Captain Rafael Chacon participated in the most significant events in the formation of modern New Mexico, in the period between the U.S. invasion of 1846 and statehood in 1912. At 13 years old, he commanded an artillery position at Apache Pass for the aborted defense of Santa Fe. During the Civil War, his company fired both the first and last shots at the Texan invaders at the Battles of Valverde and Glorieta. Chacon served with honor in the campaigns for peace with the Navajos and Apaches, and was the first Commander of Fort Stanton. In recording his reflections, he became the most resonant Hispano voice from the 19th century.

Enrique Lamadrid is a folklorist, critic, translator and Professor at UNM.

·         May 3 - All Day – Zane Mead – Copper Painting – Copper canvases and the luminescent shine that glows from beneath the paint have survived for almost three centuries, enticing such provocative master painters as El Greco, Brueghel, Chardin and Rembrandt, among others, who produced fine works on copper. This technique is enjoying rebirth among modern artists. Zane Mead of Ruidoso Downs is such an artist. Once the copper plate is cleaned, cloves of garlic are cut in half and juices rubbed on the copper surface in several layers, building up a film that helps the paint adhere. Many layers of oil paint are applied directly over the dried garlic film, a rewarding process requiring much patience from the artist. Mead will be revealing his methods, while his works will be available in the Museum Mercantile for purchase.

·         May 10 - 1:00 – Lynda Sánchez – Eve Ball: Woman Among Men - Author Lynda Sánchez will present a lively discussion of her book, an inspiring and personal view of Eve Ball. Published by Write Designs, LTD in conjunction with the Lincoln County Historical Society, this photo essay contains innumerable vignettes and unique glimpses into the life and times of Eve Ball including heretofore unpublished photographs of Eve throughout her life, and especially during her residence in Ruidoso. She often considered those years her most happy and productive. Sánchez will be signing copies of her book, which will be available for purchase.

Eve Ball, Lynda Sanchez and Clarence Adams

·         May 17 - All Day – Matt Mikulich – Mining Stories and Songs – All day mining program – From Buena Vista, Colorado, mining aficionado Matt Mikulich tells (and sings) the history of early placer and hard rock mining in Colorado from 1859 to about 1900, along with New Mexico mining history of the same period. Interspersing demonstrations of early mining tools/artifacts, Mikulich promises an entertaining and informative view of mining history to enhance the opening of the Hubbard Museum’s exhibit, “Boomed, Busted and Bought Out Again.”

·         May 24 – Open

·         May 31 - 11:00 – Barry Haight – Ballistics of the Old and New West: What Do Guns Really Do? – No subject is more laced with mythology and popular misconception than small arms and ammunition. The power of firearms is often depicted as either much more or much less than it really is. How large a hole might a shotgun make in a wall? What happens to cartridges thrown into a fire and where does a bullet go when fired straight into the air? How accurate was the kind of revolver used by Wild Bill Hickok? These questions and more are answered through the demonstrations and displays of Barry L. Haight, a retired Firefighter/EMT from Fairbanks, Alaska Fire Department. Maintaining a lifelong interest and involvement with small arms and conducting extensive ammunition testing, Haight shares with his audience his expertise in debunking the myths of the Hollywood West.

·         June 7 - 11:00 – Frank Potter, et al. – JAM – Jams are fertile meeting places and proving grounds for established soloists trying to keep up with the house band and outdo each other in improvisation skills. Ruidoso’s mountain culture is now seeing a resurgence in live music of all genres. This entertaining and educational jam session showcases local musicians performing on several instruments, giving the audience a feel for the potential of each.