Elephant Butte Inn Blog
Sierra County is Born!!!
Posted April 20, 2013
What's Happenin' in Sierra County
Posted April 18, 2013
4/20/2013 American Bass Association Fishing Tournament 6am-3:30pm, Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Bass fishing tournament at Elephant Butte Lake Cost: park entrance fee.Contact: American Bass Association, Bobby Brewster, 575-740-7320.
4/20/2013 - 4/21/2013 Sailboat Regatta11am-4pm, Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Sailboat regatta on the lake! Cost: park entrance fee.Contact: Rio Grande Yacht Club, Richard Alexander, 970-946-9118, rlalex@aol.com.
4/20/2013 TBA Spring Celebration 6:30-9pm, Grapes Gallery, 407 Main St, Truth or Consequences
Celebrate spring with The Bountiful Alliance and the fabulous music of the renowned Hard Knocks Blues Band. The Bountiful Kitchen and TBA Board members will provide delicious finger food, some gluten-free. "Select your prize" raffle tickets for soaks, food, massages, handmade items and donations from local businesses are only a buck. The Hard Knocks Blues Band features Dan Bishop on guitar and vocals; Pat Dutton on harmonica and vocals; Bill Bussmann on bass and Chris Wood on drums. Cost: free (donations appreciated).Contact: The Bountiful Alliance, Colleen Davis, 575-894-9375, colleen@sierracountyfarmersmarket.org.http://www.sierracountyevents.com/flyer/TBASpringCelebration.pdf
4/20/2013 Spring Boutique10 a.m.-12 noon, Elephant Butte Inn, 401 Hwy 95, Elephant Butte
Looking for that perfect gift for Mothers Day, Graduation, Weddings, or other special occasions? Come see the newest products from various companies and join us for a couple hours of fun. Each Consultant will give a brief overview of her products and door prize drawings will be held. Many thanks to the Elephant Butte Inn for hosting the event. A representative will be present to share information on their services. Consider having lunch at the Ivory Tusk Restaurant that afternoon. Cost: free.Contact: Melissa Robinson, (575) 693-7087, mlisrobinson@yahoo.com.http://www.sierracountyevents.com/flyer/SpringBoutiqueFlyerApril2013.pdf
4/20/2013 New Mexico Old Time Fiddler's Association Saturday Night Playhouse Dance 7-9pm, New Mexico Old Time Fiddler's Playhouse, 710 Elm Street, Truth or Consequences
New Mexico Old Time Fiddler's Saturday Playhouse Dance. LIVE GOOD OLD TIME MUSIC! We welcome you to bring, family, or a co-worker. Children welcome. Family friendly. No alcohol or smoking in the building. Handicap access. Refreshments served. Door prizes. NO Charge. Donations appreciated. If you would like to play at the dances, please call us. We are looking for musicians and singers! Cost: donations greatly appreciated!.Contact: New Mexico Old Time Fiddler's Association, Zelma Iorio, 575 297-4071, nmotfa@hotmail.com.http://www.nmotfa.com
4/21/2013 Spring Concert Community Chorus 3pm, Lee Belle Johnson Center, Foch Street between Main and Broadway, Truth or Consequences
The Community Chorus' Spring concert will feature heritage cowboy music and special guest musicians and dancers. Tickets will be on sale soon, stay tuned.Contact: Community Chorus of Sierra County, Doris Dawkins, 575-740-1674.
4/21/2013 Socorro Bass Club Fishing Tournament 6am-3pm, Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte Lake State Park
One-day bass fishing tournament. Cost: park entrance fee.Contact: Socorro Bass Club, 575-835-1200.http://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/elephantbuttelake/
4/21/2013 Weekly mainstream square dance2 pm - 4:30 pm, Moose Lodge Dining Room, 202 W. Smith Street, Truth or Consequences
Weekly mainstream square dance open to the public. Come solo or as a couple. Need not be a member of the Moose to come and dance or just watch the fun. Call ahead to be sure the venue hasn't been temporarily changed. No charge to watch. There is a $3.00 per person charge to dance. We would be pleased to have you visit.Contact: Sierra Twirlers of Truth or Consequences, Carole Wheeler, 575-313-9971, randcintennessee@msn.com.
4/24/2013Open Meeting for all interested in T or C Community Theatre 6:00 p.m., Community Theatre Building, 311 North Foch St., Truth or Consequences
If you have an interest in Community Theatre, please come to our Open Meeting held the last Wednesday of each month. We welcome your comments, submissions, questions & ideas!Contact: T or C Community Theatre, Cathy Lacey, 575 894 6689, cathywithac1013@gmail.com.http://truthorconsequencescommunitytheatre.org/
4/24/2013 Performance: Ray Tarantino7-9pm , Hillsboro Community Center, Elenora Street, Hillsboro
Come enjoy the sounds of Ray Tarantino. His music will tell you a story. There is a sonic image and there is a literal image. Blend them together and you have one of his tunes. Buffalo News Website Says "Ray Tarantino put on a show that was worthy of a record deal, the sound was studio ready and the band played like one finely tuned unit." His third album is being recorded in Nashville and will come out this year. Cost: $5 donation at the door.Contact: Hillsboro Community Center, Laurie McKray, 575-895-5686, lmckray@me.com.
Game and Fish Update
Posted April 14, 2013
According to NM Game & Fish, right now is a great time to be fishing for catfish, crappie and small mouth bass at Elephant Butte Lake. The state small mouth record was just caught!
There was a lot of stocking of largemouth and striped bass in 2012..this winter the ponds and river was stocked with trout..a lot of the stripers didn't make it but the Elephant Butte Summer fishing is going to be GREAT!! White bass should again be prolific.
A lot of people don't know that Caballo Lake, right down the road, is a "sleeper walleye lake"...a few weeks ago was a tremendous spawning time so look for some great catches there!
Ash Canyon (down by the Damsite) has had bighorn sheep sightings...New Mexico herds are growing!
We'll keep you posted from time to time on fishing conditions here at the Butte!
What's Happenin' in Sierra County
Posted April 11, 2013
4/13/2013 Second Saturday Art Hop - April 6-9pm, Downtown Truth or Consequences
Galleries, studios, shops and restaurants are open late on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Check the MainStreet Truth or Consequences website for info on opening exhibits and special events. Cost: free. Contact: MainStreet Truth or Consequences, promotions@torcmainstreet.org. http://www.torcmainstreet.org/events/art-hop
4/13/2013 Ralph Edwards Tribute Dinner 5:30pm cocktails, 6pm din, Moose Lodge, Smith Street off N. Date, Truth or Consequences
Come celebrate Ralph and the Fiesta 2013 theme, "How The West Was Fun!" Dinner: chili con carne, ranch style beans, baked potato bar, cornbread and cobbler. Live music from On Call. Buy tickets at Happy Belly Deli, The Herald, and R&C Sumthins Ice Cream Shop. Cost: $12 singles, $20 couples. Contact: Fiesta Board, Destiny Mitchell, info@torcfiesta.com. http://www.torcfiesta.com
4/13/2013 The Cosmic Talent Expo N Concerto of TorC 2pm-8pm, Lee Belle Johnson Senior Rec Center, 301 S. Foch, Truth or Consequences
Art Hop Day! Support Talent in Sierra County! The Cosmic Talent Expo N Challenges is a day packed of talent. The Expo features exhibit, vendor and community tables from 2pm until 8pm. In addition, we have local artist,Steve Haynes who will be offering Caricature drawings for $5 each and an artist from Las Cruces, who will be selling her pottery. Check out the photo-op area to get a free photo. The stage will be set for Open-Mic from 2pm until 5pm. The Talent Challenge will start at 5pm. Cost: free. Contact: Cosmic Talent World, Cindy Bellelli, 5757402016, cindy@cosmictalent.com. http://www.cosmictalent.com/USA_Launch_Pads.html#Truth_or_Consequences_LPs
4/13/2013 Senior Olympic Field Day 5 pm to 8 pm, Hot Springs High School, Truth or Consequences
Come and enjoy the thrill of victory by supporting and competing in the Senior Olympic Field Events! Qualify for the State Games or just bring some friendly competition to the following events: Discus/Shot Put/Standing Long Jump/Pole Vault/Javelin/High Jump/Long Jump/Track 50M,100M, 200M, 400M. Registration is available on-site, $5 entry fee for all the local events you would like to participate in.... call or come by the Senior Center at 360 W 4th - 894-6641. Open to anyone 50 or up! Contact: Senior Olympic, Gigi Callahan, 575-894-6641, gg_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
4/14/2013 2nd Sunday Poetry Reading 1pm, Black Cat Books and Coffee, 128 Broadway, T or C Read or listen on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Cost: free. Contact: Black Cat Books and Coffee, Rhonda Brittan, 575-894-7070.
4/14/2013 Weekly mainstream square dance 2 pm - 4:30 pm, Moose Lodge Dining Room, 202 W. Smith Street, Truth or Consequences
Weekly mainstream square dance open to the public. Come solo or as a couple. Need not be a member of the Moose to come and dance or just watch the fun. Call ahead to be sure the venue hasn't been temporarily changed. No charge to watch. There is a $3.00 per person charge to dance. We would be pleased to have you visit. Contact: Sierra Twirlers of Truth or Consequences, Carole Wheeler, 575-313-9971, randcintennessee@msn.com.
4/15/2013 Culpepper & Merriweather Circus 5pm & 7:30pm, Louis Armijo Sports Complex, South Broadway, Truth or Consequences
Trapeze artists, big jungle cats, clowns, & a menagerie. Sponsored by the Truth or Consequences Lions Club. Advance tickets available at Howell & Associates Real Estate on Foch St, The Herald of T or C on Date St, and R&C Sumthins on Date St. Advance tickets prices: adults = $10, kids ages 2-12 = $6, and children under 2 are always free. On show day, tickets will be $13 for adults and $7 for kids. Contact: Main Circus office, 866-BIG-TOP-6, or T or C Lions Club, 575-740-4534. Contact: T or C Lions Club, 575-740-4534.
4/16/2013 Chantilly (Handmade) Card Workshop 6:00pm, Private residence in Elephant Butte. Address will be provided to attendees as workshop fee is paid. RSVP by April 7 for this card workshop, where you will have the opportunity to make five handmade greeting cards! If you have never tried papercrafting before, now is your chance to give it a try. It is fun and relaxing and a great opportunity to fellowship with other community members. Visit my blog at www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com and click on the Upcoming Events link in the right column for complete details. Contact me if you have any questions. Cost: $10. Contact: Melissa Robinson, 5756937087, mlisrobinson@yahoo.com. http://www.sierracountyevents.com/flyer/ChantillyCardWorkshop.pdf
4/17/2013 Free Spring Dance 7-9pm, Lee Belle Johnson Rec Center, 301 Foch, Truth or Consequences Come and join us for an great evening of good music, good friends and an overall good time! This monthly event is hosted by the Sierra Joint Office on Aging and is free to all seniors 55 and up! Refreshments provided. Contact: Sierra Joint Office on Aging, Barb Vestal, 575-894-6641, rsvp_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
History of Sierra County..Before it was Sierra County, Pt. 4
Posted April 5, 2013
In 1862, the Confederate Texas Contingent marched north from Mesilla, which the Rebels had captured eight months earlier. They were intent on taking Fort Union, north of Santa Fe. In between lay Fort Craig, in the heart of what would be Sierra County. Blue and gray-clad troops faced off in the village of Valverde just north of the fort and fought a bloody battle. The Confederates won the field that day in February but failed to capture the fort. It proved to be a tactical error that eventually ended the Southerners' goal of conquering the entire Southwest to gain control of Colorado gold and Pacific ports.
Beginning in the 1870s, mining became a major industry in the area. The Bridal Chamber mine in Lake Valley, for example, yielded nearly six million ounces of silver. Other mines were rich in silver, gold, copper, and lead. It was this industry, along with ranching, that fueled economic development.
What's Happenin' in Sierra County:
Posted April 4, 2013
It's that time of year when things start happenin' in Sierra County...here's just a few of events for the next week:
4/6/2013 - 4/7/2013
Sailboat Regatta11am-4pm, Elephant Butte Lake State ParkSailboat regatta on the water at the lake! Cost: park entrance fee.Contact: Rio Grande Yacht Club, Richard Alexander, 970-946-9118, rlalex@aol.com.
4/6/2013Senior Olympic Fun Day8am to 12 noon, Louis Armijo Park, Williamsburg
Are you a Senior Olympian? or just want to have fun like one? The FUN begins on Saturday April 6th from 8am to noon at the Louis Armijo Park in Williamsburg. Activities include Washers, Horseshoes, Frisbee Distance, Frisbee Accuracy, Soccer Accuracy Kick, Softball Distance Throw, & Basketball Free Throw. Registration is available on site, pay a $5 fee and play all the games you want! Bring your competitive spirit and try for the local Blue Ribbon! Open to all seniors 50 and up!Contact: Senior Olympic, Gigi Callahan, 5758946641, gg_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
4/6/2013 Dinner and Dancing Fund Raiser 5-8pm, Moose Lodge, 202 W. Smith Street, Truth or Consequences Do you like BBQ and Dancing? This is where you can get your dance on, get a great BBQ Dinner from BBQ on Broadway with all the trimmings all for just $8 a person! Enjoy performances from the T or C Line Dancers, Country Music and Karaoke! Tickets available at the door or in advance from the Senior Center at 360 W 4th or call 894-6641. All proceeds from this event support Sierra County Senior Olympians for the 2013 Local and State Games! Contact: Senior Olympic, Gigi Callahan, 5758946641, gg_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
4/7/2013 Joe West and the Santa Fe Revue 3-5pm, Hillsboro Community Center, Elenora Street, Hillsboro
Joe West is an award winning songwriter and performer based in the international art community of Santa Fe, chosen as "Santa Fe Reporter's Best" in 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009 - and as "Top Male Vocalist in the Austin Chronicle Reader's Poll 2000. Joe has toured throughout the United States and Europe, sharing the stage with the likes of Peter Rowan, Arlo Guthrie, and the Violent Femmes. Over the last two years, Joe has produced an all original children's CD, and has written and produced a full length opera. Cost: $5 donation at the door. Contact: Hillsboro Community Center, Laurie McKray, 575-895-5686, lmckray@me.com.
4/7/2013 Three time Minnesota Book Award winner, Barton Sutter booksigning 1pm, Black Cat Books and Coffee, 128 Broadway, Truth or Consequences
Poet, Barton Sutter, will be reading from and signing copies of his books at Black Cat Books on Sunday, April 7 at 1pm. Named the first Poet Laureate of Duluth, Sutter has won numerous awards, including the Minnesota Book Award in three different categories: poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. He has written for public radio, and has collaborated on some musical projects, and many other things. He lives in Duluth, but visits the Southwest every year. Don't miss him! Cost: free. Contact: Black Cat Books & Coffee, Rhonda Brittan, 575-894-7070.
4/7/2013 Weekly mainstream square dance 2 pm - 4:30 pm, Moose Lodge Dining Room, 202 W. Smith Street, Truth or Consequences Weekly mainstream square dance open to the public. Come solo or as a couple. Need not be a member of the Moose to come and dance or just watch the fun. Call ahead to be sure the venue hasn't been temporarily changed. No charge to watch. There is a $3.00 per person charge to dance. We would be pleased to have you visit. Contact: Sierra Twirlers of Truth or Consequences, Carole Wheeler, 575-313-9971, randcintennessee@msn.com.
4/8/2013 Sneak Preview with a Culpepper & Merriweather Clown 9am, R & C Sumthins, 902 North Date Street, Truth or Consequences
Bring the little ones to meet a cute clown up close and enter to win tickets to the main event on Monday, April 15th! Free. Contact: R & C Sumthins, 575-894-1040.
4/12/2013 The Cosmic Talent Expo N Concerto of TorC 2pm-8pm, Lee Belle Johnson Senior Rec Center, 301 S. Foch, Truth or Consequences Art Hop Day!
Support Talent in Sierra County! The Cosmic Talent Expo N Challenges is a day packed of talent. The Expo features exhibit, vendor and community tables from 2pm until 8pm. In addition, we have local artist,Steve Haynes who will be offering Caricature drawings for $5 each and an artist from Las Cruces, who will be selling her pottery. Check out the photo-op area to get a free photo. The stage will be set for Open-Mic from 2pm until 5pm. The Talent Challenge will start at 5pm. Cost: free. Contact: Cosmic Talent World, Cindy Bellelli, 5757402016, cindy@cosmictalent.com. http://www.cosmictalent.com/USA_Launch_Pads.html#Truth_or_Consequences_LPs
4/13/2013 Second Saturday Art Hop - April 6-9pm, Downtown Truth or Consequences
Galleries, studios, shops and restaurants are open late on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Check the MainStreet Truth or Consequences website for info on opening exhibits and special events. Cost: free. Contact: MainStreet Truth or Consequences, promotions@torcmainstreet.org. http://www.torcmainstreet.org/events/art-hop
4/13/2013 Ralph Edwards Tribute Dinner 5:30pm cocktails, 6pm din, Moose Lodge, Smith Street off N. Date, Truth or Consequences
Come celebrate Ralph and the Fiesta 2013 theme, "How The West Was Fun!" Dinner: chili con carne, ranch style beans, baked potato bar, cornbread and cobbler. Live music from On Call. Buy tickets at Happy Belly Deli, The Herald, and R&C Sumthins Ice Cream Shop. Cost: $12 singles, $20 couples. Contact: Fiesta Board, Destiny Mitchell, info@torcfiesta.com. http://www.torcfiesta.com
4/13/2013 Arts and Crafts Fair 9am-4pm, Ken James Senior Center, 360 W 4th Ave, Truth or Consequences
Come and see all of the fantastic hand-crafted items at the Arts and Crafts Fair to benefit the Sierra County Senior Olympics program! Tables and booth space is available for $10.00. Artists, Crafters, resale vendors and Food booths are welcome, please call to ensure your space today! Contact: Senior Olympics, Gigi Callahan Barb Vestal, 575-894-6641, gg_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
4/13/2013 Senior Olympic Field Day 5 pm to 8 pm, Hot Springs High School, Truth or Consequences
Come and enjoy the thrill of victory by supporting and competing in the Senior Olympic Field Events! Qualify for the State Games or just bring some friendly competition to the following events: Discus/Shot Put/Standing Long Jump/Pole Vault/Javelin/High Jump/Long Jump/Track 50M,100M, 200M, 400M. Registration is available on-site, $5 entry fee for all the local events you would like to participate in.... call or come by the Senior Center at 360 W 4th - 894-6641. Open to anyone 50 or up! Contact: Senior Olympic, Gigi Callahan, 575-894-6641, gg_sjoa@fastwave.biz.
History of Sierra County..Before it was Sierra County, Pt. 3
Posted March 28, 2013
In 1819, two years before Mexico won its independence from Spain, the Governor of New Mexico awarded a large tract of land near Valverde to Pedro Armendaris. It was the only Spanish land grant in Sierra County and its history is marred by battles with Apaches, who resented intrusion into their homeland. Even so, the ranch Armendaris established remained in his family until 1895. Since then the ranch has changed hands several times and today is owned by Ted Turner, one of his three New Mexico ranches comprising more than a million acres.
The United States invaded Mexico in 1846, setting off the Mexican-American War. At its conclusion two years later, the southern part of New Mexico, now a U.S. territory, consisted of Dona Ana County, which stretched about 150 miles from just south of Socorro to the Mexican border and from Texas to California. New Mexico and Arizona,at that time, were a single territory.
History of Sierra County..Before it was Sierra County, Pt. 2
Posted March 22, 2013
In 1598, Don Juan de Onate led as many as 500 people into New Mexico, intent on creating a permanent colony. While native people and the Spanish had used the trails along the river for decades, Onate took his wagons through the Jornada del Muerto, establishing El Camino Real de la Tierra Adentro, a road used continuously until the railroad arrived in the 1880s. He chose to use the dry Jornada through Sierra County because the land along the river was full of deep arroyos, scree-covered escarpments, and quicksand.
The Spanish demanded tribute from the Puebloans, virtually enslaving them. The Apaches acquired Spanish horses and raided Spanish settlements. The socio-economic equilibrium of the native peoples was destroyed. By 1680, they so resented the Spanish intruders, the Puebloans revolted and forced them to retreat to Mexico. As they moved south to El Paso, the Spanish were joined by the Piro people. Except for the Apaches, Sierra County was empty of people. But the Spanish returned twelve years later, this time to stay.
Sierra County History...Before Sierra County Existed!
Posted March 11, 2013
We are going to start a new blog...Sierra County History Before Sierra County Existed!!
Archeological records show long before there was a Sierra County, long before there was even a NM, people lived here. We call them the Jornada Mogollon people, and they are the ancestors of the Tewa and Piro people who built pueblos along the Rio Grande. They hunted and gathered across the land as early as 12,000 years ago. In time, they learned to domesticate corn, beans, and squash and settled into villages of pit houses along the rivers and near the hot springs.
About 1100 A.D., the Apaches arrived. Over the centuries, these Athabascan people from Alaska migrated on foot south along the Rocky Mountains as there were no horses in the Americas until after the Spanish conquest of the 15th and 16th Centuries. The Apaches were principally nomadic hunter/gatherers, and they found the land abundant in game, plant foods, and clear water. They traded meat, hides, bone, and other items of their hunting culture for agricultural products with the people along the Rio Grande. Their relationship wasn't always peacdful, but the Apaches and Puebloans learned to live with each other.
Then the Spanish arrived. Francisco Vazques de Coronado explored the Mogollon rim in 1540. A half century later, Castano de Sosa came into New Mexico without permission from the king's officials. He traveled along the Pecos River as far north as Taos until he was arrested by Captain Juan Morlete. De Sosa was then escorted down the Rio Grande, through what became Sierra County, and out of New Mexico in disgrace.
Much more to follow.........................many thanks to the Official 2012-2013 Visitors Guide for this information
Weather in Sierra County
Posted March 5, 2013
Sierra County is located in the high desert of southern New Mexico. Our consistently sunny weather attracts visitors from across the country and around the world. We boast sunshine 350 days a year with highs that average 95 degrees in summer to 55 degrees in December, the coolest month. The low in December reaches an average of 28 degrees, but because of our dry desert climate, it doesn't feel as cold as more humid locations.
Due to our monsoonal weather pattern, we receive the most rain in July and August, but even then it's extremely rare to experience a full day of rain. Usually we'll experience a dramatic and refreshing storm, then go back to clear skies.
Due to our dry weather, you'll get advice from locals to drink lots of water. It's a good idea, even when you're enjoying one of our many waterfronts!
We think you'll enjoy our weather any time of the year, but fall is especially beautiful.
