CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Update from Executive Director Deborah Douds

So far, we’ve had a great summer at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. Our 52nd Annual Ruidoso Art Festival was July 21-23, with over 100 amazing artists participating from all over the country. We welcomed many visitors who came Ruidoso to attend the festival and peruse the fantastic featured artwork.

In June, we celebrated our Annual Banquet and Awards with a Tacos and Tequila themed event at Inn of the Mountain Gods. This year, we felt we had two great candidates for Business of the Year and decided to honor both businesses. Congratulations to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino and Downshift Brewing Company. The Ruidoso Downs Race Track was honored for the significant improvements they have made during the past year, and for serving as the headquarters for more than 600 interagency fire fighters during the McBride Fire. Downshift Brewing Company has brought new energy into the Midtown area with events such as their Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day Spring Break. In addition, they recently opened their new Riverside location at the old Sacred Grounds site, where they will continue the tradition of live music. The Beautification Award went to ENMU-Ruidoso for their interior renovation, and exterior and parking lot improvements. The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County for their hard work over the years, especially in the wake of the McBride Fire. Please congratulate our winners if you see them around town.

The Chamber operates both the Ruidoso Visitor Center at the Chamber and the Billy the Kid Visitor Center in Ruidoso Downs. Both visitor centers have been busy over the past year. In the July 2022 - June 2023 fiscal year, we had over 20,000 total contacts! These included walk-in visitors, calls, mailed visitor packets and pocket guides, and packets distributed at various conventions. Most visitors were seeking information on area attractions, things to do, and where to eat and shop.

The Chamber supports our community, and a membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of our community. If you are interested in joining the Chamber, please call (575) 257-7395 or visit our office.

PARKS & RECREATION

Summer Wrap Up and Looking Ahead

As summer wraps up, Ruidoso Parks & Recreation starts prepping for fall. This is a great time of year to enjoy our natural resources. Everyone should take advantage of this spectacular time to go on a hike on one of the beautiful local mountain trails or take a kayak out on Alto or Grindstone Lake. Looking for something a little slower-paced - enjoy a nice stroll on the walking paths in Wingfield or Two Rivers Parks. Stop by the Parks & Rec office to get a boat permit or pay at the self-pay stations located by the boat ramps at each lake.

Ruidoso is set to host the New Mexico State Disc Golf Championship August 19-20 at Oso and Grindstone disc golf courses. The following Saturday, August 26, are the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs featuring a 4-mile course, an 8.5mile course, and a 13.8-mile course.

The Municipal Pool will close on August 5. However, the Wibit will continue operations on weekends through September 4.

DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS

Airport 575-336-8111

Convention Center 575-258-5445

Judicial 575-257-9055

Library 575-258-3704

Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030

Police 575-258-7365

Fire 575-257-3473

Solid Waste 575-257-1502

Street Works 575-257-6023

Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417

Senior/Community Center 575-257-4565

Water Distribution and Sewer

Collections 575-257-2386

Water Production 575-257-5525

Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913 www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

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