Ruidoso,NM Officials Want Tourists To Pause Planned Visits. Here’s why.

Ruidoso, New Mexico is usually a weekend destination place for many El Pasoans, but if you plan on heading to Ruidoso during the summer vacation, think again.

The Village of Ruidoso has issued a heartfelt plea to tourists asking them to please hold off on visiting….for now. The village’s tourism department shared on social media this message:

“While our community works tirelessly to recover from the recent fires and flooding, we ask for your understanding and patience.”

 

It has been quite an emotional rollercoaster for Ruidoso residents

And business owners as well due to the tragic weather disasters that included the wildfires and most recently flooding.

These events have deeply impacted the village, which relies heavily on tourism for its economic well-being. Still, village officials are hopeful that soon tourists will be able to visit Ruidoso to help boost their financial well-being.

As Ruidoso begins the long rebuilding journey, the community has shown remarkable resilience. This week, residents have organized a series of community meals, a gesture of solidarity and support.

These meals, which are free for all Ruidoso residents, will be held at various locations from July 2 to July 7.

Here is the schedule for the community meals:

• July 2, 5-6:30 p.m. at Community Methodist Church, 220 Junction Rd.
• July 3, 5-6:30 p.m. at Gateway Church, 414 Sudderth Dr.
• July 4, 5-6:30 p.m. at Holy Mount Episcopal Church, 121 Mescalero Trail
• July 5, 5-6:30 p.m. at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 140 Junction Rd.
• July 6, 5-6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, S. Sutton Dr.
• July 7, 5-6:30 p.m. at Hometown Tire Pros and Auto Care, 1021 Mechem Dr.

New Mexico introduced new Smokey Bear license plate In support of fire prevention:

This special plate, available for an initial fee of $50 and an annual fee of $40, aims to fund fire prevention efforts.

Proceeds will benefit the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.