Otono

Celebración de Otoño - the Autumn Celebration - was also held to celebrate the second birthday of El Camino Real International Heritage Center. The Center was dedicated and opened to the public in November 2005 - two years ago.

Arts and craft demonstrations allowed the younger children to make and decorate several items. Volunteers from New Mexico Farm and Ranch had demonstrations of "old time" sewing, knitting, quilting and other skills one common place in every southwestern homes. This included demonstrations of old style sewing and knitting machines. Outside, western living demonstrations showed how life was "on the trail," whether along El Camino or other cattle trail in New Mexico.

The Center's new horno was also put to use, treating visitors with home baked bread and beans.

Back inside the Center, talks were given by Mike Bilbo (BLM) and Paul Harden (ECRIHC Foundation). Mike, wearing authentic Spanish garb, described the clothing, uniforms and defensive armor used by the Spanish in the 1500s through the early 1800s. Paul's slide show included numerous photographs of El Camino Real, as it appears today, and historical photos of wagons and maps used along the trail.

As always, the highlight were the young dancers who entertained those in attendance with traditional folk dances. For this event, the dancers were from Alamogordo, consisting of young men and women of all ages in traditional colorful dress. The toe-tapping and clapping the beat of the music by the audience was testimony to the excellent performance of the dancer. I'm sure everyone agreed, "a job well done."

If you missed Celebración de Otoño this year, make plans to attend next year for our 3rd birthday celebration (November 2008).