Chama Western Heritage Celebration :: A Series of Summer Family Events

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Within three hours of the Albuquerque metro (that’s one movie, some snacks, a car game, and hopefully no bathroom breaks), you and your family could be in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in Chama, NM

I love Albuquerque with a loyal affection. But sometimes I need to escape the desert. Some green trees and refreshing water can do the soul some good. I don’t have to look any further than Chama, NM. Just south of the Colorado border lies this hidden gem of a town where the headwaters of the Rio Chama meet towering mountain vistas. 

Not only is Chama gorgeous, the Rotary Club of Chama Valley, Village of Chama, and local merchants plan some entertaining and educational events during the summer months. This series of events, or Chama Western Heritage Days, would be the perfect summer getaway for a family living in the Albuquerque area. 

Relive the campfire life of the Native Americans, Spaniard Conquistadors, and Western Pioneers who have all contributed to our state’s beautiful culture. Spend a weekend exploring the Northern New Mexico heritage through events, contests, workshops, and exhibits. 

This celebration is designed for families and adventurous individuals who want a taste of how settlers faced survival without modern technology and transportation. The village of Chama is inviting history lovers and families to join in the many activities and exhibitions. Most events are free. A small participation fee may be charged for a few events.

Free guides to trails, parks, and displays will be available throughout the village. So if you have time after the festivities, you can explore the accessible great outdoors surrounding Chama. 

And did I mention there’s a train in Chama too? The historic Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad provides daily train rides from Memorial Day to mid-October. If you have preschooler with a Thomas the Train obsession, this coal-fired steam engine is not to be missed. 

Chama Western Heritage Celebration will provide that unique collection of activities to make the drive feel like adventuring into a new world. Each weekend between Memorial Day and July 4th will have a different schedule of activities. Check out the detailed list of activities below. 

Week 1 :: May 25 - May 31

Memorial Day & Cumbres Toltec Railroad Opening Week

May 26 :: Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad Opening Day Ceremony

May 28 :: Memorial Day Picnic & Presentation

May 31 :: Thursday Night @ the Movies

 

 

 

 

Week 2 :: June 1-7

School's Out! Let's Go to Chama!

Free Fishing Day Tournament at Elk Horn Pavilion

Horse Training & Care (NMSU) 

Turkey Shootout & Bow Tournament

Blacksmith Demonstration, (Clarence Green)

Monero Wild Mustang Live Display

3 Mule Ranch Mule Live Display

Mutton Busting & Rawhide Riding

Thursday Night @ the Movies

Week 3 :: June 8-14

Western Heritage Week

Summit 5K Race

Draft Horse Show/Competition

Chuck Wagon & Stage Coach Display

Horse Packing

Jicarilla Pow Wow

Thursday Night @ the Movies

Week 4 :: June 15-21

Missoula Music Week

Cowboy Fast Draw Competition

Missoula Children’s Theater Presentation – “Gulliver’s Travels”

Community Music Fest – “Music Night in the Mountains”

Krzy Karaoke King, DJ

Thursday Night @ the Movies

 

Week 5 :: June 22-28

Far Out Alien & Summer Solstice Week

Dulce Base UFO Conference (In Dulce)

Photography Workshop

Watercolor Painting Workshop

Writing Workshop

Thursday Night @ the Movies

 

Week 6 :: June 29 - July 5

Independence Day Week

Gene Autry Train & Summer Camp – “Camping with the Cowboys & Cowgirls”

Monero Wild Mustang Live Display & 3 Mule Ranch Mule Live Display

Green Chile & Red Chili Cook-off

4th of July Dinner Train

Veterans Community Picnic & Flag Retirement Ceremony

July 4 :: Chama 4th of July Fireworks Display

July 5 ::  Thursday Night @ the Movies

Need More Information About Chama Western Heritage Celebration?

Check out the Chama Western Heritage website, the Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce website, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad website, or email [email protected].

This post is sponsored by our partners at The Rotary Club of Chama Valley, partial funding provided by Village of Chama Lodgers' Tax. We at Albuquerque Moms Blog choose to work with businesses we feel bring our readers value.

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