Spring has officially sprung, and our Downtown District is beginning to come alive with activity, events, and community engagement. As warmer weather arrives, so do many of the programs and celebrations that make Downtown Artesia such a vibrant place to gather, shop, and connect. Be on the lookout for all the fun that spring and summer bring to downtown.

One of the most anticipated events of the season is the return of our Oil Patch Market. On May 9th, we officially opened the market season with a special evening market designed to support and promote our local vendors. We were excited to welcome more than forty vendors for opening day, showcasing everything from handmade goods and baked treats to produce, crafts, and specialty products. The market has become an important economic driver for small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. Last year alone, participating vendors reported more than $67,000 in total sales throughout the season. We are incredibly proud to provide opportunities for local makers, growers, nonprofits, and small business owners to succeed while also bringing additional visitors and activity into our Downtown District.

In addition to the market season, our board and committees are deep in preparation for Red Dirt Black Gold, one of Artesia’s signature community events. This year, we are especially excited to incorporate themes recognizing America 250 and the upcoming celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial. We can think of no better way to celebrate than by bringing people together through music, community, and recognition of the industries and individuals that help power our community and make Artesia such a special place to call home. We hope you will come out and join us on September 26th.

We would also like to take time to highlight some of our downtown merchants—something we hope to do each issue moving forward. Bennie’s Western Wear has been hosting weekend events and creating opportunities for local food trucks to gather outside their business, bringing additional energy and activity downtown. Sweet Confections has continued to thrive under Kayla’s leadership and recently expanded into homemade muffins on top of the many custom creations she makes for all of life’s big celebrations. We are grateful for the care and creativity she brings to the community. Another growing business, Bandit Body, has become so popular since opening in the district that they are already searching for a larger location to accommodate their growth. Stories like these are a testament to the strength and momentum of our Downtown District.

Lastly, we would like to remind the community that applications are currently being accepted for our Veteran’s Wall Memorial at Baish Park. If you know an Artesian who has served in the military, we encourage you to consider submitting their name to be honored on the wall. It is a meaningful way for our community to recognize and remember the service and sacrifice of local veterans who have dedicated themselves to our country.

Destiny Rojo,
Board Member,
Artesia MainStreet