Las Cruces is located in the verdant Mesilla Valley in south-central New Mexico, a growing community with a bright future. Las Cruces is the fastest growing city in New Mexico and the 11th fastest growing in the nation.Las Cruces, New Mexico Las Cruces history dates back to 1598, when Don Juan de Onate led the first colonists to the area. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. In 1854, the Gadsden Purchase was ratified in the historic village of Old Mesilla. In 1881, the infamous William H. Bonney, better known as "Billy the Kid" was tried and sentenced for murder here, but later escaped. The Mesilla Valley has been "home" to people for at least 4,000 years, and that's no surprise to anyone who has seen Las Cruces. The Rio Grande flows through the middle of the valley with the majestic Organ Mountains rising to the east. The surrounding agricultural land yields pecans, onions, cotton and other produce, but it is renowned for growing the best-tasting green chile in the world. Today, Las Cruces offers a vast selection of annual events and attractions, great weather-an average of 350 days of sunshine a year-and without a doubt, the people of Las Cruces are the greatest asset. Las Cruces invites everyone to "Come for the History, Stay for the Fun!" Las Cruces, New Mexico Location of Las Cruces Bordered by the rugged Organ Mountains on the east and the legendary river known as the Rio Grande on the west, Las Cruces lies in the heart of the fertile Mesilla Valley. A Southern New Mexico city on the rise, Las Cruces has retained the charm and flavor of the "Old West" community it once was. The archeological history of Las Cruces dates from 200 B.C. Pueblo Indian villages were established by 300 A.D., but by 1450, the Puebloan people disappeared, perhaps due to drought, internal political strife or attacks by nomadic tribes. One of the first Europeans to traverse this area was Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who survived a shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico, then lived among the Gulf Coast Indian tribes. In 1535, he made his way to the Mesilla Valley in search of Spanish settlements. Five years later de Vaca was followed by the renowned Coronado who led the first organized Spanish expedition through the Mesilla Valley. With the ratification of the Gadsden Purchase, which was signed in 1854, the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico was established. Las Cruces became the major supply center for miners staking their claims in the Organ Mountains and for soldiers stationed at Fort Selden. The nearby town of Mesilla was a stopover for passengers on the Butterfield Overland Stage route, which extended from St. Louis to San Francisco. It was said that the only place that one could find a bed between San Antonio and Los Angeles was at the Mesilla Stage Stop! Today, fields of cotton and chile and groves of pecan trees stand on what was once dangerous and wild land. Las Cruces offers attraction and events for everyone. For the outdoors type person, the 350 days of sunshine a year allow for golfing, hiking or biking. Outdoor attractions include Aguirre Springs and San Augustin Pass, Dripping Springs Recreation Area and La Cueva, Ft. Selden State Monument, Leasburg Dam State Park and Stahmann Farms. Other local attractions include Old Mesilla area and the Bicentennial Log Cabin located in Las Cruces. History of Las Cruces New Mexico's spectacular landscapes and stunning displays of sunlight have enchanted people for thousands of years. It is believed that pre-historic Paleo-Indians crossed this land as far back as 20,000 years ago. Anasazi tribes created cliff villages roughly 10,000 years ago. Although the ancient Anasazi communities disappeared by about 1300 A.D., leaving only traces of their civilization behind, they have sparked curiosity ever since. The earliest evidence of a civilization in the area has been dated to about 8,000 B.C. Archeological findings in the Mesilla Valley have been traced to about 200 B.C. Spanish explorers, including the famed Coronado, appeared on the scene by the early 1500s. At that time, the Spanish referred to the native inhabitants as Pueblos because of the villages or "pueblos" they built. In 1598, a trailblazer named Don Juan de Onate led Spanish colonists through Las Cruces on a route that became known as El Camino Real, or the Royal Highway. Onate and his group were the first to travel a desolate, 90-mile stretch of desert that became known as Jornado del Muerto, or Journey of Death. This route provided a shorter path than the one that curved along the Rio Grande, but the hot and arid conditions claimed the lives of many of its travelers. In addition, Apaches attacked the wagon trains and killed the settlers who dared to cross their territory. It was an Apache ambush on settlers that gave Las Cruces its name. When travelers from Taos were killed along the El Camino Real in 1830, the grieving survivors marked the graves with crosses. Thus, La Placita de Las Cruces, or the Place of the Crosses, became the frontier settlement of Las Cruces in 1849, when the first streets were marked with rawhide rope. However, during the two centuries preceding the 1850s, the Rio Grande Valley changed hands several times. Resisting the termination of their tribal customs, the Pueblos overthrew their Spanish oppressors in 1680, and maintained their autonomy until defeated in 1692. More than 100 years later, Mexican revolutionaries overthrew the Spanish rulers and established the Republic of Mexico in 1821. Within 25 years, America's resolute westward expansion prompted a war against Mexico. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden Purchase of 1854 claimed much of Mexico's northern land as U.S. domain. The area became Confederate soil briefly in 1862, when 3,000 Texas troops marched into the Mesilla Valley en route to Sante Fe. Union soldiers later defeated the Confederates north of Sante Fe. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the U.S. Army built Fort Selden to guard against the Apache. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 125th (African-American) Infantry were among the first troops to defend the fort. Later, a young captain named MacArthur commanded the post, while his son Douglas, played among the adobe, flat-roofed buildings. The expanding railroad and the increasing influx of new immigrants abated the Apache threat, and the fort was officially abandoned in 1891. In 1973, Fort Selden became a state monument, and it is now the summertime site of weekend portrayals of the life of a frontier soldier. An interpretive trail also winds through the historical ruins, which are located about 15 miles north of Las Cruces. During the late 1800s, Las Cruces began supplying goods to adventurous miners who came into the mountains seeking wealth. Fort Selden soldiers also came into town for supplies. Mesilla had become a major stop along the Butterfield Overland Stage route, which carried passengers through much of the western U.S. Also, innovative irrigation techniques spurred agricultural growth along the Rio Grande. A colorful local character of this Wild West timeframe was Henry McCarty, a.k.a. William Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid. During the Lincoln County cattle range wars in 1878, Billy the Kid killed a county sheriff, for which he was captured and sentenced to hang. Remarkably, he escaped from the Mesilla courthouse. Within a couple of years, however, he was tracked and killed by the Dona Ana County Sheriff, Pat Garrett. Ironically, the well-known sheriff was later shot outside Las Cruces by an unknown gunslinger; Garrett's body was buried in the local cemetery. Today, Las Cruces proudly displays the national historic districts of the Alameda Depot and Mesquite Street, which marks the town's original 1849 settlement. Significant buildings include the former Amador Hotel, built in 1853, now a county office, and the Armijo House, built in 1877, most recently a law office. Both the charming adobe buildings of the frontier settlers and the elegant mansions of the railroad tycoons reflect two distinct, local lifestyles of the latter 19th century. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the nation's 47th state. The area grew quietly and inconspicuously until July 16, 1945, when scientists involved in the war effort exploded the first atomic bomb north of Las Cruces near Alamogordo. The earth shattering, life-changing explosion occurred on Jornado del Muerto, long ago marked as a valley of death. Following World War II in 1946, Las Cruces was incorporated as a city. Since then, it has grown to be New Mexico's second largest city and the Dona Ana county seat. Its current population of 78,000 has increased fivefold since 1950. The U.S. Census Bureau ranks Las Cruces among America's fastest growing urban areas. It has also been selected by Money Magazine as the 10th best small city in the West. In addition, Las Cruces and its unusual environs continue to be popular for shooting a variety of movies. One of the earliest films ever made near Las Cruces was the 1911 feature "The Dude." During the 1990s, "Mad Love," "Homage" and "Lolita" were filmed in and around Las Cruces. The music videos of Toby Keith, John Michael Montgomery and Boys II Men have also been produced in the area. Most recently scenes from the Michael Douglas movie "Traffic" were filmed in Las Cruces. In 1998, Las Cruces celebrated its 150th birthday with a gala of events that extended into the year 2000. This festive community spirit as well as the city's sunny climate, spectacular views and tricultural heritage make Las Cruces an amiable and enviable place to live. Las Cruces Culture Its colorful past and tricultural heritage continue to enliven Las Cruces. The Pueblos, Apaches and Navajo, the Spanish explorers, farmers and ranchers, and the 19th century arrivals from the East Coast and Europe all contributed to the community's beliefs, strengths and lifestyles. Although the Pueblos were often dominated and overpowered by the Spanish explorers, some of their ways endured, including traditional methods of cooking corn, beans and chile, and ancient techniques for creating pottery and weaving. Las Cruces, New MexicoThe Spanish introduced animals such as the horse, sheep and cattle, and new crops including onions, barley and wheat. They immersed the native society with their Catholic heritages, which provided an interesting mix of religious beliefs and customs. Another cultural blending interspersed the simple, flat-roofed structures of the pueblos with the elegant 19th century homes of the Europeans. Using modern materials brought by the railroad, the newer homes exhibited tin roofs, brick walls, pressed metal ceilings and cast-iron pillars. Both Spanish and English are spoken freely and easily in the area, and bilingual publications are common. The six native tongues of the Pueblos, as well as the languages of the Apaches and Navajos, enhance the tricultural mix. The Mesilla Valley produces the best chile peppers in the state, which remains an esteemed distinction. The valley cultivates nearly half of New Mexico's 25,000 acres of chile pods that are harvested each year. At New Mexico State University, researchers grown, study and experiment with crops of chile peppers to develop new hybrids and flavors. Strings of chile peppers are often dried and then hung, creating a natural deep red adornment for a wall or a porch, especially at Christmas time. Another esteemed produce of the area is pecans. Twenty some thousand acres are dedicated to pecan in Dona Ana County, with a total of 733 orchards producing 36,000 pounds annually. Local shops and boutiques promote an intriguing range of authentic native goods. Hand-woven rugs and blankets, as well as baskets, jewelry, pottery, paintings and woodcarvings brighten the storefronts. But, perhaps the most remarkable shopping can be done at the open-air Farmers' and Craft Market on the Downtown Mall held each Wednesday and Saturday morning. Local produce, baked goods and a multitude of unusual crafts and knickknacks can be purchased throughout the year, especially during periodic, theme-oriented fairs. An "Easter Extravaganza" is hosted in the spring, a "Christmas in July" jump-starts the holidays, and a "Harvest of Fun" introduces the autumn season. Other community groups such as the Nostalgia Club and the Mesilla Valley Sierra Club host antique and collectible shows at both St. Genevieve's Church and Dickerson's Event Center, and the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce holds an annual Spring Business Expo. The Branigan Cultural Center Complex is the headquarters for many artistic and entertaining endeavors. Located in the revitalized Downtown Mall, the Branigan Center has developed into two distinct museums. Proudly, Las Cruces now supports a Museum of Fine Art and Culture, as well as a Historical Museum. The Branigan building also houses a Hispanic dance troupe, dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional dances of Mexico and New Mexico. Jose Tena is the director and founder of the Ballet Folklorico de la Tierra del Encanto, created in 1979. Tena is an instructor for the Dance Department at New Mexico State University, and he also teaches younger students at the complex four nights a week. Other youth and adult classes offered at the complex include oil painting, sculpture and pottery making. The Branigan Foundation provides scholarships to students who show artistic interest and financial need. Other museums in the community include New Mexico State University Williams Hall, the Corbett Center, and Kent Hall, which displays archaeological and historical exhibits. A newer museum to the area is the Farm and Ranch Museum, an interactive museum that chronicles the 3,000-year history of New Mexico's agricultural and rural life. The museum boasts 90,000 square feet in size on 47 acres. An outdoor amphitheater seats 250 to 400 people for programs and an indoor theater allows for special presentations. Outdoors visitors can also view corrals of longhorn cattle, churro sheep and Jerusalem donkeys. This museum now also houses the Purple Sage restaurant, which serves up the unique tastes of New Mexico. Libraries include the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library and New Mexico State University's Branson Hall and New Library. In addition, the campus also hosts a variety of other enjoyable diversions, including a film series and live concerts at the Pan America Center. Six annual performances by the Las Cruces Symphony are also performed at the Pan American Center between October and May. Along with musical presentations, Las Cruces also offers a wide scope of theater performances. From September through May, the American Southwest Theater Company plays at the Hershel Zohn Theater on the NMSU campus. Downtown, the Las Cruces Community Theater performs year-round. This year, the Black Box Theatre opened, also located on the Downtown Mall, offering performances throughout the year. The Las Cruces Chamber Ballet is also well received, especially for their annual performance of "The Nutcracker." The Las Cruces Community Concert and the Mesilla Valley Concert Band give superb performances throughout the academic year. The Las Cruces Sun-News is a daily newspaper that depicts many of the acclaimed local personalities and places. Its Friday section, "Que Pasa?" highlights local happenings and events. The Las Cruces Bulletin is a free, weekly circular that also describes the town and its activities. Southwest Senior is a monthly publication designed to meet the information needs of the area's senior population. Readers who desire an in-depth and timely review of the entire state can browse through the beautifully illustrated New Mexico Magazine.Template Recreation in and Around Las Cruces Avid golfers will enjoy the 350 annual days of sunshine at local courses. New Mexico State University offers a public course as does the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. In addition, the Las Cruces Country Club is a semi-private course open to the public and members, and the Picacho Hills Country Club is available to members only. The city of Las Cruces also supports numerous parks and playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis and handball courts, swimming pools, recreation centers, the Benavidez Community Center and the Munson Senior Center. This year, The Field of Dreams facility opened, providing space for sport and community events. Additional opportunities for fun are offered by the Sun Lanes Bowling Alley, Tommy's Las Cruces Roller Rink, Club Fusion and the city's Allen movie theaters. A shooting range, riding stables and an auto racing speedway are also available outside of town. Hiking and camping facilities are also accessible within a short drive. Roughly, 15 miles north of town, campers can enjoy swimming, kayaking and hiking at the Leasburg Dam State Park, open year-round. To the east of town, near San Augustin Pass, the Aguirre Springs campground offers beautiful views to those who enjoy hiking, mountain biking and outdoor cookouts. It is important to bring water, which is not available at the site. Closer to town, the Organ Mountain Preserve offers a challenging and historical hike that reaches the ruins of a once-famous resort and a large, mysterious cave with a history of its own. The Dripping Springs resort was a well-known nineteenth century hotel that attracted notorious characters such as Pancho Villa and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Likewise, La Cueva was the unlikely home of an eccentric Italian nobleman who lived as a hermit until he died of suspicious death, probably murdered. Forest sites accessible to persons with disabilities include the La Posada Interpretive Trail, the South Fork Campground and the Cedar Greek Group Campground. For those who prefer professional spectator sports, neighboring El Paso boasts a professional hockey team and minor league baseball. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy relaxing on the water can visit Caballo Reservoir and Elephant Butte Lake, both on the Rio Grande near the neighboring town of Truth or Consequences. Boating, bird watching, fishing and swimming are popular, year-round activities. Elephant Butte State Park also hosts an annual balloon regatta over the lake. Abundant outdoor opportunities also abound in the sprawling Lincoln National Forest, about 100 miles northeast of Las Cruces. Hiking, camping, hunting, fishing caving, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing and snowmobiling are just a few of the activities that draw visitors to the forest each year. Area animals include mule deer, turkey, elk and black bears. The forest's most famous black bear was the original Smokey Bear, a small, badly burned bear cub rescued after a forest fire in 1950. Smokey Bear soon became America's beloved symbol for fire prevention. Tourism in Las Cruces The agricultural heritage of the Mesilla Valley is still evident today. Tourist can visit one of three local vineyards and wineries: Binns, Estrada and La Vina. Those who prefer a nuttier taste can drive 12 miles south to Stahlmann Farms, a 3,850-acre pecan orchard, which is one of the largest in the world. Another one of New Mexico's enchanting features is its unusual and varied landscape. An exceptional array of shiny gems and rocks can be found about 60 miles west of Las Cruces at Rock Hound State Park. Unlike most parks, visitors to Rock Hound are encouraged to gather and keep their favorite rocks, up to 15 pounds per person. Although some digging and exploring into the Little Florida Mountains may be necessary, it's an exciting and rewarding part of the fun. Memories of the splendid scenery and remarkable rock outcroppings are also worth keeping. To the east of Las Cruces, pure white gypsum dunes shimmer in the desert sun. The monumental waves of sand cover 275 square miles of New Mexican desert, making it the world's largest gypsum dune field. Surprisingly, several types of small animals have adapted to the shifting sands, and a few craggy plants survive as well. White Sands National Monument along Highway 70 attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. Some enjoy the annual White Sands Balloon Invitational. Others enjoy the unique photography workshops, evening slide programs and moonlight bicycle tours sponsored by the park. Many drive along the 16-mile scenic route that intersects the dunes, stopping at pullouts to examine the gypsum sands more closely. Some tourists brave the desert sun and walk along a one-mile, self-guided nature trail. Others take a deeper plunge and hike the 4.6-mile Alkali Flat Trail. A quarter-mile Inter-dune Boardwalk also allows wheelchair explorers to survey the top of a dune. Another intriguing tourist spot about 15 miles east of White Sands is the Space Center, which features the International Hall of Fame and an IMAX theater and planetarium. The White Sands Missile Range Museum is another historical spot. Since Las Cruces is within 60 miles of the Mexican border, many travelers venture south to El Paso, Texas and then to Ciudad Juarez. This city along the Rio Grande provides a quick glimpse into Mexico's charm and customs. Tourists can conveniently cross the border on the El Paso-Juarez border trolley, and enjoy a quick shopping expedition of Mexican stores and markets. A horse track and casino also dot the way to El Paso along Interstate 10. Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds race at Sunland Park from October through May, and the slot and gambling machines are available every day. Las Cruces and Mesilla offer an abundant selection of restaurants, many specializing in preparing tasty New Mexican treats that are delicious to savor, especially in relaxed and enjoyable Southwestern environments. The El Patio Restaurante, Severo's and La Posta de Mesilla provide a memorable taste of New Mexico that's well worth the tab. Visitors who desire an Italian twist can try Pizzaria Uno or Lorenzo's cafe and restaurants in Las Cruces and Mesilla. CiCi's Pizza and Domino's Pizza provide additional options. Asian cuisine can be enjoyed at a host of oriental restaurants. A hearty American meal can be found at the upscale Double Eagle Restaurant, elaborate Cattle Baron Steak & Seafood, the Smoke House Bar-B-A, the Outback Steakhouse, the Cattleman's Steak House and the Purple Sage Restaurant. McDonald's and It's Burger Time serve beefed-up American classics. For those who like to eat light, Tegmeyer's Salad Works offers a nutritious soup and salad bar for lunch and dinner. Popular breakfast spots include Mesilla Valley Pastry Cafe and Mesilla Valley Kitchen. The Crosswinds Grill at the Las Cruces Airport can also provide a meal, snack or refreshing beverage for passengers awaiting a flight. Other area restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Hooters and Sonic. For those who enjoy an evening dance or two, Rodeo USA features country and western music and dancing. Rodeo also features music with a Latin flare. In addition, the Way Out West Brew Pub is a well-known microbrewery and nightclub, especially among the younger crowd. Some of the national corporations that provide accommodations in and around Las Cruces include Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn, Baymont, Fairfield, Hampton and La Quinta. The Best Western in Mesilla furnishes 160 remodeled rooms, including an executive wing and meeting rooms. The Las Cruces Best Western features spacious, hacienda style rooms and a flourishing garden courtyard. The Holiday Inn also offers two locations, a 50-room facility on South Valley Drive in Las Cruces, and a 114-room building within three blocks of NMSU. More than 200 guestrooms are available at the modern, 6-story Hilton Las Cruces. The Spring Hill Suites by Marriott offers luxurious suites, a fitness center and country club privileges to its business and recreational travelers. For the increasing number of tourists who bring their homes along for the ride, a number of RV parks are easily accessible. Guests can enjoy spacious and modern facilities at the RV parks operated by Coachlight, Best View, Hacienda De Las Cruces and RV Docs. Since Las Cruces is within 60 miles of the Mexican Border, many travelers venture south to El Paso, Texas and then to Ciudad Juarez. In addition to the hotels, motels and RV parks, a number of bed and breakfast lodges can be found in both Las Cruces and Mesilla, allowing guests to feel pampered in a pleasant environment. Lundeen's Inn of the Arts is a large, stylish adobe house that adjoins the popular Linda Lundeen Gallery. The Meson de Mesilla is a modern adobe surrounded by appealing gardens and a pool. The T.R.H. Smith Mansion serves an elegant German style breakfast including fresh fruits, homemade breads and jams, and imported meats and cheeses. The Hilltop Hacienda not only offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but garden walks and trails take the visitor right into the terrain. Events in Las Cruces Las Cruces is quickly becoming known as a city of festivals with numerous annual celebrations popping up within each month. The year begins with the yearly-held Wells Fargo Bank Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally and a tour of Lake Lucero at White Sands National Monument. February in Las Cruces has been declared as For the Love of Art Month in an effort to promote art and the business of art. A city described as filled with writers, dancers, composers, painters, sculptors, filmmakers, musicians, potters, crafts people, chefs and designers, during For the Love of Art month thousands of pieces of art are displayed along with dozens of performances performed at local businesses and public venues in Las Cruces and Mesilla. Another event that has gained momentum and national recognition since take-off is the Border Book Festival held in Las Cruces each March. Founded in 1995, the non-profit collaboration of writers, artists and civic members strives to celebrate and transcend the unique boundaries of a land that encompasses two borders and multicultural beliefs and customs. The group brings well-renowned Mexican and American writers, illustrators and storytellers to the downtown neighborhood. The weeklong extravaganza offers diverse activities that spotlight southwestern literature and the arts. Literary workshops, panels, readings, narrations and tales, a trade show and an interactive children's center provide entertaining education and insight. Some themes of previous festivals have included a "Literary Harvest," "Stories of Peace," and "Our Bodies/Our Earth," and "The Dreams of Children." The theme for 2001 is "Ancestral Voices." While much of the nation sustains basketball fever during March Madness, Las Cruces feeds its own basketball frenzy in mid-April. Supported locally by the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Regional Basketball Tournament is a weekend flurry of "in-your-face, on-the-street, driveway basketball at its best." In addition, to the coveted double elimination competition, other challenges test participants' skills at the slam-dunk, free throw, long distance heave and three-point shooting. The popular fund-raiser is open to all ages, from the smallest basketball enthusiasts to the more experienced abuelas and abuelos (grandparents). Fort Selden commemorates its 19th century hardships and victories at its Annual Frontier Days in April. Both heritage and history combine to create an enjoyable weekend of learning and fun. Children's activities include sand painting, arrow making, sack races, potato races and a pinata break. Favorite re-enactments include "A Soldier's Life," volley and artillery firing, a military skirmish and "Trouble at the Saloon." Other popular segments spotlight country and folk singers, flamenco and folk dancing, a medicine man demonstration, fashion show and pie contest. In May, Cinco de Mayo honors the 1862 victory of the Battle of Puebla, in which outnumbered Mexican forces Las Cruces New Mexicodefeated the French army, which was trying to conquer the region. The music, parades and other festivities of the day are staged at the Old Mesilla Plaza. Another historical date that is commemorated with a grand fiesta at the Mesilla Plaza is Diez y Seis de Septiembre, which celebrates Mexico's uprising against Spain in 1810, an important first step toward its eventual independence in 1821. Memorial Day celebrations include a chance to sample Mesilla Valley's flavorful fruits at the Wine and Chile Festival, held at the fairgrounds. For those who miss the festival, La Vina Vineyard, 18 miles south of town, offers a year-round tasting room where guests can sample a glass of Chardonnay or Zinfandel. In addition, La Vina hosts a wine festival in October, and sponsors a musical "Blues and Jazz Thing" at the end of April. The third Saturday in June marks the annual Juneteenth celebration at Apodaca Park. Shortly thereafter, "Las Cruces Sparkles" on the Fourth of July with an electric light parade the previous night, followed by an all-day celebration at the Meerscheidt Recreation Center, and culminating with traditional fireworks at Maag Park. The Southern New Mexico State Fair is a weeklong extravaganza that spotlights the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo and other country and western events. It is hosted at the fairgrounds in September. Soon after, the community is graced with the New Mexico State Chile Championships. The Whole Enchilada Fiesta - The highlight of the Las Cruces calendar is The Whole Enchilada Fiesta, an impressive tribute to New Mexico's flavorful dishes and customs. Usually held in early October, the fiesta has attracted large crowds for two decades. The three-day weekend festival includes a parade and pet parade, chile cook-off, motorcycle display, fun run, carnival rides, live music, street dancing and an abundance of food and craft booths. In the beer and wine garden, musicians and bands grace the autumn air with chords of Mexican, Latin, Tejano, country, blues and rock music.In conjunction with the Fiesta and the town's Heritage Celebration, the downtown Log Cabin Museum presents costumed, guided Living History tours and displays of historical crafts and artifacts. The cabin itself is a relic of the New Mexico ghost town of Grafton, a 19th century mining village gone bust. The Fiesta's grand finale-preparing, cooking and eating the world's largest enchilada, which made it into The Guinness Book of Records this year- occurs at the Downtown Mall on Sunday morning. The ingredients include 75 gallons of red chile sauce, 175 pounds of grated cheese and 50 pounds of chopped onions. By the time it is finished, The Whole Enchilada weighs several tons and extends nearly ten feet in diameter. Commemorating the decreased on All Souls Day, or El Dia de Los Muertos, has been a time-honored Hispanic tradition. In November, the Farmers' and Craft market creates its own "Spooktacular Day of the Dead." November also brings the Renaissance Arts and Craft Fair, a splendid showcase of southwestern artists, craft experts and performers, boldly decked in 16th century English attire. The annual gem and mineral show at the Dickerson's Event Center occurs just before Thanksgiving. Rock enthusiasts can easily increase their collections and expertise at this regional event. During the Christmas holidays, the Las Cruces Symphony Guild sponsors a walking tour of local homes, churches and buildings that share an intriguing past. Holiday shoppers can work on their gift lists at the old-fashion Christmas "La Casa Bazaar" in early December at the Dickerson's Event Center. The Farmers' and Craft Market's "Country Christmas" also provides a wealth of gift ideas. Luckily, even last-minute shoppers can find that special gift at the traditional Christmas Eve edition on the Farmers' and Craft Market downtown.