May 16 – 18, 2025
Wingfield Park , Ruidoso NM

Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children’s activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the weekend. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.

Wingfield Park
300 Sudderth Drive Ruidoso, NM, 88345

For more information: https://www.lincolnforestrenfair.com

April 5 and 6
10 AM – 5:30 PM
El Paso Convention Center

A FREE EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Featuring over 100 Interactive Exhibits designed to inspire students in grades Pre-K – 8th to explore the worlds of science and engineering.
What sets this festival apart is the hands-on experiences it offers, with exhibits hosted by both student and professional scientists. Attendees will have the
opportunity to engage directly with these role models, making learning an immersive and interactive experience.

The festival will feature a Main Stage with science demonstrations suitable for students from K to 12. The entire family and the professional will enjoy these presentations every two hours. They promise to be not only eye opening but also educational and inspiring.

For more information: https://www.elpasoscience.org

MARCH 9, 2025
San Eli

Admission: FREE
The “Pistoleros De San Elizario” present two monthly reenactment shows in front of the Old El Paso County Jail in the San Elizario Historic District. The shows are during the monthly Mission Trail Art Market. The performances are at 1:00 & 3:00 PM
1501 Main Street, San Elizario, Texas 79849

For more information:
http://www.sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com

Photo by Senior Airman DeQuan Simmons
375th Air Mobility Wing

A 12th Air Task Force Airman conducts chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training on Camp McGregor, New Mexico, Jan. 15, 2025. Led by the 12th Combat Air Base Squadron and cadres from U.S. Army Task Force Black Scorpion, 2-363rd Training Support Battalion, 12th ATF Airmen from Scott, Barksdale, and Little Rock Air Force Bases and Joint Base Langley-Eustis conducted combat-focused training to ensure joint force maneuver in combat and mission readiness in the Great Power Competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)

2025 Polar Plunge
Saturday February 22nd 2025

10:00 am
Camp Cohen,
9700 Gateway North. El Paso, TX

Join Us for the 2025 Polar Plunge!
Special Olympics Texas invites you to take part in the Annual Polar Plunge! Are you brave enough? This event is a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Special Olympics Texas athletes. All money raised for Polar Plunge will go toward providing year-round sports training and competition, health, and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community.

For more information:
https://www.classy.org/event/2025-el-paso-polar-plunge/e655771

photo credit:visitelpaso.com

Monster Jam
March 1-2, 2025
Sun Bowl Stadium

Experience Monster Jam® live and become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun at UTEP Sun Bowl Stadium on March 1 & 2, 2025. Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over El Paso for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts.

This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill. It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where every moment is unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable.

Feel the Thrill of Full-Throttle Fun
Get ready for non-stop excitement as El Paso roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air! The world’s best drivers tear up on the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, Skills, and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.

Start the Fun Early at the Monster Jam Pit Party
The day of fun starts at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday, where families can get up close and personal with these massive trucks, snap a selfie, meet their favorite drivers, and collect autographs. It’s the perfect way to start a day of adrenaline-charged fun, packed with family-friendly activities.

Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience
Arrive early and get revved up with Monster Jam Trackside, happening about an hour before the event. It’s packed with driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks, and epic giveaways that’ll get everyone pumped up before the action begins. Then, watch as the opening ceremonies set the stage for non-stop Monster Jam madness!

Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam!
These aren’t just any drivers—they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around.

WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Event Time – 7:00 PM
Pit Party open from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

Sunday, March 2, 2025
Event Time – 3:00 PM

WHERE: UTEP Sun Bowl Stadium – 2501 Sun Bowl Drive, El Paso, TX 79902

TICKETS: Gravity-defying action, down-to-earth prices!
Tickets and Pit Party Passes are now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster
*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

TRUCK LINEUP: Grave Digger® driven by Adam Anderson; Sparkle Smash driven by Kayla Blood; JCB DIGatron driven by Tristan England; Son-uva Digger® driven by Ryan Anderson; Megalodon® driven by Todd LeDuc; El Toro Loco® driven by Jamey Garner; TBA driven by Bryce Kenny; Wild Side driven by Zack Garner; Black Pearl driven by Cole Venard; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo; and Excaliber driven by Michael Pagliarulo
**Truck and driver line-up subject to change

For more information: https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/el-paso-tx/mar-01-2025-mar-02-2025/

Picture Credit: Monsterjam.com

February 15, 2025
Museum of Nature & Science, Las Cruces

Presented By:Museum of Nature & Science
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Celebrate Clyde Tombaugh’s birthday and learn about space exploration with the Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science at “Plutomania!” Join us on Saturday, February 15, from 9am to 1pm MST.

This year we will have a Special Rocket Launch to kick-off the festivities at 9am provided by FLARE Rocketry.

This is a FREE event that will include demonstrations and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Admission to the Museum and the event are both FREE.

Featuring hands on activities and special guests from FLARE Rocketry, the Las Cruces Public Libraries, and more!!

Museum of Nature & Science
411 N Main St
Las Cruces, NM 88001
education@lascruces.gov
(575) 522-3120

by: Paula Rodriguez

El Paso native, Maria Salas-Mendoza has obtained the highest-ranking state judicial officer position in El Paso, Texas. She was elected for this new position in November. A ceremony was held at the Enrique Moreno Courthouse on the 12th floor on Friday January 10, 2025, where she was sworn in by retired justice Gina M. Benavidez. Others in attendance were Madam Clerk Elizabeth G. Flores, retired Judge Linda Chew, as well as her family and friends.

Salas-Mendoza won the spelling bee in 6th grade at Ascarate Elementary. The El Paso Times published the photo and names of all the spelling bee winners, along with their names, school, and career goals. At this point in time, her career goal was listed as “undecided.” The following year, she won the spelling bee at Riverside Middle School and her career goal then read “lawyer.” Though this was not true, it was just a career that stuck.

Upon her graduating from Riverside High School, Salas-Mendoza went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard-Radcliffe College, graduating with the academic honor “cum laude.” After graduating college, she was still undecided on a career, but what she did find out was that she loved community service, as she spent a lot of time during college volunteering at Phillips Brooks House with various programs aiding with food salvage, prisoner education, and summer camps for kids. Having the love for community service, her dream was to run the Red Cross or United Way.

She proceeded to further her studies at UCLA School of Law, pursuing her juris doctor degree, as she believed that it would prepare her to run a non-profit. Following her graduation from UCLA and completing the State Bar of California in 1994, Salas-Mendoza initiated her legal career in Los Angeles, California, at the Harriet Bahai Center for Family Law, where she trained volunteers who assisted clients prepare their own pleadings to obtain child support, visitation orders, and divorces. Additionally, she provided language clinics in Spanish for clients in the community.

After returning to El Paso in 1996, Salas-Mendoza completed the State Bar of Texas and joined the El Paso Legal Assistance Society (later becoming TLRA) as a staff attorney, where she provided legal representation for indigent clients in civil matters. Additionally, she worked as an Assistant County Attorney specializing in civil defense from 1996-1999. At this point in time, she learned that she enjoyed being a lawyer, especially in the public interest area. In 2007, she became a judge and achieved a milestone she has never dreamt of and has turned out to be the perfect career for her public service heart. She has been serving as the 120th district court judge at the Enrique Moreno Courthouse since then.

Salas-Mendoza dedicates her time and expertise to various local, state, and national organizations. Currently, she serves as chair of the Hispanic Issues Section and is a former District 11 Director of the National Association of Women Judges. She founded the Texas Latinx Judges and served president. Moreover, she serves on the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Diversity in the Judiciary, and partakes on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee, as well as the Pattern Jury Charge Committee. Additionally, she served as president and board director with the El Paso Executive Women’s Lions Club. Salas-Mendoza has earned various awards and honors through these organizations.

In addition to her above commitments, she is deeply committed in dedicating her time to various community service programs benefiting veterans, mentoring students, assisting individuals with food instability, unhoused individuals, as well as justice-involved individuals. “It has been a great privilege to use my legal education in service to my community,” stated Salas-Mendoza. She has served as a trial judge for almost 20 years and is eager to continue serving El Paso and surrounding counties, dedicating herself to upholding the highest standards of our judiciary.

JANUARY 25, 2025

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
7315 Canutillo-La Union Rd, Canutillo, TX 79835
Zin Valle Vineyards
Admission: Free

Zin Valle Vineyards is proud to support the local music scene and feature a rotating list of acts every Saturday and Sunday — year round.

Our venue and music are free and open to the public. The winery is open from noon – 5 p.m. with music from 1 -4 p.m. No reservations are accepted or necessary and all seating is first-come, first-served.

You’re always welcome to bring your own food, or enjoy delicious food from our food truck Bistro in the Vines.

If you have any questions, please email ryan@zinvalle.com.
https://www.zinvalle.com
(915) 877-4544

January 17 – 19, 2025

Price: Free

Schedule of Events*

January 17 – KickOff Glow 7pm -9pm at the Downtown Plaza (100 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001). The RC (radio controlled) balloons gather and glow in the Downtown Plaza to give spectators a taste of the sights and sounds of the upcoming weekend.

January 18 – Morning Ascension – Sunrise (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). The Full-Size Balloons inflate, launch and fly in the morning from the southwest lot (the dirt lot) of the Field of Dreams. The RC balloons put on their show in the west parking lot of Field of Dreams

January 18 – Evening Glow – Sunset (around 5:30pm) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). All full-size and RC balloons show off their colors in the night. Come revel in the magic!

January 19 – Morning Ascension – Sunrise (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams (2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007). Once again, the Full Size Balloons take to the skies from the dirt lot. The RC balloons will strut their stuff in west parking lot.

* NOTE: ?Keep in mind that this sport is dependent on good weather. Safety is of the utmost importance with weather as a major factor when making the determination of when to fly. If the weather is too windy (more than 10 mph) or if there are storms within 50 miles, most pilots will not risk flying. The pilots have the final say-so of when to fly.

For more information: https://mesillavalleyballoonrally.weebly.com

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012*

When the Three Wise Men, or Magi, were chosen by fate to visit the little town of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the new-born Christ Child, little did they figure that some day in the distant future, they would be competing for attention with La Rosca de Reyes, a delicious concoction in the Spanish-speaking world. But, first to the Three Wise Men.

In the time of King Herod, King of Judea – after Jesus had been born – he had ordered the Three Wise Men to bring him news of the birth so that he too could pay homage. But, he had other plans. As the birth of Jesus had been prophesied, he would become the new King of the Jews, a title which already belonged to Herod. He would harbor no competition for his throne, which meant that his intention was to murder Jesus. The Three Wise Men continued on their travels to find Jesus, finding him in the little town of Bethlehem, led by the Rising Star.

Traveling from afar, the three Magi were Melchior – a Persian scholar; Baltazar, an Arabian scholar, and Caspar, an Indian scholar – who proffered their gifts to the baby Jesus, they knelt to him in honor and respect. Having heard of Herod’s intentions in a dream, they returned to the land of their births through a different route. Each was said to be a King in his own land. When Herod learned that the Wise Men were not to pass through his Kingdom again, he ordered the deaths of all the children in Bethlehem, in effect, to kill the new-born Jesus. The day was known as the Massacre of Innocents. However, his plan was thwarted because Jesus and his family had already fled to Egypt.

The three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were said to mean different things to different people. Gold was the symbol of Kingship, myrrh was an anointing oil, while frankincense was a perfume of sorts. Jesus survived King Herod, of course, and, thus was born a Mexican tradition and in effect a tradition throughout the Spanish-speaking world that on January 6, children would be given their presents celebrating Christmas, rather than on the more traditional day of December 25. Known as El Dia de Los Reyes, January 6 became the day in which the three Magi found the baby Jesus.
Just as in the traditional Christmas Day, children in Mexico and now in El Paso eagerly await the morning of January 6, when the Magi have left them their gifts. Children write letters to their favorite Wise Man asking for their favorite things. On the night of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the Nativity Scene. Before going to bed, children place their old shoes under the bed or in the living room, where the Wise Men will leave their gifts so that the children will find them in the morning when they awaken. On that magic day, adults prepare a feast that will include the Rosca de Reyes – which is an oval sweetbread loaded with candied fruit – tamales, and hot chocolate. The Roscas come in all sizes – some as small as to feed two people, and some large enough for 20 people.

The feast, called La Merienda de Reyes originated in Spain and was brought to the New World with La Rosca taking center stage. Hidden inside each Rosca is a plastic figurine of the baby Jesus. As each guest opens his slice of bread, he looks for the figurine, giving a sigh of relief when it is not there. When the figurine is found, however, whoever finds it is obligated to provide another feast to take place on February 2.
The knife which is used to cut the slices symbolizes the danger that faced the baby Jesus. As each guest opens up his or her slice, sighs of relief are heard that the figurine was not found. But, the joke is on everyone, because whoever found the figurine, it becomes a symbol of pride that they have been chosen to continue Christmas Day. On this day, known as El Dia de la Candelaria, the baby Jesus in the Nativity Scene is dressed in new clothes.

Hispanics all over the world, including El Paso, also celebrate one more day, on Feb. 2 (Día de la Candelaria), when the Nativity Scene is put away. Another family feast of tamales and hot chocolate then marks the end of the holiday season. With so many Mexicans relocating to El Paso, celebrations such as Los Tres Reyes Magos and, of course, La Rosca, will continue to grow and flourish.

*This article was originally published in 2012 in Spotlight EP News.

PICTURE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

MARCH 14-15, 2025
PLAZA THEATRE

The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with live music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. Witnessed live by more than 1 million people over 25 years, The Thorn in Spanish will engage audiences in the definitive story of love, sacrifice and redemption like never before.

For more information: https://thethorn.com
Photo credit:thethorn.com