Datebook: November 2022

A HOLIDAY MARKET FOR NEW MEXICO FOODIES, co-sponsored by the state’s Department of Agriculture? It’s almost too good to be true, but it is true—#nmtrue, that is. On November 19 and 20, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, in Las Cruces, partners with the state to host HomeGrown: A New Mexico Food Show and Gift Market. Now in its eighth year at the museum, the weekend event is designed to celebrate the abundance of New Mexico’s harvest season while giving shoppers a place to purchase edible and handcrafted holiday gifts.

Around 60 vendors take over the site every third weekend in November. Each booth features products from around the state, such as wine and fiery salsas, for visitors to sample and take home. Many of the offerings are authenticated under the state’s “Taste the Tradition” and “Grown with Tradition” labels. The selections are rounded out by arts and crafts fashioned from local goods by New Mexico makers. “These gifts are being sent all over the country and overseas,” says Craig Massey, the museum’s spokesperson. “They definitely showcase New Mexico’s uniqueness, and what we’re all about.”

Fruits of the land.
The HomeGrown managers require that every item sold at the market be “homemade and handmade,” says Massey. “They have to use domestic resources, and every item has to have a really strong New Mexico flavor to it,” even if it isn’t edible.

Tricks of the trade.
The market draws a mostly adult crowd, according to Massey, who recommends showing up early on either Saturday or Sunday. “A lot of snowbirds from Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois head here this time of year, and they love to get these distinctly New Mexico gifts to send back to their families.”

Bring an appetite.
A few vendors serve lunch, and several wineries provide samples of the state’s homegrown vintages.