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Last modified: December 1, 2008

CORRECTION: The phone number of the Fiesta Office is 505-894-2946.

Miss Fiesta & her court ride in the Truth or Consequences Fiesta Parade Saturday morning, May 2, 2003, with everyone enjoying the theme, Mardi Gras by the Rio Grande.
DJ photos by Bill Johnson

Miss Fiesta 2003 Renee Carrasco

2003 Miss Fiesta Contestants

Theresa Crawford
Miss Congeniality 2003

Rebecca Hogue
First Runner-Up 2003

Ashley Nickles
Second Runner-Up 2003

Kristina Harris

Kelsie Forrister

Kayleen Freeman

Masquerade

7 p.m. Saturday
April 12
T or C Civic Center

Judd Bradley

23 young ladies to vie for crown

Miss Fiesta Contest

scheduled April 12

A total of 23 young ladies from Sierra County will vie for the crown in the 2003 Miss Fiesta Contest to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the T or C Civic Center, 400 W. 4^th St.

The theme for this year’s contest is “Midnight Masquerade” in keeping with this year’s Fiesta theme of “Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande.”

Generous scholarships await one lucky senior, Miss Fiesta and her court.

Contcstants participating in this year's event are: Natasha Armijo, Brittany Bierner, Renee Carrasco, Katherine Harris, Rebecca Monsibaiz, Rosa Theobald, Katrina Vasquez, Daniela Gutierrez, Brandy Bergen, Kristina Harris, Tara Long, Tiffany Long, Theresa Crawford, Kayleen Freeman, Melanie Worley, Tanya Covarrubias, Kelsie Forrister, Lasey Bush, Ashley Ragsdale, Ashley Nickles, Crystal Sullivan, Shannon Green and Cynthia Garcia.

Judd Bradley Photography Studio will take photographs of each contestant from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Friday) and Saturday, March 21 and 22, on a walk in basis. The photos of the contestants will be submitted to each of the local newspapers.

The contest is sponsored by the Sierra County Junior Woman’s Club. For more information, call Shelli Montoya at 894-0791 or Becky Mena at 894-3163.

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…Getting ready for Fiesta May 2-4

Carnival hands Wednesday prepare for this weekend’s big Truth or Consequences Fiesta. The theme this year is Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande, promising fun and action for the whole family today (Friday, May 2) through Sunday. See schedule of events inside.

DJ photo by Bill Johnson

Fiesta 2003 just a peep away

…Street festival main act May 3

The versatile band, The Remedy, will be this year's main performance for the downtown Fiesta Street Festival to be held from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3.

Billed as a "mega variety" band, The Remedy promises to be quite a crowd pleaser with music for all tastes.

During the 12 years the band has been together, they have opened for Brooks and Dunn, Lone Star, Rick Trivino, and Malo, brother of Santana.

Band leader Carlo Chavez has been playing guitar and harmonica, and singing since college. He won the Wrangler Star Search Competition.

Chris Sessions, lead guitar and saxophone, also sings back-up. When he's not playing with the band, Sessions teaches guitar and vocals for all age groups.

On drums and key boards is John Licha, who also sings back up. Licha was a music major and band teacher at Socorro High School, and has recently opened his own music studio.

The bass player, Ralph Miramontes, sings both lead and back up. His "day job" finds him working maintenance for Los Luna School District.

Rounding out this bevy of talent is Ernie Dominquez in the multi-tasking roles of sound man, drummer, singer, and NRG Professional Staging.

According to their promotional biography, The Remedy has several loyal followers, and can please listeners from ages 10 to 90.

…Merchants participating in Artwalk

The following businesses will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3, for Fiesta Artwalk 2003. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served at each location:

Barking Dogs Studio Gallery, Big at Heart, Black Cat Books & Coffee, Bradley Gallery, Charles Motel & Spa, Personal Expressions, Earth Tapestries, Judd Bradley Photography, Moon Goddess, Picture Perfect, Leroy's Tattoo Parlor, Rio Bravo Fine Art, Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa, Storyteller Books & More, Timmy's Town Talk, Turtleback Center for the Arts, Wild Angel and Xochi's.

…Fiesta Art Show open to New Mexico artists

The Truth or Consequences Fiesta Art Exhibit, a month long show sponsored by the local Sierra Art Society, is open to all residents of New Mexico.

Art entries must be submitted between 9 a.m. and noon Thursday, May 1, at Geronimo Springs Museum, 211 Main St. in T or C, and must be picked up after the exhibit on May 30 between 9 and 10 a.m.

This year’s judge will be Margaret Cjica of Silver City.

Prize money and ribbons will be awarded to winning artists for best of show, people’s choice and first place in various categories including oil, watercolor, acrylic, photos, and other such as graphics, pastel, fabric, leather and any mixed media.

Ribbons and cash prizes also will be awarded to a special theme exhibit category that reflects this year’s Fiesta theme, Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande.

The entry fee is $5 for Sierra Art Society members and $8 for non-members for each piece entered. The limit will be three entries per person or as space and size allows.

All entries must be presented with a frame and wire type hanging system (not sawtooth) or hanging rod for fabric and leather. Two identification cards must be attached to the back with the artist’s name, title, medium, price or art piece, phone and address.

For more information call Erma Woodis at 894-9663.

Silent auction entries may be taken to Picture Perfect, 322 Broadway, by May 1.

…Tennis tourney a success story

The 2003 Fiesta Tennis Tournament went off without a hitch last Saturday, thanks in a big way to the great weather (no wind), and the number of talented players who participated.

There were 26 players for this year's Round Robin tournament, which is just two players away from capacity.

The open format allowed every team to play every other team, making for a fair system for determining the winners, and giving everyone a lot of time on the courts.

First place in the men's division went to the team of Ernie Booth and Victor Ruiz of Silver City.

Second place winners were Charles Viscero and Kevin Weeks of T or C, and third place went to Richard Victory and Les Smith.

In the women's division, first place went to Pat Etheridge and Betsy Rauschenberger of T or C, 2^nd place to Erma Caiazzo and Shelia Unglaub, and third place winners were the team of Bobby Woolford and Margaret Speers of T or C.

Speers, also spokesperson and organizer for the event, said she was especially pleased with the weather for this year's tourney. Commenting on its success, Speers said, "April is a tough month. We have had terrible winds the past three years, so this was a pleasant relief."

The tourney started with a "kick off" by Miss Fiesta Rene Carrasco and the last teams were off the court by 2 p.m. After the contests, everyone was invited to a potluck lunch at the home of Carl and Joan Webb.

<<<   >>>

The Fiesta banner may be seen throughout downtown Truth or Consequences as the town celebrates the big event this weekend. DJ photo by Bill Johnson

Fiesta plans firming up for big weekend

…Grand marshal chosen to lead parade

The Truth or Consequences Fiesta Board is excited to announce the board has chosen a Grand Marshal to lead this year’s Fiesta Parade on Saturday morning, May 3.

The board received several nominations, and it was a tough, but unanimous choice to award the honor to Mr. Chris Trujillo.

In addition to being a colorful and legendary character in Sierra County, Trujillo actually taught Ralph Edwards how to ride a horse, and rode along with Edwards and his insistence in every parade until Ralph could no longer ride.

There was something of a ceremonial nature at the beginning of those parades, where Trujillo would saddle and bridle Edward’s horse for him (also at his insistence), and help him mount. These “ceremonies” were among Trujillo’s proudest moments, and the Fiesta Board is proud to have him as the honorary Grand Marshal.

Other nominations included Ken James and David Martinez.

…History of the Downtown T or C ARTWALK

The first ARTWALK was held in December 1998. Organizer Cynthia Cohen reports there were 15 businesses that participated, each one chipping in to help with the costs of advertising and publicity.

Because some of the shops were out of “walking distance” from downtown, Cohen decided to have a “sleigh” (in the form of a decorated flat-bed trailer with bales of hay for seating) that could carry people around town.

Knowing participants would need information about where the sleigh was going, and that there would be a need to get people on and off and in and out to the shops, Cohen decided to ride along as “host.”

At the last minute, she decided to dress with a Santa theme. The sleigh and the outfit were a big hit, and the theme has remained since.

About 300 people attended the first ARTWALK, encouraging Cohen and the other merchants to continue. Merchants and attendees both began asking for more ARTWALKS! Hence the Fiesta ARTWALK!

The first Fiesta ARTWALK was held in 2001, and was also a big success, Cohen said.

The Fiesta Board voted in 2002 to make it an official Fiesta event, and turnout was again most encouraging. Last years’ ARTWALK had 22 participating stores, studios and galleries. Several of the original participants, such as Sierra County Arts Council, Spectrum Pottery, Xochi’s Bookstore, Charles Motel & Spa, and Cohen & Company still participate in every ARTWALK.

This year’s Fiesta ARTWALK will have from 20 to 25 participants. This year’s event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The entry fee for participating merchants is $20. Participants will be provided with an “Official Fiesta Stop” banner to hang outside their business, flyers, a poster, and maps of the ARTWALK “route” to hand out.

Participants are asked to provide snacks and beverages for attendees. Deadline for entry is today (Friday, April 18). Call Karen Hajek at 894.3947 to sign up.

…Volleyball challenge

The 10th annual Fiesta Volleyball Challenge will be underway at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at Ralph Edwards Park.

The entry fee is $10 per player with entry deadline set for Wednesday, April 23.

Teams consist of six persons including three women and three men. However, teams may have more women on the court than men.

High school rules will apply except men must spike from behind the designated line. Everyone must rotate and serve.

Un-sportsmanlike conduct will result in a $5 fine for the first offense; $10.00 and removal from the game for a second.

Awards will include eight small trophies and $100 for first place; one trophy and entry fee reimbursed for second place; and a single trophy and gifts for third place.

<<<   >>>

Preparations for Fiesta

well underway in T or C

…Fiesta Board wants you!

We are looking for one good man!

The Fiesta Board wants nominations for a Grand Marshal for the May 3 Truth or Consequences Fiesta Parade.

Call 894-2946 and leave the name, address and phone number of someone you think would be perfect for the job, or write to: P.O. Box 249, T or C, NM 87901.

Duties are to ride in the parade from 9 a.m. to noon and serve as an ambassador of good will for Fiesta.

Ability to ride horseback is a plus, but not a necessity.

…Poster logo contest winners announced

The Fiesta Board is excited to announce the winners of the poster logo contest for this year's "Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande" theme.

There were so many great entries that the board had a hard time choosing just one. In fact, the judges have a tie for first place in the adult category.

Barbara Massengill and Susan Gayle will share the $50 prize and both works will be featured in the official program.

Massengill's acrylic painting, “Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande with Roadrunner" was chosen for its artistic merit and creative mix of Southwest and Mardi Gras motifs.

Gayle’s mixed-media illustration was chosen because of its graphic merit, and creative combination of imagery and text.

Holly Humphrey received an honorable mention for her pop art illustration.

Rachel Harding, 18, won first place for the young adult/child category, with a mixed media painting depicting a dairy cow with a Mardi Gras mask on!

All entrants will receive an official Fiesta T-shirt.

…Fiesta Rodeo set May 2-4

The Fiesta 2003 Rodeo will be held Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, at the Sierra County Sheriff’s Posse Arena on Rodeo Arena Road in Truth or Consequences.

Show times will be at 7 p.m. May 2, 6:30 p.m. May 3 and 2 p.m. May 4.

Besides traditional rodeo competition, ranging from calf roping to bull riding, special events are planned for the kids. Entry is free for stick horse races for ages five and under and for a calf scramble for ages 6 to 12.

The entry fees for wooly riding for ages 5 to 8 (first 10 entries each performance) will be $5 and for barrel racing for ages 12 and under will be $15.

The rodeo is sponsored by the Sierra County Sheriff's Posse. The public is invited. Admission will be charged at the gate.

Additional Pre-Fiesta and Fiesta events sponsored by the Sheriff’s Posse include:

Personality, speech and modeling contest at 6 p.m. March 28 at K-Bob’s Restaurant.

Horsemanship contest at 9 a.m. March 29 at the Sheriff’s Posse Arena.

Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl Contest at 1:30 p.m. May 1 at the T or C Elementary School. Trophies will be awarded for first through third places. Winners will ride in the parade on May 3.

Open Team Roping at 9:30 a.m. May 3 at the Arena.

Cow Milking Contest at 3 p.m. May 3 featuring disc jockeys Doug Revels and Jessica James who will have an “udderly” ridiculous standoff of wits and will.

Open barrel races each day of the Fiesta Rodeo.

For more information call Marcia Turpin at 744-5956.

…Tricycle & Wagon Contest

The Fiesta 2003 Tricycle/Wagon Contest for children will be underway at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Ralph Edwards Park.

The entry deadline will be at 3 p.m. Friday, May 2. Entry forms are available at the Bank of the Southwest.

The theme of the contest will reflect Fiesta’s theme of Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande.

All entrants will receive a ribbon and first place for best in show will be awarded a ribbon plus $10.

<<<   >>>

The Fiesta Car Show at Ralph Edwards Park is a real crowd thriller after the big parade last Saturday morning.
DJ photos by Bill Johnson

Events shaping up

for 2003 T or C Fiesta

…Junk Boat Races an ‘attraction’

Junk Boat Races will “grace” the waters of the Rio Grande during the 2003 T or C Fiesta from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3.

The once popular race will return and the Fiesta Board means JUNK! Almost anything that floats and can carry two people on board without motorized propulsion will qualify for the races.

Materials for the junk boats may consist of wood, rubber, plastic, cotton, nylon and/or Styrofoam as long as they’re injury free – for example, no sharp edges and no splinters. Entrants must also be sober for the experience.

All contestants must wear a Coast Guard approved life vest, must avoid physical contact with contestants on other crafts and they may not impede the speed of other contestants.

The two-person vessels must have no mechanical devices such as lock-down oars, motors, or sails. There also may be no help from persons not on the craft, that is after the initial start by the launch crew. Hand-held paddles are okay.

All entries will be subject to inspection and approval by the chairman, Randy Ashbaugh, before the race.

Entries must be present by 1:30 p.m. on the day of the race. The exact location of the launch is to be announced.

The entry fee is $25 per junk boat and it will include two official Fiesta T-shirts.

Prizes will consist of $250 for first place, $125 for second place and $75 for third place.

Entry forms are available at any Fast Stop location or Bank of the Southwest.

…Homemade Salsa Contest

The 2003 T or C Fiesta will feature the Homemade Salsa Contest at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4, by the Gazebo at Ralph Edwards Park.

Contestants will begin setting up their entries consisting of a quart jar of their homemade recipes at 12:30 p.m. Contestants must provide an original name for their salsa entries and must also provide at least a large bag of chips to be used for tasting.

Prizes will be awarded including $50 and an official Fiesta T-shirt for first place, $25 and a T-shirt for second place, and a T-shirt for third place.

Judging will be done by people’s choice.

The entry fee is $10 and the deadline for entering is 3 p.m. Friday, May 2. Entry forms for the salsa contest and numerous other Fiesta events are available at Bank of the Southwest, 509 Broadway in T or C.

…Silent Art Auction

The Sierra Art Society will launch their Fiesta 2003 Silent Art Auction on Saturday, May 3, at Ralph Edwards Park.

A special art exhibit will be available for viewing all day.

Artists’ entries will be judged for the Best of Show using this year’s Fiesta theme of "Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande."

Prizes will be awarded including $30 and a ribbon for first place, $15 and a ribbon for second place, and $5 and a ribbon for third place.

The entry fee is $3 per entry. All art media will be accepted. Entries must be delivered to Geronimo Springs Museum on Main Street between 9 a.m. and noon Friday, May 1.

For more information, call Erma Woodis at 894-9663. The auction and exhibit are sponsored by the Sierra Art Society.  

...Fiesta parade opens for entries

The Truth or Consequences Fiesta Parade in May will reflect Fiesta’s theme for 2003, "Mardi Gras on the Rio Grande."

The parade will commence on its route through downtown T or C at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3. The line will be formed starting at 8 a.m. on South Broadway in front of the New Mexico State Veterans Home.

For entry forms or more information, call Lane at 505-894-9061.

...T or C Fiesta adding new events for 2003

The Board of Directors of the Truth or Consequences Fiesta have announced new events and activities for Fiesta 2003 to be held throughout April and the first weekend in May.

The Sassy Red Hat Ladies will conduct a hat contest in Ralph Edwards Park on Saturday, May 3, with time to be announced. The entry fee for this event is $5.

In addition to men's softball on Saturday, April 26, a co-ed softball tourney is planned for April 27.

The Salsa contest will accept everyone’s prize-worthy salsa at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4, in Ralph Edwards Park.

Local disc jockeys Doug Revels and Jessica James will battle it out in a Cow Milking Contest during the Fiesta Rodeo on Saturday, May 3.

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