'Move 'em on, head 'em up'

Tucumcari Rawhide Days is a unique event that promoters say opens up the community to visitors and helps residents celebrate the western heritage.

"I want to make this an event that people plan ahead to attend," event coordinator and founder Karen Alarcon said. "Tucumcari has so much to offer tourists. I want Tucumcari Rawhide Days to make Tucumcari a destination, not just a place to pass through."

The third annual Tucumcari Rawhide Days festival will be held May 4-6 with events at the Tucumcari Convention Center and Quay County Fairgrounds.

Alarcon said this year, the festival is features Johnny Lee and the Urban Cowboy Band as the headline act. She said there are numerous musical performances including the Southern Slam Family Group, Randy Huston and Doug Figgs and Marium Funke.

Alarcon said there will also be a range of live entertainment from performers from across the state participating in the Country Music Jamboree and Talent Show. She said there will also be contestants participating in the Lil Miss, Little Wrangler and Miss Rawhide contest.

"There is even a surprise performance planned in conjunction with the Friday night contest," Alarcon said.

Alarcon said the event will feature the signature Longhorn Cattle Drive down Route 66 as well as the non-motorized parade.

"These are a few of the events that make Tucumcari Rawhide Days so unique," Alarcon said. "To my knowledge, we have the longest longhorn cattle drive and non-motorized parade on Route 66. The cattle drive and parade alone are a photographers dream."

Alarcon said the Liberators Gun fighter group will return this year to entertain the crowd with staged gunfights. She said this year the event has included Native American Dances performed by dancers from the Zia Pueblo.

"We will have plenty of vendors this year for everyone looking for a unique gift or some chuckwagon food," Alarcon said.

Alarcon said there are several events taking place that weekend that are in conjunction with the Tucumcari Rawhide Days Festival. She said these events are a Ranch Rodeo and Most Versatile Blacksmith Competition.

Alarcon said events are also being held at venues across town to encourage the visitors to tour the city. She said those events include the Opening Day blessings at the Tucumcari Historical Museum.

Parking will be open on the west side of the Quay County Fairgrounds and the north side of the Tucumcari Convention Center.

For more information about tickets, contests and events visit http://www.tucumcarirawhidedays.com.