FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2012
CONTACT: Erica Asmus-Otero 505-259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com

Blue Skies, Steady Downpour of Outdoor Activities and 4th of July Events Scheduled in Taos, NM

TAOS, NM — The Town of Taos continues to be haven for outdoor enthusiasts as well as those seeking respite from the intensifying heat or smoke filled skies in other New Mexico cities. Smoke from fires in other parts of NM have not impacted Taos and northern NM. To exercise caution, however, Taos and the Carson National Forest have joined the many NM towns and cities who initiated Stage I fire restrictions.

Taos residents are being asked to refrain from purchasing and lighting their own fireworks. Instead, Taos and the historic locales along the Enchanted Circle have numerous Independence Day events planned for a fun, family-friendly 4th of July.

The Town of Taos, in coordination with the Taos Volunteer Fire Department, is still hosting one of the biggest fireworks shows in the State on July 4th, with an hour-long display beginning at dusk. The $30,000 fireworks display can be seen from nearly any location throughout the Town of Taos but the best places to enjoy the free show are at Filimon Sanchez Park and/or the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds in Taos.

A number of other spectacular outdoor events scheduled under the blue skies of Taos County and the Enchanted Circle include:

• Taos Plaza Live! – Now through Sept. 6 – Free summer concerts in the historic Taos Plaza take place every Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. Visit taos.org/visit/taos-plaza-live for lineup.
• Taos Pueblo San Juan Feast Day – June 24 – Sunrise mass at San Geronimo church, traditional Corn Dance. No cameras. Visit taospueblo.com for details.
• Taos Solar Music Festival – June 30 - July 1 – Showcasing renewable energy through the universal language of music and art. Featuring Lyle Lovett and others. Visit taossolarmusicfest.com for details.
• Taos Ski Valley 4th of July – July 4 – Parade, live music, rubber duck race, games, and more beginning at 2 p.m. Visit taosskivalley.com for details.
• Arroyo Seco Parade – July 4 – Parade and fun beginning at 1 p.m.
  Salute to the Troops – July 5 – Commemoration of service men and women, featuring a parade, Air Nat’l Guard Band, kids decorating center and more. Visit taos.org/visit/salute-the-troops for details.
  Taos Pueblo Pow Wow – July 13 - 15 – Taos Pueblo is famous for its pow-wow. Competitive American Indian dances, arts and crafts, food and music. Events begin Friday evening with a grand procession.Visit taospueblo.com for details.
  Fiestas de Taos – July 20 - 22 – Time-honored festival preserving four centuries of cultural diversity and tradition unique to Taos. Enjoy New Mexican cuisine, indigenous dances, Spanish folk music and the hospitality and care of local Taoseños. Visit fiestasdetaos.com.

Taos also offers exhilarating white water rafting trips along the Rio Grande Gorge through a number of rafting outfitters. A list is available at taos.org/outdoors. Llama trekking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a breathtaking way to experience the unspoiled wilderness in an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, especially with their “Take a Llama to Lunch” day hike. A guided hike will teach everything from edible and medicinal plants to wilderness living skills (lunch included). Call 800-758-5262 or visit llamaadventures.com for details.

The Carson National Forest, under Stage I restrictions, also offers endless recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Please note when camping: make sure fires are dead out before leaving the site, even small embers are enough to ignite a large fire; drown fires with water until coals are cold; and never leave a fire unattended.

Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the burning of any campfires except within a developed recreation or improved site. Smoking and possession/discharge of fireworks is also prohibited. Violators of these restrictions face heavy fines and up to 6 months in jail. For updates on fire restrictions in the neighboring Carson National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices.

Taos’ monsoon season typically starts at the end of June and continues through August. Temperatures usually peak at no more than an optimum 81 degrees during the summer months.

For more information on outdoor related activities in Taos, visit www.taos.org/outdoors.

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