by Maria Manuela on
THIS YEAR, expect double the fun at the annual Smokey Bear Days. The two-day bash at Smokey Bear Historical Park, in Capitán, celebrates both the wildfire-prevention icon’s birthday and the park’s 50th anniversary with educational activities, a cornhole tournament, firefighter competitions, food trucks, a birthday cake, and a giant parade, “which is actually longer than the town,” says Smokey Bear Historical Park manager Mary Lavin. “It’s an extraordinary time to learn about Smokey and all the other agencies that support the message of stewardship.” With more than 77,000 wildfires in the U.S. last year, 85 percent of which were caused by people, Smokey’s message has never been more relevant. “Smokey is this trusted figure,” Lavin says. “Who better to spread the message that you, as a human, can make a difference by putting out your campfire?”
Cub med. Six years after Smokey the character was created in 1944 to spread the message of fire prevention, Smokey the bear was discovered by a Taos Pueblo firefighting crew after a wildfire in Capitán. “He only weighed about four pounds,” Lavin says of the two-month-old cub. “They put him in a shoebox to transport him to the vet.”
Bear witness. “The story resonates because of the compassion associated with this little guy,” Lavin says of the orphaned cub. “Most of us have empathy when there is loss or confusion or you see something helpless that’s too small to make it on its own.”
Care bear. After recovering, Smokey was visited by millions of fans at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, in Washington, D.C., and even had a Saturday morning cartoon. “There is something with this story that is greater than any one generation or any one bear,” Lavin says. “The message has always been about stewardship.”
RIVERFEST
May 22–24
Few things feel better than spending a hot afternoon by a cool river. Farmington’s Riverfest is built around those vibes, featuring concerts, rubber duck and wiener dog races, rafting, disc golf, Native dance performances, and a car show along the Animas River. “The river is something that can really bring people together,” says Kristina Ottak, administrator at the River Reach Foundation, which hosts the festivities at Animas and Berg parks, May 22–24.
TUCUMCARI FILM FESTIVAL
5/1–5/2
“The intimate atmosphere and small-town charm make the Tucumcari Film Festival special,” says festival director Robert Hockaday. The event features more than 20 films May 1–2 at the Odeon Theatre and the Tucumcari Railroad Depot. “We have a historic theater, which has been in operation for 90 years, built for the common man to enjoy the magic of movies and performances.”
Read more: Rachel Barrett returns to Tucumcari for the Route 66 town’s intimate film festival.
Truth or Consequences Fiesta
May 1–3
This Red, White & Blue party celebrates the country’s 250th anniversary with a parade, live music, a rodeo, a Miss Fiesta pageant, and more.
Folk Art Flea, Santa Fe
May 2
Donated treasures from around the world are for sale at this fantastic flea market, which benefits the Museum of International Folk Art.
Art Magdalena Gallery & Studio Tour
May 16–17
Open studios, gallery tours, ceramics demonstrations, and live music make this artsy event feel festive.
Native Elements Art Festival + Market, Santa Fe
May 21–24
Kick off the Santa Fe arts season with more than 160 vendors at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
Memorial Day Weekend, Red River
May 21–25
The mountain town recognizes fallen service members with veteran-focused booths and a Wall of Honor.
Silver City Blues Festival
May 23–24
Blues musicians and music lovers come from near and far to enjoy tunes alongside beer gardens, food vendors, and a market.
New Mexico Wine Festival, Albuquerque and Las Cruces
May 23–25
With more than 200 wines from New Mexico’s best vintners, the annual fests in Albuquerque and Las Cruces are a wine lovers’ paradise.