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Lots to do in the area to celebrate Fourth of July(Las Cruces Sun-News (NM) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jun. 29--LAS CRUCES -- Cities and towns all over New Mexico and West Texas are planning big and little bashes for the Fourth of July weekend. Some dedicated fiesta animals, like the Roswell UFO Festival folks, will stretch their celebrations from Thursday through Monday. Fireworks, parades, fun runs, golden oldies concerts, sports and special events for kids, old-fashioned ice cream socials and an Apache powwow in Mescalero are among celebration options. How about a county picnic at a scenic winery in La Union or a leisurely search for a good book at a Mesilla benefit before heading home to watch fireworks from your own patio? The Las Cruces celebration starts with the Electric Light Parade and a Highway 101 concert on Thursday. Friday headliners are the Commodores and Imagine, a Beatles tribute band and popular tots' icon Arthur, along with a street fest with a Bling Bling Car Show, and several sports events. The events take place in and around the Meerscheidt Recreation Center area. "We're anticipating about 35,000 to 40,000 people over the two days of events at Meerscheidt," said Robert Caldwell, the city's public liaison coordinator. The traditional Independence Day incendiary displays are taboo in some communities, like Cloudcroft and Timberon. "Don't even mention fireworks. Don't even say the word. We're bone dry up here in the fire zone," said Fran Trendler of Timberon. Since the monthly Downtown Ramble falls on the Fourth of July this year, imaginative artists have added an interesting twist to the regular stroll though Downtown Mall art galleries and museums. "We'll have art supplies available and we're inviting people to come draw their own fireworks on a mural," said artist Flo Hosa Dougherty, who is spearheading the project from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in front of Blue Gate Gallery on the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Those who want the real thing will find a lot of fireworks shows, beginning Thursday at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Alto. Friday displays are planned at Meerscheidt Center in Las Cruces, at Western Playland in Sunland Park, at Chamizal National Monument in El Paso, at the UFO Festival in Roswell and in Alamogordo, Deming, Albuquerque and Carrizozo. Catch firework shows Saturday at the Southern New Mexico Speedway MVT 4th of July Celebration atSouthern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, also in Silver City and at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Elephant Butte is one of four state parks planning fireworks displays. Eagle Lake, Ute Lake and Eagles Nest Lake state parks all plan fireworks shows Friday. S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at [email protected] Fourth of July Events Las Cruces/Mesilla Valley City of Las Cruces Fourth of July Programs Thursday -- Wells Fargo Bank Electric Light Parade, and Street Fest Where: Meerscheidt Recreation Center and athletic fields Parade: Begins 9 p.m. at Madrid Avenue and Solano Drive, to Hadley Avenue, Walnut Avenue and Spruce Avenue Street Fest: 10 p.m., 1600 E. Hadley Ave., Meerscheidt Recreation Center, arts & crafts, food, beverages, Highway 101 in concert at Ron T. Galla T-Ball Field Cost: Free Information: (575) 528-3170, (575) 541-2200 Friday -- Las Cruces Fourth of July Street Fest Where: Meerscheidt Recreation Center Highlights: 6 a.m. Fun Run 4 p.m. Bling Bling Car Show,Maag Field Parking Lot 4 p.m. Local bands, T-Ball field, 1605 E. Hadley Ave. 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 p.m. Arthur & Ms. Paige Turner, League Gym 7 p.m. Imagine Remembering the Fab Four 8:30 p.m. The Commodores 10 p.m. Fireworks display -- Big Blast Baseball Tournament When: 8 a.m. daily Thursday through Sunday Where: Paz, Harty, Maag parks and Field of Dreams Information: (575) 541-2200 -- "Light Up the Sky for 4th of July" Downtown Ramble When: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday Where: Area galleries, theaters on Downtown Mall Highlights: Paint fireworks on a mural, enjoy art openings, entertainment, treats Who: Branigan Cultural Center, Las Cruces Museum of Fine Art, The Main Street Gallery, Blue Gate Gallery, Southwest Environmental Center Cottonwood Gallery, Unravel Gallery, M. Phillips Gallery, Rio Grande Theater Galleries, Branigan Library Terrace Gallery, Black Box Theater lobby gallery, Gallery 309 Cost: Free Information: Flo Hosa Dougherty, (575) 523-2950 -- Independence Day In Song and Story Who: Voz Vaqueros and "The Spirit of "76 Choristers" Community Singers Where: Young Park, 1905 E. Nevada Ave. When: 10 a.m. Friday Highlights: Presentation of the colors, patriotic songs, stories, Declaration of Independence readings Cost: Free Information: Bob Hulsman (575) 526-6307, George Jarden (575) 635-0197 -- Independence Day 8K Run/Walk Where: Meerscheidt Center When: Friday, Registration 6 a.m., 1- mile fun run at 8:40 a.m., 8K begins at 7 a.m. Cost: $7 fun run, $20 for 8K before July 2, $25 on day of race Information: Call for time and registration, (575) 541-2554-- Independence Day Walk Where: Meerscheidt Center When: Friday, registration at 8:30 a.m., walk at 9 p.m. Cost: Free Information: Mary Louise Pino (575) 541-2581, David Moore (575) 541-2560 -- Southern New Mexico Speedway MVT 4th of July Celebration Where: Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 11 miles west on I-10, exit 132When: Saturday, gates open at 5:30 p.m., races start at 7:45 p.m., fireworks at duskHighlights: Modifieds, Street Stocks, Legends, Limited Late Models, fireworks Cost: $10, free for kids 10 and underInformation: (575) 524-7913, www.snmspeedway.com -- Garrison Flag Raising When: Flag raised at 8 a.m., lowered at 5 p.m. Where: Veterans Park, 2651 Roadrunner Parkway Cost: Free, public welcome Information: (575) 541-2200, TTY (575) 541-2182 La Union -- 8th annual Country Picnic at La Vina Winery Where: La Vina Winery, 4201 S. Highway 28, La Union When: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday Highlights: Live By Request entertains, croquet, badminton, water slides, tents, tables and chairs or bring your own lawn chair, hamburgers and hot dogs, no coolers or pets Cost: Admission free, water and soda $1, wine $3, $4 and $5, wine margaritas $4 Information: (575) 882-7632, [email protected] Mesilla-- Border Book Festival Book and Art Sale Where: The Cultural Center de Mesilla, 2231-A Calle de Parian in Mesilla When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday July 6 Highlights: New, used, first edition, out-of-print books, Spanish language books and magazines from Cuba, Mexico and other Latin American countries, bilingual children's books, Southwestern, regional and Chicano/Latino literature, $1, $3, $5 book tables, Lucha Libre masks, T-shirts, pins, bumper stickers, bags, multicultural art, posters, tapes and music, photography, special jewelry and art table, paletas (fruit popsicles)Information or to make book, art donations: (575) 523-3988, www.borderbookfestival.org, e-mail [email protected] Sunland Park -- Western Playland Fourth of July Where: Western Playland location, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, from I-10 take Sunland Park exit 13, south to 1249 Futurity DriveWhen: 3 to 10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday Highlights: Fireworks, rides , 25-acre amusement park Cost: $15.95, non-rider $7 plus tax, kids 2 and under and over 60 free: includes free rides on train & sky ride Information: (575) 589-3410, www.westernplayland.com State and regional events El Paso -- Music Under the Stars 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Chamizal National Memorial Who: El Paso Symphony Orchestra Highlights: Patriotic concert and fireworks. The first 5,000 visitors will receive complimentary 3-D fireworks glasses courtesy of the El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department. Pets and glass containers prohibited. Free parking: Available at the El Paso Zoo, with free trolley service to and from the Chamizal running every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Cost: Free Information: (915) 541-4481, (915) 532-7273 www.elpasotexas.gov/mcad, -- Reds, Whites & Blues Music & Wine Tasting When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Trans Mountain Road, El Paso Highlights: Red and white wines provided by Riccardo Barraza, Italian Imports, music by The Blue Rays. Cost: $10, or $5 for members includes two beverage tickets Information: (915)755-4332, [email protected] Deming -- City of Deming Fireworks Display Where: Deming Fairgrounds When: Friday at dusk Cost: Free Information: 1-800-848-4955 Elephant Butte/Sierra County -- Independence Day Fireworks Celebration When: Dusk, Saturday Where: Elephant Butte Lake State Park Who sponsors: Friends of Elephant Butte Lake Highlights: Watch a fireworks show reflected on the lake Cost: Park fees are waived from 6 to 9 p.m. Information: (575) 744-5923. Alamogordo-- City of Alamogordo annual Fireworks Extravaganza Where: New Mexico Museum of Space History, International Space Hall of Fame Museum grounds When: 9:15 p.m. Friday Highlights: $33,000 joint fireworks show by city of Alamogordo, museum and its foundation, music for the program will be carried live on KZZX Radio, 105.3 FM Cost: free viewing at sites around town, museum ground access with VIP passes only Information: (505) 437-2840, 1-877-333-6589, www.nmspacemuseum.org Silver City -- Silver City Fourth of July Where: Historic Silver City downtown area, good fireworks viewing areas along Highway 90 When: Friday and Saturday Highlights: Both days: cowboy, pancake breakfasts at 7 a.m., live music, foodâ arts & crafts and booths at Gough Park, games, pie-eating contests, 10 a.m. Friday parade, fireworks Saturday at dusk. Cost: Free Information: Chamber of Commerce (575) 538-3785, www.silvercity.org -- 26th annual Ice Cream Social When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday Where: Silver City Museum Highlights: Cool treats and old-fashioned pastimes, master bagpiper John Cunningham, Pat Hamilton-Brown's keyboard students, mariachi songbird Jessica Juarez, pop and blues music of Melanie Zipin and Jeff LeBlanc, fishing pond, beanbag toss, "pick a duck," coloring contests, cakewalk, tractor show Plus: Two churns will turn out premium ice cream, powered by an antique John Deere "Hit "n Miss" engine. Cost: Free admission, tickets for refreshments and games sold on site Information: Silver City Museum, (505) 538-5921 or [email protected] Capitan and Lincoln County-- A Capitan Fourth, Smokey Bear Stampede & Rodeo Where: Downtown Capitan on U.S. Hwy. 380, Lincoln County Fairgrounds When: Stampede & Rodeo events Thursday to July 6, Fireworks and events on Friday Highlights: Smokey Bear Trade Fair, 10 a.m. parade, 7:30 a.m. fun run, fireworks on Friday, dances nightly 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, youth & adult rodeo events, plus barbecue, food treats, hot dog, bake and book sale Cost: Rodeo events $6 each, $10 day pass, dance $5, many other events free Information: (575)354-2273, www.villageofcapitan.com Cloudcroft -- Fourth of July celebration When: Friday and Saturday Where: Downtown Cloudcroft Highlights: Street dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, plus Cloudcroft Light Opera Company presents melodramas at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Cloudcroft's Open Air Pavilion next to the tennis courts. Cheer for the hero and boo the villain. Cost: Free Information: (575) 682-2733, 1-866-874-4447, www.cloudcrofttheatre.com Mescalero -- Mescalero Apache Ceremonial & Rodeo When: Thursday through Sunday Where: Mescalero Highlights: Powwow, Dance of the Maidens, rodeo (1:30 p.m. daily), traditional Apache dances and parade Information: Tribal Office (575) 464-4494 Ruidoso/Alto -- 4th of July Spectacular Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Alto When: 5:30 p.m. live performances, 9 p.m. fireworks show Thursday Cost: Free Information: (800) 545-9011 Timberon -- Timberon Independence Day Celebration Where: Village of Timberon When: Saturday: 7 to 9 a.m. pancake breakfast, 10 a.m. parade, daylong events Highlights: Period costumes (1890s), music, arts and crafts, food treats, ATV Poker Run Cost: Free Information: (505) 987-2433 Carrizozo -- Carrizozo Fireworks & Festival When: Celebration starts at noon Friday, fireworks at dusk Where: Carrizozo Golf Course Gazebo Highlights: Entertainment, arts and crafts, hot dogs, fireworks show Cost: Free Information: www.townofcarrizozo.org Roswell -- 2008 Roswell UFO Fest When: Thursday through Monday Where: Eastern New Mexico Fairgrounds, UFO Museum, sites around Roswell Highlights: Celebrity guests Dee Wallace Stone ("ET") and Keir Dullea ("2001: A Space Odyssey"), 4th of July celebration & fireworks 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, UFO & alien animal costume contests, street dance, workshops, lectures, alien village at DeBremmond Stadium, entertainment by the vocal group UFOetry at the Roswell Convention and Visitors Center, an alien encounter haunted house, Saturday alien parade, Element 115 concert, screening of 1994 made-for-TV movie, "Roswell," 3-day CE4 Research, Inc. speakers' conference: "The Evidence, the Message" Cost: Many free events, check Web site Information: schedule, tickets online www.RoswellUFOfestival.com Albuquerque -- Albuquerque Freedom Fourth Fiesta Where: Balloon Fiesta Park, 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque When: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday Highlights: Fireworks, concert with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Brave Combo, Redline 7000, beer garden, family activities on the green Cost: $1, free parking, free park & ride Information: (505) 768-3556, www.cabq.gov To see more of the Las Cruces Sun-News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lcsun-news.com. 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