Corrales Harvest Festival

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 19/19/09

What does a hat wearing llama, a country western singer, a jewelry maker, a red t-shirt wearing tractor driver, a bun wearing wiener dog and you and I all have in common? We are all going to be enjoying the crisp fall air at the Corrales Harvest Festival next weekend.

Kicking off the festivities next Saturday morning is the ever-popular Pet Parade. The Halloween costumes are out now and I know they make all kinds to fit your four legged friends so there is no excuse why all your kids shouldn’t be in the craziest and most colorful event of the festival. “We are gearing up for our best Pet Parade ever,” said Jasmine Tritten, Coordinator for the Pet Parade. “Children and pets of all ages, sizes and breeds are welcome to walk Corrales Road on Saturday morning and show off their imagination and animals. Bring any sized pets. We have even had crickets in the parade, believe it or not,” said Tritten.

There will be judging and prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in four categories: Most Colorful, Prettiest, Funniest and Most Unusual/Strangest. For those not walking the walk, your place will be on the sidelines with cameras firmly in hand.

One of my favorite parts of the festival has to be the Mercado Aniguo. Didn’t get to Spanish Market in Santa Fe last July? Here’s another chance to see some of New Mexico’s top Santeros at the Old San Ysidro Church during the festival. Talk about beautiful art in a beautiful setting. The Old San Ysidro Church, listed on both the state and national register of historic places, is a classic example of New Mexico Hispanic village religious architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Hispanic artists will be selling retablos and bultos (arts of the santeros or saint makers, which are carved wooden statues of the saints and pictures of saints on wooden boards), weavings, embroidery, tinwork, furniture and carved wooden crosses, just to name a few of the treasures that will be for sale. You know where to find me.

A new event of the festival this year is the highly anticipated Harvest Festival Horse Extravaganza on Saturday. Local horses and riders will be demonstrating equestrian disciplines including dressage freestyle, western reining, Horsemanship, Vaulting, Jumping, Roping and a special Equestrian Flamenco Dance Routine. Be sure to get there early so not to miss the grand entry of costumed equine breeds from around the world including Andalusians, Appaloosas, Arabians, Drafts, Friesians, Haflingers, Icelandics, Lipizzaners, Miniatures, Morgans, Mustangs, Paints, Pintos, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Quarter Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, Saddlebreds, ennessee Walkers and Thoroughbreds.

Runners don’t miss the Corrida de Corrales, a 5K or 10K run on Sunday morning. If you haven’t walked among the giant cottonwoods in Corrales, you don’t know what you are missing. A run through the flat, shady, dirt trails along the tree-lined acequia through the heart of beautiful Corrales is a must. I may skip the Reeboks and put on my moccasins, grab a latte and enjoy a laid back morning stroll. Walkers are welcome, you know.


Talk about a top rate festival, there is something for everyone. “The arts and crafts fair this year is the best we’ve ever had, said Chip Babb, president of the Corrales Harvest Festival. “Our entertainment lineup includes Chris Dracup and Tommy Elskes, the Duke City Swamp Coolers and many more. We have a corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides and a pumpkin patch. We also have some great food vendors as well: JP's Custard Cart, Jimmy Yepa's Navajo Tacos, Kettle Korn and much more. Check out our website,” said Babb.

So head down to the village next Saturday and Sunday, hop aboard the Corrales Rapid Transit, a.k.a. a John Deere tractor ride and make your way to La Entrada Park. My poster and t-shirt designs were chosen to represent the festival this year and I will be signing posters at the admissions booth from 10am-12pm both days. Come out and say hello. I would love to meet you.

Quote of the Week: “Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.” -William Cullen Bryant