when 139 permits were issued for a value of $2,086,193 and $25,392 in permit fees. Construction was fueled that month by five single-family housing starts totaling $570,756 in value, and a sizable residential renovation value at $121,707.

Mark Your Calendar: Old Lincoln Days, August 3 – 5

Once one of the wildest of all western towns, Lincoln, Ruidoso is considered by many historians to be the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States. The single road through town was once described as “the most dangerous street in America”. Among the many Lincoln landmarks is the Murphy / Dolan store- which became the Lincoln courthouse and jail- which became famous when Billy the Kid escaped in 1881, killing two deputies in the process. Legend has it – one of the bullet holes from Billy’s gun still decorates the courthouse wall.

Street vendors, food, parade & mountain man camp. Activities happen throughout the day. Join us Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm and Sunday at 3:30pm for the “Last Escape of Billy the Kid” folk pageant. This re-enactment was first presented in 1940 and centers around the life of the legendary outlaw, Billy the Kid. Many of the players are descendants of the original pageant participants!

Win a Ruidoso ‘Get the Picture’ Getaway

Two lucky travelers may find themselves winners of a day at the races, dinner with the Flying J Wranglers and a couple of nights at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca – all in Ruidoso – when they register to play the “Get the Picture” photo challenge and upload at least one photo during June or July 2012.

The New Mexico Tourism Department is encouraging its citizens to get out and explore both the familiar and the obscure in its ongoing “Get The Picture” photo challenge and is offering a $10,000 grand prize for the effort.

As an added bonus, new contest registrants who sign up and upload at least one photo between June1 and July 31, 2012, will also be entered in the Ruidoso “Get the Picture” Giveaway, which includes:

A two-night stay for two in a spacious King Studio Suite at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca in Ruidoso (blackout dates may apply, reservations required);
Full, hot breakfast for two each morning;
Two free admissions to the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs;
An evening for two at the famous Flying “J” Ranch Supper and Western Show, complete with chuckwagon fixins’, Western music, gunfights and much more (reservations required); and;
A day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino for two, complete with reservations to the Turf Club, race programs and lunch (blackout dates apply).

For official rules and regulations click here.

A random drawing in the Ruidoso “Get the Picture” Giveaway will be conducted from all eligible entries during the last week of July 2012.

Luxury awaits at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca. Guest will enjoy an array of amenities, including Ruidoso’s largest indoor pool, fitness center, on-site massage therapists and suites equipped with a full kitchen, fireplace, whirlpool and private balcony.

The Hubbard Museum of the American West, celebrating 20 years of excellence, is a monument to times and places that are not quite as far off as you may think. It is a living, exciting experience that has something for everyone.

For over 30 years, folks have been stepping back into the legendary era of the Great American Cowboy at the Flying J Ranch. They invite you to experience an evening of great chuck wagon cooking and western music much like cowboys would have enjoyed after a long day on the trail.

Enjoy live horse racing, hot slots, live entertainment, great food and much more at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, located on US 70 in Ruidoso Downs. Live racing culminates Labor Day Weekend. The Billy the Kid Casino is open daily and features hot slots plus virtual blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em. The Summer Concert Series brings big name entertainers to the mountains while Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill features regional acts all summer.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track: It’s Race Week!

Ruidoso Downs

Special Racing Schedule
Through July 4th
11 a.m. post time for Rainbow trials on Tuesday
1 p.m. first post Monday and July 4th

Catch Billy’s Seafood Buffet every Wednesday
All-you-can-eat crab legs, shrimp cocktail, shrimp diablo,
popcorn shrimp, fried catfish, baked trout and grilled salmon
with soup and salad bar. On Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Important Fourth of July week continues
Six straight days of racing, which began on Friday, continues to build
momentum to the trials for the Grade 1, $700,000 Rainbow Futurity on
Tuesday starting at 11 a.m. and the trials for the Grade 1 Rainbow Derby
on the Fourth of July, Wednesday. First post time will be 1 p.m. daily, with the exception of Tuesday when there will be an 11 a.m. first post. See story.

Two of top three in Ruidoso Futurity return Tuesday
The second- and third-place runners in the Grade 1, $600,000 Ruidoso Futurity Krash Cartel and Jesastar return in the 23 trials to the Grade 1, $700,000
Rainbow Futurity on Tuesday afternoon. See story.

Ochoa, Feature Mr Bojangles in same Rainbow Derby trial
Champion and All American Futurity winner Ochoa meets champion and
Rainbow Futurity winner Feature Mr Bojangles in the fourth of seven trials
to the $903,000 Rainbow Derby on the Fourth of July. See story.

Get fastest Ruidoso racing info on Twitter
You can get the quickest important news about Ruidoso Downs racing
by following Ruidoso Press Box (@RuiPressBox). Example: the top
three times from each trial race are tweeted within a few minutes
of each trial. This is the quickest way to get trial times.

White Apron Society serves up Little Bear Fire benefit

20120619__lif01society~1_GALLERY — The White Apron Society - Perry Champion, Brendan Gochenour and Curtis Williamson. (Courtesy)

Most folks around town know these three guys: Perry Champion, Brendan Gochenour and Curtis Williamson. But what they may not know is that these three chefs have come together to dole out tasty confections, with a hefty side of community service to benefit those affected by the Little Bear Fire.

The trio recently founded the White Apron Society, a newly formed organization of culinary professionals.

Champion, owner of the Café at Mountain Annie’s and a European-trained chef, has a long history of service with The Nest domestic violence shelter in Ruidoso Downs and several other charities in Lincoln County. Like many of us, he was heartbroken over the sudden devastation caused by the Little Bear Fire.

Curtis Williamson, also a chef by training, has made serving the Ruidoso community his mission as the manager of Schlotzsky’s in Ruidoso. He has been heavily involved with a variety of local charities, whether organizing the recent Bunz Run or providing meals to the residents at The Nest. “It’s all about community. Our slogan is Make Ruidoso Lotz Better,” explains William_son.

Brendan Gochenour has been a renowned chef for 24 years. He is one of the featured chefs at the Mountain Annie’s Community Culinary Classes and also serves as a sales representative for Sysco. He explains, “Each of us has a skill. Whatever yours is, find a way to use it for the greater good.”

The quick-thinking partners formed a plan to stimulate donation efforts to benefit the victimsof the Little Bear Fire. “Our plan is to have people deliver their fire donations to Sweet Charity on Highway 70. In appreciation, every person who has donated will have the opportunity to sign up for several amazing prizes,” Champion said.

The clothing and supply drive will end with a drawing for the prizes on July 1. Prizes include various Schlotzky gift cards, personal instruction at two culinary classes with the chefs ($100 value), a fabulous dinner for four with tableside service at the Café at Mountain Annie’s ($500 value) and $1,000 gift certificate to Fusion Medical Spa, offered by Dr. Stephen Rath.

“The dinner prize will include tableside service by all three members of the White Apron Society. We’re pulling out all of the stops,” entices Gochenour.

Donations will be accepted at Sweet Charity from 10 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, please call Sweet Charity at 378-0041. All items donated in this drive are being distributed for free to the survivors of the Little Bear Fire.

Business Spotlight

The Nest would like to thank Dr. Rath and Fusion Medical Spa for donating a $1,000 gift certificate for the White Apron Society Drive. Dr. Rath also offers scar removal services to Nest Domestic Violence residents. We appreciate your partnership in our campaign to end domestic violence!

Provided by The Nest

Mark Your Calendar: Living History at Ft. Stanton, April 21, 2012

The Fort Stanton Garrison will host living history events on the third Saturday of each month through the year—this means you can get in on the action on April 21st. Activities will include flag ceremony, military drill, fatigue (work) details, leisure activities and horse care. Additional activities will include demonstrations of specific skills such as musket firing, horsemanship and field cooking, to name a few.

During these activities, at least one of the Garrison volunteers will be available to talk with visitors to explain the activity taking place and the significance of that activity to the daily life of a soldier at Fort Stanton. Visitors will be able to view activities and may even be invited to participate in some activities for a hands-on experience. In addition to monthly events, Garrison members may be called on to assist with group or special activities where a living historian or historic demonstration will add to the experience of that group or activity.

Fort Stanton was built in 1855 by soldiers of the 1st Dragoon and the 3rd and 8th Infantry Regiments to serve as a base of operations against the Mescalero Apache Indians. It served as a military fortification through 1896. Built of local stone, the sturdy 1855 buildings have lasted to this day. The Fort was named for Captain Henry W. Stanton, killed fighting the Apaches in 1855 near present day Mayhill. Troops marched out from the Fort to search for and fight the Mescalero Indians during numerous campaigns from 1855 until the 1880’s.

For more details and other events at Fort Stanton, click here.

Fort Stanton is located just off the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway (Hwy 380) on Hwy 220 at the Bonito River. The turnoff to Hwy 220 is 4 miles southeast of Capitan on the Byway or 10 miles west of Lincoln, NM.

New Mexico Tourism’s “Discover Ruidoso” Sweepstakes!

Escape to the cool pines of Ruidoso! Nestled away in the pines of the Sacramento Mountains, Ruidoso offers outdoor recreation beyond compare: ride horseback, mountain bike and hike our million-plus acres of Wilderness and National Forest, fish for trout, or play magnificent mountain golf courses. Live the thrill of summer horse racing at nearby Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and try your luck at one of our three casinos. Explore the shops of the midtown trail for art and hand crafted native jewelry; wine and dine in our bistros and bars. Immerse yourself in the history of Billy the Kid Country: Discover historic Lincoln, walk the streets of the Lincoln County War and visit the courthouse where Billy the Kid made his last escape. Explore pre-Civil War Fort Stanton where Kit Carson, Black Jack Pershing and the Buffalo Soldiers were based during the Apache Wars. Cool Ruidoso…where you elevate your attitude.

**We know you’ll fall in love with Ruidoso! Click here to see details on gorgeous parcels of land just minutes from all the fun!**

4 night package Includes:

Lodge at Sierra Blanca: “Ruidoso Sweetheart Package” with two nights lodging in a King Studio Suite with fireplace, outdoor balcony or patio, two person Jacuzzi tub. Includes: Strawberry Crème Brule Body Soufflé, White Chocolate Body Paint with a supple body paintbrush, Strawberry Dreams Honey Dust with feather applicator, champagne, two etched champagne flutes and relaxing Cherry Blossom scented bath salts. http://www.thelodgeatsierrablanca.com/

Hotel Ruidoso: Two nights at Ruidoso’s newest hotel. The Hotel Ruidoso is located just steps away from the shops, restaurants and galleries of mid-town. http://www.hotelruidoso.net/

Spencer Theater: This state of the art performing arts theater features world class performers is located in a breathtaking setting. The Spencer Theater hosts Broadway shows, dance troupes, and music from around the world. $200 gift certificate. http://www.spencertheater.com/

Hubbard Museum of the American West: An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Hubbard is a first-class museum featuring the history of the American West with an emphasis on the local and regional arts, history and culture. Family 4-pack admission. http://www.hubbardmuseum.org/

Flying J Ranch: Family Fun at its best, the Flying J. Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Show is one of Ruidoso’s most popular attractions. Admission for 4. http://www.flyingjranch.com/

Grindstone Stables: There’s no such thing as a bad day on a good horse! Grindstone Stables offers one hour guided trail rides through the forest surrounding Grindstone Lake. Horseback ride for 2. http://www.grindstonestables.com/

The Links at Sierra Blanca: At 6,900 feet you will experience a blend of Scottish style golf and traditional mountain golf on the Links par 72 championship layout. Green fees & cart rental for two. http://www.thelinksatsierrablanca.com/

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino: A Day at the Races for 4 including lunch at the Turf Club. http://www.raceruidoso.com/

Ruidoso Art Festival: Ruidoso’s annual Art Festival is one of the largest juried art shows in New Mexico. Admission for 4. http://www.ruidosonow.com/art-festival/

Cornerstone Bakery & Café: $25 gift certificate

Can’t Stop Smokin’ Smokehouse BBQ: $20 Gift Card http://www.cantstopsmokin.com

Grace O’Malleys Irish Pub: $25 Gift Certificate

Jockey Club: $50 Gift Certificate http://www.ruidosojockeyclub.com/

Dreamcatchers Café: $ 50 Gift Certificate http://www.dreamcatchercafe.com

Landlocked: $50 Gift Certificate

The value of this package is $1500.

Enter the “Discover Ruidoso” Sweepstakes today by clicking here and filling out a short form.

This contest will run through April 16th 2012

Winner will be notified by email.

One entry per household. You must be

21 years of age or older to enter. Employees of NMTD, prize sponsors and their immediate family members are not eligible for entry.

Simply fill out the form below and click “Enter Now”. Just that quickly, you may be on your way to experiencing some of New Mexico’s finest tourist attractions.

Read the official contest rules here

This contest is now open for entries!

February Ski Apache Events

It was snowing on the mountain on Saturday and they’re making more today: the entire area at Ski Apache is open and ready for business! This month is filled with challenges and a chance to do some good while having a lot of fun. Check out the event calendar and strap on those skis!

Cross Your Heart Cup

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Help Ski Apache support the fight against breast cancer.

Race starts at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with parade on Easy Street to follow.

Ladies and Guys welcome to enter, but guys must dress up as “Tootsies” (female apparel)

Entry is $10.00. Come help us support a great cause.

For more information call (575) 464-3641

Terrain Park Competition

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Come try your skills in our terrain park competition located at the bottom of the mountain on the gondola lift line. Entry fee is $10.00. Compete for prizes, medals and bragging rights. Call (575) 464-3641 for more information.

Sisters on the Snow

Friday, February 24, 2012

Women’s Ski Seminar Camaraderie, Control & Confidence
This special two day clinic is designed for women and conducted by women. The Women’s Seminar offers an opportunity to explore the slopes with women instructors who know how to provide a supportive and relaxed learning experience. This clinic is for all levels of skiers, from first time beginners to intermediate and advanced skiers, ages 18 and over.

Seminar includes two days instruction, video analysis and a personal improvement plan. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days as well as a wine and cheese get together at 4pm the final day. Participants will need to rent or provide their own equipment.

Ski Apache Cup

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Come compete with your friends for a one day event on the Smokey Bear race course.

Teams of 3 race each other:

One Snowboarder
One Female
One of your choice

Entry fee is $15.00 per team. Race for prizes, medals and bragging rights. For more info call (575) 464-3641.

New water use rules coming

By Dianne Stallings

Stiffer penalties may lie ahead for water users who violate Ruidoso’s drought conservation rules.

Village councilors Tuesday set Feb. 28, as the date for a public hearing to look at changes in the village ordinance governing water conservation that would simplify the phases, define penalties, impose a surcharge on high water use, enforce a requirement to install water shutoff valves on the customer side of water meters and establish specific criteria for restoring service after a customer-requested shutoff.