Since 1999, Cowboy Days has been a Las Cruces Spring tradition. The event blends the past in a fun but educational way. This year, Cowboy Days will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For just $10 per carload, the whole family can take a step back in time and learn about the culture of the area and enjoy live music, trick roping, working dogs and cowboy demonstrations and more at the stunning New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Rd.
In its early years, Cowboy Days started out focusing on cowboy music, poetry, and other art forms. Some of those traditions are carried out through live music and community organizations. This event brings kid-friendly activities with cowboy culture as the theme, explained Alison Penn with the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
“Cowboy Days is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the living history of cowboys and ranching traditions that are often out of the general public eye. Plus, it’s a perfect time to explore the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum’s 47 acres and inspiring exhibits if you’ve haven’t visited before,” Penn said.
The NMFRHM is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and is an interactive museum that brings to life the 4,000-year history of growing food and fiber in this region. The museum features livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, a greenhouse, gift shop and more.
Each year, the museum adds something different to Cowboy Days like a new musician, agricultural demonstration or an attraction with historical roots such as charrería (Mexican equestrian sport). This year, the Castro family, who are the Lienzo Charro El Pedregal from Vado, N.M., will attend to demonstrate charreada (a series of horsemanship). Their performances are so captivating to watch, and all the skills involved are rooted in Mexican ranching, Penn added.
“Our livestock team will be conducting the ‘Parade of Breeds’ where they showcase the extraordinary beef cattle breeds that reside at the Museum through this spectacular historical demonstration,” she began. “As the breed is herded into the arena, the team will explain how the cattle breeds have affected New Mexico agriculture. People ask for this specific demonstration every year.”
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Doña Ana County has 1,762 farms and ranches. Cowboy Days brings together families and the community to learn and celebrate the agriculture in our area. Children from all ages can be seen in awe of the livestock and enjoying local food trucks as Spring begins to make its way to the Mesilla Valley.
On Friday, March 7, local schools will have their own time at Cowboy Days for educational activities. Penn noted that these activities are also open to the public with regular museum admission (adults $7, senior citizens 60 and up $6, children 4-17 $5 and children 3 and under are free).
For more information on Cowboy Days, please visit NMFarmAndRanchMuseum.org or call 575-522-4100.
