2023 NM State fair deals, September 7th-17th

Gascar Races

September 7th- 17th, 2023                                                                        

Main and Heritage 

Fair Hours: 

10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday (Midway opens 2pm Monday -Friday) 

10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday

Admission: Ticket purchase is available online with a fee purchase tickets via etix or purchase at entrance.

Adult - $15.00
Senior (65 and older) - $8.00
Kids (5 to 12 years old) - $8.00

Children 5 and under - FREE                        

Parking: Gate 1 on Central has parking available for $10.00 from Monday through Thursday and $20.00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gate 8 on Louisiana offers ample parking but fills quickly. Parking for Gate 8 is $10.00. There is free handicap parking at both gates. 

Bike Valet will check your bike during fair hours FREE

DEALS

September 7, 2023 - OPENING DAY - $4 Admission, $30 Ride Wristband, GRAZE DAYS - All food vendors will offer one regular menu item for just $5 from 10 am - 4 pm. LAW ENFORCEMENT DAY - Free admission for NM Law Enforcement officers and personnel with valid ID.

September 8 - 10, 2023 • TEACHER APPRECIATION • All teachers will get in to the Fair for FREE when they present their district issued ID or a pay stub at the ticket booth. Free admission is good for ID holder only.

September 8, 2023 - STATE EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY - State employees get in for just $8.00 when they present an ID badge issued by the state agency they work for, or a current pay stub issued by a state agency. Discount is good for ID or paystub holder only. FIREFIGHTER & FIRST RESPONDERS DAY - Free admission for firefighters and first responders with valid ID.

Monday, September 11, 2023 • Four Dollar Day! $4 admission all day • $30 ride wristbands

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 • Military/Veteran's Day • Free admission for all active & retired military and veterans with valid ID • $5 admission and $30 ride wristbands

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 • Dollar Day! $1.00 admission all day • Dollar Rides! All rides are $1 per ride, with a minimum purchase of 10 rides required. Ride wristbands will not be available for purchase

Thursday, September 14, 2023 • EVERYONE IS A KID TODAY - $8 admission all day • $30 ride wristbands • Graze Days - All food vendors on the grounds offer one regular menu item for just $5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

September 15, 2023 • City & County Employee Appreciation Day – admission for anyone employed by a New Mexico city or county government get in for just $8 with city or county issued employment ID • $40 Ride Wristbands

If you want additional info on the state fair here is the link https://statefair.exponm.com/p/about

Fall is coming and so is the NM State fair. Its time to enjoy all the fun of the Midway rides, food, entertainment. 

I'm going to share some of the highlights of the 2022 NM state fair. The midway will give you some amazing views 90ft up from the Gentle Giant Ferris wheel. there is many other rides to choose from for the tiny kids and for the brave ones. same rides as your childhood. Unless you rode horses they are on the other side of the fairgrounds. Some games to try your luck and win a stuffed animal or whatever fun prizes you want. There's also fair food and giant lemonade.    

Jason The circus man

Gentle Giant

If you head down Main street there are many entertainers different times of day. You might see the strolling piano, Jason D'Vaude The circus man. He juggles fire and large knives on a very tall unicycle. You don't see that every day.  

There's award winning art along the way in the many buildings that line main street. 

Inka Gold is usually performing on Main street.  

Inka Gold

If you go earlier in the day there will be car shows and Schools. first responders, fire department etc. to meet and consider possible career choices. 

Villa Hispana

firehose demo

Salsa Steel drum band

Head down Heritage st and go see Villa Hispana and Indian Village. You may want to pick up a fresh Watermelon drink and some fry bread. Watch some dances and buy some stuff. Make your way back to Main street, check out the Agriculture buildings and all the animals participating in the fair. The duck races are in this area also. The red barn and petting zoo is on the east side of the street. Near the Manuel Lujan building, Inside this building is my favorite place to get cotton candy and more sweet treats. The Salsa steel drum band might be performing inside the Louisiana or San Pedro gate. 

If you haven't eaten something yet there is rows of food options right by the Chevron Pavilion. More music and food. across the way is the African-American Pavilion. 

Midway Lights

There is so much to see and do at the state fair, make sure you go and take lots of pictures and enjoy the memories. 

Stilt performers

    See you at the fair.

Discovery flight gave me happy butterflies with Del Sol Aviation

Dash of Cessna 

Interested in what it’s like to fly? 

Always been a bucket list item? 

Want to ‘try it’ before you decide? 
Book a Discovery Flight today!

Well Del Sol now that you mention it...

Interested in what it’s like to fly? Yes.

Always been a bucket list item? Sure, why not.

Want to ‘try it’ before you decide? Absolutely

I thought that this would make a perfect gift for somebody who loves adventure, or maybe somebody hard to buy for. Oh wait that's me too. 

First you call for information or to reserve your discovery flight. Then set a time to meet with a pilot/flight instructor. 

The morning of my flight. The school is very near the Albuquerque Sunport. Planes and runways that is handy. Front desk staff was very pleasant, flight instructor very informative, and he even put up with my humor asking if we would do any top gun moves. He said no. Weather plays a big role in a smooth flight. That makes sense. I got 45 minutes basic education and 45 minutes in the air. Before the flight there was a complete safety check of all parts of the plane. Inside the plane you plug in a headset with microphone, feet on the rudder control (its not gas and brake). Hands on Yoke. The flight instructor actually controls the entire flight. You get to test the rudder and yoke in flight so you get a feel for it. Well that really puts you at ease. Up in the air the view is so amazing. I was happy I could take a few pictures and video which will always remind me of my discovery flight. When you turn that plane around and you feel like you are floating for a moment those are my "happy butterflies". The landing was so smooth I was impressed. I am now more informed about what it takes to become a pilot. It's doable with a few options like sport, private or commercial pilot. I got a certificate with my .7 hour discovery flight. I'm on my way. 

It's never too late to live your best life. 

Here is a link to Del Sol Aviation discovery flight page. https://www.delsolaviation.com 

The flight prices can fluctuate with Airline fuel costs. When I took my flight in September 2022 it was less than $250 for priceless memories. If you book a flight let me know, let them know, let everybody know because its the best.     

Flight instructor Jackson

 

view from plane

Me smiling after my flight

Thank you for joining me on my journey.

Southwest Chocolate & Coffee fest, April 1st & 2nd, 2023 deals

 Chocolate! Coffee!                                            

If that isn't reason enough to attend I'll offer a few more enticing options.

Time, date, location:

Saturday, April 1st 10am -5pm

Sunday, April 2nd  10am -5pm

The event is at Expo New Mexico (the fairgrounds) Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex and Main street

Parking is available at Gate 1 on Central, Gate 3 on San Pedro (best option for easy handicap access), Gate 8 Louisiana just south of Lomas, easy access to festival. 

Single Day Tickets:

Adults (ages 13 and up): $15 through March 31. $20 effective April 1. 

Ages 3-12, $5 (a portion of every ticket is donated to the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network)
Under 3, Free

Online coupon code for $5 off your ticket.  Yum 

here is a link to buy tickets, and fun add on experiences like chocolate bar class, worlds strongest coffees vip, wine and cocktail pairings, painting classes. https://tickets.holdmyticket.com

The world's largest festival for chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods. this is a small sampling of all the Chocolate, wine, coffee, treats you can sample and buy. Enjoy it now and later. There is something to offer for everyone. Easter egg hunts for kids plus chocolate and treats. Adults Coffee, Chocolate, sample tasty treats and wash it down with an adult beverage if you like. So many options, you can even shop for upcoming holidays.

If you want more information about the event. Vendors, live music, classes, kids stuff, tickets. Here is the link to the page https://www.chocolateandcoffeefest.com/

ChocGlitz 

Black Smugglers wine

Celina's Biscochitos

Kogler's Bakery

Lescombes Wine Lounge

live music and dancing

Painting Class

34th annual Fiery Food Show, March 3-5, 2023

If you are familiar with the show here's the basics. 

General Public Hours:

Friday        4pm -8pm 

Saturday    11am - 7pm

Sunday      10am - 6pm

Tickets: 

Adults            $15.50

Child 11 - 18   $5.00 

Child 10 and under Free

This is prices at the door. You can buy Adult tickets in advance here. https://www.etix.com/Sandia

Location:

Sandia Resort and Casino, 30 Rainbow Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

free parking onsite. The event is on the Resort side of the building.

The reason why:

New Mexico is known for its Hot Green Chile. So you have a bunch of people who can take the heat and another bunch bringing the heat in Sauces, rubs, salsas. Taste test all the hot ones if you dare. If you don't like insanity level heat there are still plenty of options to try including the latest beer flavors from Premier Distributing. Chocolates, cookies, jerky, popcorn, and fried garlic oh my.   

Backpacks and Bags will be searched on entering, bring it in empty, buy some of your favorite products and spice up your life. 

Any additional information about the show can be found here. https://www.fieryfoodsshow.com/

Here's some of the fantastic options you can find at the show. 

Moderate crowd on Sunday

Celina's Biscochitos 

Sweetwater herbs 

Inferno Farms Guinness record holder

Bear River Bottling

See you there

Sauce Leopard

Sauce Goddess 

La Posta Salsa

Mikey V's

Miss Teddi's 7th Annual Trunk or treat Oct 31st 6-9pm

 

On Monday October 31st 2022 from 6pm to 9pm the trunk or treat festivities will take place at 4010 Central Ave SE in the parking lot of Kurple Magazine. Nob hill area of Albuquerque, NM

Bring the kids and show off those Halloween costumes, bring the adults and the dogs we like them all. 

Besides candy at every trunk there will also be a jump house, and a free sandwich for the kids.

 We are accepting gently used coat donations for the winter coat drive. 

The event is put on by Miss Teddi and a team of Businesses and friends that are an active part of the Cannabis community. 

Come meet the people behind the products. This event is not created to sell you products. It's to give a safe friendly environment for the kids, and to give back to the community.

See you there

Balloon Fiesta 2022 Celebrates 50 years, October 1st -9th info and deals

 here's a couple tips and tricks to enjoy the 50th annual Balloon Fiesta.  October 1st - 9th, 2022 

Master Yoda 2021

General admission $15, children 12 and under are free. 

parking at Balloon Fiesta park is $20 cash only.

The park and ride option to avoid the traffic  is $22 Adults, $20 Seniors, $10 children and includes admission. with parking at Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, and Hoffmantown Church

ride your bike to the Fiesta bike valet parking is free. 

• you will want to get there early because dawn patrol usually starts at 6am with traffic getting in you can expect to leave at 4:30am
• The Balloon Glow usually starts around 6pm followed by a fireworks display.
• dress in layers it can be 53 degrees in the morning jacket weather, by the afternoon its in 70s and 80s a t-shirt will be comfortable. 
• all sessions are weather permitting. If the event cancels due to weather save your ticket for the next session.
• bring a camera, make sure all your batteries are fully charged. 
• there are metal detectors and searches of purses and backpacks at the gate. 
• if you are walking on the field with the balloons and pilots watch the ropes when they are inflating balloons. that rope is going up...

I enjoy the fiesta experience. I like to volunteer for Chase crew. You can sign up day of the event or in advance at the chase crew tower south end of the field. You don't have to drive your vehicle and you get the opportunity to work with the pilots and crew on the field assisting with getting the balloon from a bag in the back of the truck. To fully laid out in your section to inflate. Cold inflate, then the pilot adds the propane to make the envelope float. finally the zebras (launch director) come over and tell you you're next to fly. Watching the balloons fly away is a magical experience and everybody cheers. When you sign up for chase crew you choose the mornings and evenings you are available, you watch an instructional video, you get a free pass for the fiesta and you meet pilots from around the world. 

Balloon Glow 2019

Don't forget to get a breakfast burrito and a hot chocolate to warm yourself up on a cold morning. 

Check the Balloon Fiesta page for a schedule of events  https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule 

Purchase tickets here https://balloonfiesta.com/General-Admission

list of pilots, balloons, and locations  https://balloonfiesta.com/Pilot-Participation-2022

See you at the Balloon Fiesta 

Mass ascension 2017

Chase crew for America balloon 2019

2022 NM State Fair September 8th -18th Deals and highlights

September 8th- 18th, 2022 

Fair Hours: 

10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday (Midway opens 2pm Monday -Friday) 

10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday

Admission: Ticket purchase is available online with a fee purchase tickets via etix

Adult - $15.00
Senior (65 and older) - $8.00
Kids (5 to 12 years old) - $8.00

Children 5 and under - FREE                        

Parking: Gate 1 on Central has parking available for $10.00 from Monday through Thursday and $20.00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gate 8 on Louisiana offers ample parking but fills quickly. Parking for Gate 8 is $10.00. There is free handicap parking at both gates. 

Bike Valet will check your bike during fair hours FREE

DEALS

$2 admission Opening day 9/8/22

September 9 - 11, 2022 • TEACHER APPRECIATION • All teachers will get in to the Fair for FREE when they present their district issued ID or a pay stub at the ticket booth. Free admission is good for ID holder only.
STATE EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEKEND - State employees get in for just $8.00 when they present an ID badge issued by the state agency they work for, or a current pay stub issued by a state agency. Discount is good for ID or paystub holder only.
Monday, September 12, 2022 • Two Dollar Day! $2 admission all day • $25 ride wristbands
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 • Military/Veteran's Day • Free admission for all active & retired military and veterans with valid ID • $5 admission and $25 ride wristbands
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 • Dollar Day! $1.00 admission all day • Dollar Rides! All rides are $1 per ride, with a minimum purchase of 10 rides required. Ride wristbands will not be available for purchase
Thursday, September 15, 2022 • EVERYONE IS A KID TODAY - $8.00 admission all day • $25 ride wristbands • Graze Days - All food vendors on the grounds offer one regular menu item for just $3.00
September 16 - 18, 2022 • City & County Employee Appreciation Day – admission for anyone employed by a New Mexico city or county government get in for just $8.00 • $40.00 Ride Wristbands

If you want additional info on the state fair here is the link https://statefair.exponm.com/p/about

The fun stuff at the State fair. Ten good reasons to go..

1. food- funnel cakes, fry bread, ribbon fries, cotton candy
2. rides -zipper, Rockstar, Ferris wheel, fireball, tilt a whirl
3. games with prizes, try your skills.
4. Appreciation day for Law enforcement 8th, fire fighters 9th, Military and veterans 13th
5. Classic car shows on the weekends 
6. The arts - check out the local artists in several buildings on main street and Indian village
7. Music all around - fantastic local talent performing at the pavilion right next to the food court, strolling piano, street drum corp Free
8. Entertainment - Indian village, Villa Hispana, African American pavilion, Main street, and new this year Discovering Cannabis exhibit in Manuel Lujan exhibit complex Free
9. Animals - Cows, ducks, sea lions, horses, and lorikeets  
10. Support local - The Parade, food trucks, restaurants, artists, musicians, and vendors

Thank you for reading this far and See you at the fair

Inka Gold

Ribbon fries

Strolling piano

    

Fireball