There’s always something to do in Carlsbad, New Mexico and Veterans Day weekend was no exception. Friday November 11th started out with a Veterans Day parade that ended at the cemetery for a special ceremony. There was an educational workshop with Jason Lyle Black, the performer for the Carlsbad Community Concert Association’s “Opening Act” where area students and the community were invited to interact with Black. Later that evening a VIP event was held at Yellowbrix and the show opened with the Carlsbad High School Jazz Ensemble performing before Black hit the stage. Also on Friday the Artist Gallery held a reception and meet & greet for a few new artists they have in the store. The gallery is teeming with unique and beautiful pieces, all ready for a new home.
Saturday was a beautiful day to head into the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and hike McKittrick Canyon, Devils Hall, or Smith Spring trail to see fall colors. UNM dermatologists were onsite in Carlsbad for a free skin cancer screening. Then the day progressed on with a fabulous fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad at the Pecos River Village Conference Center with Dueling Pianos out of Denver. Local spot for live music and a good time, Milton’s Brewing hosted musician Benny Bassett, providing a fun atmosphere for residents to come in out of the chilly weather and enjoy live music.
Sunday brought the Agave Plaza Sunday Market event which hosted local vendors, food, beverages, and fun. Look for this market every Sunday through 2022. Later in the afternoon Milton’s Brewing hosted Texas musician Caleb Wilbourn and had its Story Time Sunday event.
On to Monday which held a choir concert at First United Methodist Church. The ENMU Chamber Choir and Swanee Singers from Eastern New Mexico University performed for the community. Earlier in the day they stopped in at the Carlsbad High School and Early College High School for a special show, which was the first time a group of any kind had visited the ECHS campus and presented to their students. Both local choirs performed on stage and ended the night with all three schools performing together.
Not every weekend will be as jam packed as this past one was. Yet there is always something happening around town whether it’s a local business, organization, or church hosting an activity. With the holidays upon us, many festivities are on the horizon.
Christmas on the Pecos will start up after Thanksgiving, and the 26th of November kicks off the holiday season with Small Business Saturday in Downtown Carlsbad. Following the “Elf” parade theme for this years’ Electric Light Parade, Carlsbad Arts Council is hosting a Let’s Get Elf’ed Up fun run, and hosting their annual Night of Lights event leading up to the lighting of the Halagueno Arts Park and the start of the annual light parade. The Carlsbad Wind Symphony will round out November with their winter concert on Tuesday November 29th at 7 pm at the PR Leyva auditorium.
December will bring about the Carlsbad Community Theatre’s winter production Every Christmas Story Ever Told and then some, run dates are December 2nd-4th and Dec 9th-11th. The Winter & Wine Festival hosted by the Chamber of Commerce will take place December 9th and 10th with VIP tickets on Friday sold out. Live music, stage theatre, parades, lights, parties, food, family, friends, and fun make for busy schedules. Be sure to make some time for yourself to sit, rest, and reflect. Enjoy the magic of the season, celebrate safely, and be the good you want to see.
