FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2012
CONTACT: Erica Asmus-Otero 505-259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com

Get Updated Conditions, Current Look at Blue Skies of Taos, NM with New ‘Travel Alert’
One of State’s Largest Fireworks Shows Scheduled in Tao for July 4

TAOS, NM — The Town of Taos has posted a new “Travel Alert” section on its official website, www.Taos.org/visit, providing updated travel advisories and a look at current conditions via webcams – one focused on Taos Mountain near the historic Taos Plaza, and another in Taos Ski Valley.

“While Taos has had recent rains and is not directly affected by wildfires in southern New Mexico or northern Colorado (approximately 400 miles away), we are sensitive to current southwest conditions, and our best wishes go out to these impacted communities,” said Town of Taos Mayor Darren Cordova. “We want to assure visitors that Taos is gorgeous right now and ‘open for business,’ but that we do take our area’s fire safety very seriously.”

Updated travel advisories can be found at http://taos.org/visit simply by clicking on the “Travel Alert” link.

Current Fire Restrictions.

In Taos’ surrounding forests, no burning is allowed except in designated campsite areas. For updates on fire restrictions: Carson National Forest (fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices); or Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Taos_Field_Office.html.)
In the Town of Taos, the restriction is “no open burning.” Propane barbecues are acceptable.
Currently, “safe and sane” personal-use fireworks are permitted for July 4th, which are fireworks that do not go into the air. All fireworks need to be enjoyed on a well-graded area free of weeds/brush, i.e. pavement or gravel.

Upcoming July 4 Events.

The annual, $30,000, hour-long, professional fireworks extravaganza that the Town of Taos and the Taos Fire Department sponsor is still scheduled at dusk on Wednesday, July 4. The display can be seen from nearly any location throughout the Town of Taos. It is sponsored to discourage the use of personal fireworks.
Other July 4th Independence Day events will be celebrated in Taos Ski Valley, Arroyo Seco, and several towns/cities along the Enchanted Circle.
The “Salute to the Troops” commemoration will take place on Thursday, July 5 featuring a parade to salute the men and women who have served our country, along with music by the Gulf Coast Band and much more. Visit taos.org/visit/salute-the-troops for information.
Arts and Crafts Fair on Taos Plaza from July 6–8.

For a complete list of July events, visit www.taos.org/visit/calendar.

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