Fourth of July Celebrations in Ruidoso Area

Independence Day is always a festive time for visitors and residents alike in the scenic mountain village of Ruidoso. Starting Saturday, July 1, the four-day Fourth of July Celebrations begin and will provide top-grade revelry for families and friends. You like fireworks, then go see the largest pyrotechnic display in New Mexico at the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Are rodeos your thing? No problem. There are two of them and you can cover both. One in Mescalero in the afternoon and another in Capitan in the evening.

Are you feeling patriotic? Then go to the Spencer Theater, help commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and listen to the music of the 39-member Air National Guard of the Southwest. Lincoln County is a most hospitable location to enjoy all of the above, along with numerous other ceremonies and jubilees. There are tons of things to do.

Spencer Theater

Saturday, July 1, this iconic landmark will present the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, a 39-member professional military band from Fort Worth, Texas. The entertainment begins at 8 p.m. All of the musicians in the band are citizen-airmen, serving one weekend a month and two weeks each year in the Air National Guard. Designated by the Lone Star State’s governor as the “Official Band of Texas,” it represents a 7-state region of the southwest. This program will offer a mix of patriotic mix of patriotic music, traditional military marches, familiar pop songs, Americana, wind band standards as well as stellar vocals. Tickets are free to the public (reserved ticket requires – limit six tickets). You might want to come early and enjoy the mouth-watering pecan smoked pork rib buffet at 6 p.m. for $20. For more information you may call 575-336-4800 or go here.

Mescalero Apache Ceremonial and Rodeo

This four-day festival begins Saturday, July 1, and runs through Tuesday, July 4. The 38th Annual Mescalero Celebration Parade – “Honoring Youth Through Culture and Tradition” – commences on July 1, at 10 a.m. You may call the parade committee at 575-937-0435. The rodeo starts at 1 p.m. each day. You may register for the Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue Challenge Run (5K Walk, 5K/10K Run), which starts on July 3, at 8 a.m. and takes place on the Inn of the Mountain Gods Walking Path. Registration and Entry Fee will be at 7 a.m. Contact: Nate or Dionne at 575-464-3473. Daily and nightly activities include: Dance of the Apache Maidens; Dance of the Mountain Gods; Other Indian dances daily; traditional and modern games; free lunch and dinner and Native American arts and crafts. For further information go here.

Star Spangled Celebration at the Inn of the Mountain Gods

Come on out and witness the largest fireworks display in New Mexico on July 4, at 3 p.m. Admission is free. From 3 to 8 p.m. there will be concessions, jumping balloons (wristbands $10). Live music may be appreciated from 3 to 10:30 p.m. There will also be outdoor barbecue featuring all your favorite summer classics to savor (Please no outside food or drink). At 12 a.m. the free shuttle ends. The Inn of the Mountain Gods has enumerable things for you to partake. Come out early, enjoy them and stay late. For more information you may go here or call 1-800-545-9011.

62nd Annual Smokey Bear Stampede

This Capitan event has everything for the entire family. This event has been ongoing for 62 years. There are eight rodeos within four days; a Dutch oven cook-off; live music; steer wrestling; dancing and bull riding.

The shindig begins Saturday, July 1, at 1 p.m. with the Women’s Ranch Rodeo and lasts through 10:30 p.m. with Night Ranger in concert at Across the Creek. The Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 2, will see an expanded version of the Stampede from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday will see 12 hours of merriment from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. On Independence Day, everything will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 9 p.m. Fireworks on that day will commence at dusk (fire restrictions and weather permitting). The proceedings will take place at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds (100 5th Ave.). Additionally, the 37th Annual Smokey Bear Fun Run will take place in Capitan starting at 7:30 p.m.

It will consist of a 2-mile and 10K run, covering many age groups. The cost $30 for adults ($35 late registration) and $15 for males and females under 15 years old. The first 70 finishers will get a T-shirt. For complete pricing and times for all activities go here, here or call 575-354-2247 (City Hall) or 575-354-2748 (Smokey Bear Park).

—Michael Curran