WITH BOTH RUGGED MOUNTAINS and dusty plains, Edgewood’s scenery looks like a Western movie set. As founder and director of the Wildlife West Nature Park, Roger Alink loves the East Mountains and their capacity for “the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.” But it’s the community spirit—easily glimpsed in a calendar full of special events—that has kept him in Edgewood for nearly 50 years. “There’s a lot of good people out here,” he says.
Go wild. Grab everyone in the family for a knee-slapping good time at Wildlife West Nature Park’s Family Music Festivals (June–September) featuring a free-flight peregrine falcon demonstration, Western tunes that would inspire even Doc Holliday to tap a toe, and food trucks for family-friendly vittles. Come early for hayrides and a visit with the park’s red fox, pronghorn, and 20 other species of rescued animals.
Get your motor running. From an antique Ford Model A to souped-up muscle cars and lowriders, Edgewood’s annual Father’s Day Car Show draws more than 100 vehicles—plus food, vendors, and more—to one of the best shows in New Mexico. Check out what’s under the hood and enter to win thousands in prize giveaways.
Drink it in. Gathering a variety of New Mexico craft breweries, local food trucks, and live bands, October’s Brews on Bachelor overflows with fun for the whole family that includes pitching horseshoes, volleyball, a bounce house, and a bonfire.
Put on your kilt. Watch someone toss a 20-foot-long, 120-pound tapered pole? Yes, please. The two-day Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival, held in October, features the traditional Scottish athletic event as well as other competitions, bagpiping, and Irish dancing. At the Children’s Tent, littles can design their own Dragon’s Eye, create a wizard’s wand, or try medieval-style archery.