There are few icons that blend American ideals of diligence and perseverance with the land’s rugged and wild exterior quite like the cowboy. In media, they’re often portrayed as strong, reserved, and capable of bringing the cattle home safe. Ranching culture still lives on in rural New Mexico and you can get a taste of it at an upcoming festival.
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces hosts an annual Cowboy Days Festival, which honors this part of the state’s history.
Corey Taratuta/Flickr The event began in 1998 as a cowboy poetry gathering but has since grown into a two-day festival that includes a wide variety of activities.
Among the festivities taking place here are chuckwagon cooking demonstrations…
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
…watching blacksmiths and weavers tackle daily tasks the old-fashioned way…
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/TripAdvisor
…and learning roping and traditional rodeo skills from the experts.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
The festival also includes performances featuring music, a theater troupe, and living history displays.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
And kiddos can stay entertained riding ponies and mini trains…
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
…visiting with the cows and other livestock at the museum…
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
…and taking part in arts and crafts activities.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
The Cowboy Days Festival will take place this year on March 7 and 8 at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.
Google Maps
Admission is $10 per vehicle. For details about activities, presentations, and more, visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.
Corey Taratuta/Flickr
The event began in 1998 as a cowboy poetry gathering but has since grown into a two-day festival that includes a wide variety of activities.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/Facebook
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum/TripAdvisor
Google Maps
Website: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum Facebook: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011 Phone: 575-522-4100
If you’re unable to make it to the festival, don’t fret! You can still get a hint of the Old West around the state. Read about some of our favorite Wild West stops in You’ll Never Forget A Trip To These 10 Wild West Towns In New Mexico.
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Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
