RESTORE RUIDOSO

Nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is a hidden gem that offers visitors an enticing mix of rich history, breathtaking scenic views, and a warm, welcoming community spirit. Known for its year-round appeal, Ruidoso has long been a favored destination for those seeking an escape into nature, a glimpse into the past, or simply a place to relax and unwind.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Adventure

Ruidoso’s natural beauty is nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by the towering pines of the Lincoln National Forest, the village offers stunning vistas at every turn.

Whether you’re gazing up at the snow-capped Sierra Blanca Peak or exploring the lush landscapes of Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso is a place where nature’s grandeur is always on full display.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ruidoso is a paradise. The area is renowned for its hiking and biking trails, many of which offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the winter, Ski Apache, one of the southernmost ski resorts in the United States, becomes the focal point, drawing skiers and snowboarders from across the region. Year-round, Ruidoso’s mild climate makes it an ideal destination for golfing, fishing, and horseback riding.

A Resilient Community: “Ruidoso Strong”

Despite its beauty and appeal, Ruidoso has faced significant challenges in recent years. Wildfires and flooding have threatened not only the landscape but also the livelihoods and homes of those who call this village home. In 2022, the McBride Fire, one of the most devastating in recent memory, swept through the region, destroying hundreds of homes and causing extensive damage to the local environment. The fire was followed by severe flooding, which further compounded the difficulties faced by the community.

Just recently, Ruidoso once again found itself grappling with the forces of nature. Early in the year, a series of wildfires ignited by “man & lightning strikes” and exacerbated by dry conditions swept through parts of the village and surrounding areas. The fires caused significant damage, with several homes, businesses, and vast stretches of forestland burned. The community was forced to mobilize quickly, with firefighters and volunteers working tirelessly to contain the flames and protect lives and property.

Just as the village began to recover from these fires, an unusually heavy monsoon season brought severe flooding to the area. Torrential rains led to flash floods that washed out roads, damaged infrastructure, and caused additional strain on the already recovering landscape. The flooding was particularly devastating in areas already weakened by fire, leading to landslides and further erosion.

“The community’s warmth and hospitality are unmatched, making it clear that Ruidoso is not just a destination— it’s a place to call home, if only for a little while.”

Yet, in the face of these hardships, the people of Ruidoso have shown remarkable resilience. The phrase “Ruidoso Strong” has become a rallying cry, symbolizing the community’s determination to rebuild and recover. Local organizations, businesses, and residents have come together in an incredible display of unity, working tirelessly to restore what was lost and to ensure that Ruidoso remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all. Efforts to rebuild have been swift and effective. Soon, Ruidoso will once again be a thriving community, with new businesses opening and familiar landmarks being restored. The village is eager to welcome back visitors, offering them not only the beauty and adventure they’ve come to expect but also a chance to be part of a community that has weathered the storm and emerging stronger than ever.

Our Role as Neighbors

As Ruidoso faced these overwhelming challenges, we, their neighbors in Roswell, knew we had to step up and help. When the fires ravaged parts of Ruidoso, we opened our doors, providing temporary housing, food, and essential supplies for those who had lost their homes or were forced to evacuate. Our community came together, ensuring that the displaced families had a safe place to stay and the resources they needed to begin the process of recovery.But our support didn’t stop there. We also organized financial drives and collected donations from across our city and beyond to provide muchneeded funds for Ruidoso’s ongoing recovery efforts.

Local businesses, charities, and everyday residents of Roswell banded together, contributing what they could to help Ruidoso get back on its feet. We understood that in times of crisis, it’s not just about the physical aid but also about standing in solidarity with our neighbors, offering hope and support when it’s needed most.

Welcoming Locals and Visitors Alike

Ruidoso’s story is one of resilience, beauty, and community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, the village offers something for everyone. From its rich history and scenic views to its indomitable spirit in the face of adversity, Ruidoso is a place where the past and present come together in a celebration of life and the natural world.

As Ruidoso continues to rebuild and grow, it remains a beacon of hope and strength in the heart of New Mexico. The community’s warmth and hospitality are unmatched, making it clear that Ruidoso is not just a destination— it’s a place to call home, if only for a little while. So, whether you’re planning a holiday getaway or simply looking for a place to relax and recharge, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Keep Ruidoso in Prayer as we will do the same with continued community support.

Get Involved with the Chamber

Joining the Roswell Chamber will provide you instant access to our extensive network of nearly 500 members throughout Roswell and New Mexico. Your company, or organization, can begin utilizing broad marketing opportunities, connecting with key policy makers, enjoying discounted programs and events, and building your network of professionals. Check out full business, corporate and executive level membership benefits.

Roswell, NM, has twice earned the prestigious title of an All-American City, first in 1979 and again in 2002. This recognition by the National Civic League honors communities that demonstrate innovation, inclusiveness, and civic engagement. For Roswell, these values are not just ideals; they are the fabric of our town’s identity. As we reflect on our past achievements, we look ahead with determination to once again earn this honor, showing the nation what it means to be a true All-American City.

A Legacy of Community Support and Resilience

Roswell’s journey to becoming an All-American City is steeped in a rich history of community support and resilience. From its early days, our town has been defined by the strength of its people and their commitment to one another. This spirit was evident when Roswell came together to support neighboring communities during the fires in Ruidoso, offering housing, supplies, and financial aid. It is this unwavering sense of responsibility to others that defines us and fuels our drive to be the best community we can be.

Small-Town Support: The Heartbeat of Roswell

The soul of Roswell lies in its small-town charm, where the connections between people are strong and the support for local businesses is unwavering. Establishments like The Hot Bev, our beloved energy café, serve as gathering places where residents come together to share ideas, make plans, and build the future of our town.

But it’s not just about the businesses. It’s the people— the families, the educators, the volunteers—who make Roswell a place where everyone feels at home. Whether we’re cheering on our high school teams or participating in local events, the people of Roswell are always there to support one another.

Excellence in Local Sports and Education

Roswell’s dedication to excellence is evident in its thriving sports and educational institutions. Our local schools, including Roswell High and Goddard High, have produced outstanding athletes who represent our community with pride. The New Mexico Military Insti tute (NMMI) is a cornerstone of our town, instilling values of discipline, leadership, and academic excellence in its cadets. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (ENMU-R) plays a critical role in offering higher education opportunities to our youth, ensuring they can pursue their dreams without leaving the community they love.

Keeping Talent in Roswell: Supporting the Future

As Roswell looks to the future, it’s essential that we retain the talented individuals who make our community vibrant. Our local magazine is committed to supporting students and young professionals, helping them build successful careers right here in Roswell. We believe that our town offers everything needed for a fulfilling life— strong community support, excellent education, and a high quality of life.

The Call to Action: Let’s Make History Together

Roswell, we’ve shown the nation twice that we have what it takes to be an All-American City. Now, it’s time to come together once again to earn this honor for a third time. Let’s continue to support our local businesses, cheer for our sports teams, invest in our schools, and nurture the talents of our young people. By working together, we can ensure that Roswell remains a place of pride, strength, and unity—a true All-American City.

The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and with your help, Roswell will once again make history. Let’s show the world what it means to be a community that cares, a community that supports, and a community that thrives. Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we can bring the All-American City title back to Roswell.

The All-America City Award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.

Roswell (1979, 2002)

Allstate Insurance (575) 622-2282

3020 N Main St, Ste E Roswell, NM 88201

Church on the Move (575) 622-7011

901 W Brasher Rd Roswell, NM 88203

Freedom Foam (575) 602-3728 NM-265, Roswell, NM 88201

Roswell Bags Cornhole sales@roswellbags.com Roswell, NM 88203

The Paleta Bar Roswell (575) 622-4093

4504 N Main St suite H, Roswell, NM 88201

Papa Murphy’s Pizza (575) 622-4999

3116 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201

Main Street Roswell (575) 622-4093

105 W 3rd St Ste. 420, Roswell, NM 88201

Chile Challenge Park Phone: (575) 743-3942

Highway 187 Caballo, NM 87931

MTA Tire Factory (575) 623-20903020

N. Main St, Roswell, NM 88201

Majestic Radio (575) 622-6450

5206 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201

The Hot Bev (575) 914-2900

1100 North Virginia Ave, Roswell, NM 88203

Pioneer Bank Corporate Office (575) 624-5200

3000 N Main St Roswell, NM 88203

Roswell Appliance Outlet (575) 363-9236

600 S Main St Roswell, NM 88203

Agency 66 (575) 777.1935

3020 N. Main St, Roswell, NM 88201

Big R Stores (575) 363-1262

1310 S Main St Roswell, NM 88203

Albertsons Market (575) 623-6100

900 W 2nd St Roswell, NM 88201

Albertsons Market (575) 623-6100

1110 S Main St

Roswell, NM 88203

MainStreet Roswell (575) 914-8017

105 W 3rd St Ste. 420 Roswell, NM 88201

McDonald’s (575) 622-4752

720 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

United Way of Chaves County (575) 622-4150

400 N Pennsylvania Ave

Roswell, NM 88201

Chaves County Clerk (575) 622-2721

1 St Mary’s Pl, Roswell, NM 88203

Best Western El Rancho Palacio (575) 622-2721

2205 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

Roswell Inn (575) 623-6050

2101 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

Baymont by Wyndham Roswell (575) 623-6050

2300 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

Roswell Appliance Outlet (575) 363-9236

600 S. Main St

Roswell, NM 88203

Lewis Truck & 4x4 (575) 624-0824

4500 W 2nd St

Roswell, NM 88201

Victory Outreach of Roswell, NM (575) 363-6008

2529 W Alameda St

Roswell, NM 88203

Roswell Chamber (575) 623-5695

131 W 2nd S

Roswell, NM 88201

Westlake Ace Hardware (575) 624-0550

2810 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

Moon Man Printing (505) 974-1125

305 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88201

Ancients of Days (575) 623-2222

127 N Main St

Roswell, NM 88203

Roswell Invaders (575) 838-2667

1000 E Poe St

Roswell, NM 88203

Jet Auto Glass (575) 627-6839

816 S Main St

Roswell, NM 88203

Cuts & Cues (505) 414-4508

901 W 2nd St

Roswell, NM 88203

The Holy Waters LLC (505) 414-4508

3020 N Main Ste B

Roswell, NM 88201

SCP Security (575) 910-2823

Roswell, NM 88201

Hippy Chicks (575) 627-3868

802 S. Main Street

Roswell, NM 88203