MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

October 2026

There’s a reason so many of us say fall is the best season in Ruidoso. And of course, fall means AspenFest is right around the corner. It’s one of our best community events all year, and I hope you’ll join your neighbors for the fun on October 3rd. Whether you come for the parade, the vendors, or just the chance to see everyone out enjoying the season together, AspenFest is Ruidoso at its best.

Before we look ahead, I want to look back for a moment and say thank you. Labor Day Weekend brought a wonderful crowd to town, and I’ve heard from so many business owners, restaurateurs, and lodging operators about what a strong weekend it was. To everyone who chose to spend their holiday with us, whether you were visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, thank you. Every meal you ate, every room you booked, and every shop you walked into made a real difference for the local businesses that make this community what it is.

I also want to speak directly about news many of you have undoubtedly heard: the owners of the track are currently working on a framework that would sell the Quarter Horse Triple Crown and the Ruidoso Select Horse Sale to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. This deal is not yet final, but I know it has raised real concern, and I want to address it honestly.

For decades, the Quarter Horse Triple Crown has been synonymous with Ruidoso Downs. These races put us on the map for quarter horse racing and brought countless visitors, owners, and fans to our community, leaving a real economic impact that our local businesses have felt every season. While we understand Lone Star Park is wanting to purchase the series, Ruidoso’s place in Triple Crown history can never be erased. We wish Lone Star Park and the sport of quarter horse racing continued success, and we’re grateful for everything these races have meant to our community over the years.

Don’t forget to tune in to Mondays with the Mayor every Monday morning at 8:00 AM on KRUI (99.1 FM/1490 AM). We always talk about and give updates on Village matters, and we love to take questions from our listeners.

Ruidoso has certainly weathered change before, and we will once again. Our community’s strength has never come from any single event or industry. It comes from the people who live here, the visitors who keep coming back, and the incredible landscape we all get to call home. I’m proud of that resilience, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all out at AspenFest.

Mayor Lynn Crawford