Your artistic side

Families and individuals have the opportunity to take part in learning the art of mosaic, and see their work come to life on the walls of Mountainair businesses. Anyone who is interested in helping with community mosaics murals can assist with a project coordinated by the Manzano Mountain Art Council, according to Tomas Wolff, secretary of the Manzano Mountain Arts Council.

Community murals are now being constructed, and this work will continue through the summer. Even those with no experience can learn the mosaic techniques in exchange for help with the murals, Wolff said. For more information and to sign up contact Wolff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 715-4565.

Saddle up

Hit the trail for an afternoon on horseback. Padilla Ranch, owned and operated by Mike Padilla, will once again be offering trail rides, with views of the Manzano Mountains.

The summer rides cost $35 for an hour. Padilla Ranch Trail Rides is operated mainly on the Padilla Ranch in Abo, five miles west of Mountainair, on N.M. 60. For more information, call 847-0941, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Horseback and pony rides will be available Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. behind the Shaffer Hotel in Mountainair. For more information on the rides, sponsored by PK Ranch, contact Anne or Mike at 321-8218.

Catch a fish

Lake Arthur in Estancia is stocked and ready for bait and tackle. Just a reminder: Anyone age 12 or older, must have a current New Mexico fishing license with them. Anglers 11 years of age and younger do not need a fishing license. Resident anglers 70 years of age and older may obtain a free license at any license vendor. The closest vendors are Alco Discount Store in Moriarty, Gustin's Hardware in Mountainair, or any Wal-Mart in Albuquerque or Edgewood.

Also, Lake Arthur is designated by the state Game and Fish Department, as youth, senior and handicapped-only waters.

Pitch a tent

Two of the campgrounds in the Mountainair Ranger District remain open, according to District Ranger Karen Lessard. Both Red Canyon and Fourth of July campgrounds are open for camping at $7 per night. Red Canyon, off of N.M. 55 outside of Manzano, has 52 sites and Fourth of July, outside of Tajique has 30, Lessard said.

If you're looking for a quiet getaway, try Red Cloud campground near Corona on off of N.M. 42. There are five, free camping sites. Manzano State Park, located 16 miles northwest of Mountainair via N.M. highways 55 and 131, also has various sites. Camping is also allowed outside of campgrounds, but fires are only allowed in designated fire pits, Lessard said. For more information, contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 847-2990 or Manzano State Park at 847-2820.

Summer Festivals and special events

In Moriarty, the Star Spangled Cowboy Fourth of July Celebration will be held all day, and the annual Pinto Bean Fiesta will be held Saturday, Oct. 10.

As for Estancia, Friday, June 26, a movie in the park will be shown. The town's Fourth of July celebration will include various events in the park including a horseshoe tournament and a fishing derby. Fireworks will top off the evening. Friday, July 10, another movie night in the park is scheduled. July 25 is Old Timer's Day, and July 31 and Aug. 1 is the annual Relay for Life.

In Mountainair, the Fourth of July Firecracker Jubilee will include a carnival, pancake breakfast, parade, pet show, greased pole climb and live music. The annual Sunflower Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 22.