Monuments to Main Street Spotlights Las Cruces Assets

Celebration Marked With Events Throughout September

Monuments to Main Street kicks off its annual, month-long celebration highlighting Las Cruces' expansive landscape and festivities.

"Our residents take a lot of pride in our beautiful scenery that's perfect for exploring," Destination Experiences Sales Manager Hilary Dutcher said. "Fall is full of events that allow everyone to get outdoors, indulge in some of the great products produced in this region, and this event sheds a much-needed light on all of that."

Kickoff Monuments to Main Street with a family-friendly event at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at Plaza de Las Cruces, 101 N. Main St. The free celebration includes live entertainment from Soul Parade and Wamaygallo, food, games information booths on outdoor recreation in the area and more.

Throughout the month, Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peans, Bureau of Land Management, Visit Las Cruces and local partners will host free guided hikes, yoga at the monument, group bike rides, birdwatching and trail walk.

"With the weather cooling off a bit, we encourage everyone to take advantage of these activities," Dutcher said. "New events and activities are still being added, so check the online calendar and plan accordingly."

In addition to full moon hike at White Sands, a guided Picacho Peak hike, tours at Fort Selden, there are plenty of major events to plan your visit around, including Southern New Mexico State Fair, La Viña Harvest Wine Festival, Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts and more.

For those in the local area looking for a getaway or staycation, Monuments to Main Street is offering special hotel rates for event attendees at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces and Courtyard by Marriott. For information, visit www.monuments2mainstreet.comor www.visitlascruces.com.

###

Nestled in southern New Mexico's Mesilla Valley between the Rio Grande and Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is the state's second largest city with a population of more than 100,000 - encompassed by thriving retirement, student and family living. Las Cruces is nationally recognized for its diverse landscapes, agricultural industry, affordability, hospitality, farmers market, food and more. It offers convenient access to White Sands National Park and multiple national monuments and state parks and has close connections to space tourism as the gateway Spaceport America.