Corrales the Place To Be Next Weekend

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section September 18, 2010

CHF Official Poster
by Barbara Clark

You know it's fall when ... the evenings are cooler, the chiles are a roastin', and the Corrales Harvest Festival is a happenin'. It's the biggest little festival of the fall, and its right here in our own backyard.

Next weekend is the 25th anniversary of the Corrales Harvest Festival and according to Chip Babb, the festival director, it is slated to be the best one they have ever put together.

"The pet parade on Saturday morning is one of our most popular draws," said Babb. "We are expecting over 200 entries this year: dogs, cats, horses, llamas, even guinea pigs. The pet parade committee has worked really hard this year and was able to get a lot of sponsors, making the winning even better. Nicole Brady, news anchor at Channel 4, will be leading the herd down Corrales Road as this year's grand marshal."

There is still time to enter, just decorate your pet and show up at the Rancho de Corrales Event Center next Saturday morning at 8.

Right after the pet parade, head on over to the Topform Arena for the Horse Extravaganza from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of horses will demonstrate and show off their unique qualities: Andalusians, Appaloosas, Arabians, Dutch warmbloods, Haflingers, minis, Morgans, mules, mustangs, paints, paso finos, quarter horses, Rocky Mountain horses and Tennessee walkers. It's what Corrales does best.

Phil, Grif, Glenn and the boys will be hauling festivalgoers on their hay wagons between the Recreation Center and Casa San Ysidro Museum near the Old Church throughout the whole weekend. A definite must at the festival, a tractor ride is the only way to get around.

My favorite part of the festival has to be the arts and crafts fair. Located in La Entrada Park, this year there will be more than 60 local and regional artists and craftsmen displaying and selling their art and jewelry. Remember, Christmas isn't that far off. But before you go in, be sure to get your official festival poster, a beautiful watercolor painting of a signature Corrales scene by Corrales artist Barbara Clark. Her other entry, a colorful watercolor of a tractor on a tree-lined road, was chosen for the festival T-shirts.

Runners, don't miss the Corrida de Corrales, a 5K or 10K run 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 in 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 too, you know.

After your run, what better than a Chef Jim White breakfast burrito at the Corrales Growers Market? Stop by the grassy field by the Rec Center and get some homegrown fresh greens, vegetables, herbs and fruits, as well as flowers, honey, jams, baked goods and salsas.

The village is the place to be next weekend. Hop aboard the Corrales Rapid Transit, aka a John Deere tractor, and make your way to La Entrada Park for the funnel cakes, brats and burritos. Do some shopping and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in shady Corrales.

Quote of the Week: "You love this town. You've been all over. And it's been all over you. It's a beautiful day. Don't let it get away. It's a beautiful day." — "Beautiful Day" by U2.