Summer got off with a running start in Capitan with the First Annual Taste of Capitan on June 9, 2007. Smokey Bear Boulevard was lined with artists who were creating their wares and inviting the crowd to observe. A wide range of skills were available ... painting, weaving, jewelry making, metal art, weaving pine needles into baskets, leather work ... just about anything that you could imagine.
Visitors from all around New Mexico and Texas were noted enjoying the shows and chatting with the artists. The street was busy most of the day as folks moved from one end of the boulevard to the other, visiting various shops and stores along the way.
The restaurants were busy through the day, serving the samples of their foods, as well as full meals. Having several restaurants from which to choose made it difficult to decide where to sit and rest while having lunch, as one group said. They had enjoyed the samples from many places and didnʼt want to have to rule any place out.
Toward the end of the day, judges assembled at the Farmerʼs Market to judge the entries in the Salsa Making Contest. With more than twenty entrants, the judges really had their work cut out for them. The variety of salsas challenged them, as each one was unique. There was a range of ingredients from the traditional tomatoes and onions, to exotic blends of fruits and spices or herbs, with each having the mandatory chilies, of course. The winners were as varied as the ingredients ... first place to Megan Clark, second place to 14 year old Chevy Josselyn, and third to Horsemanʼs Grill.
The festival was a success, especially for the first year. It became a fun event for everyone, visitors and townsfolk alike. Walking along the street and listening to conversations made it clear that people had enjoyed the day. Plans are under way for next yearʼs TASTE OF CAPITAN festival and we hope you will keep it in mind as you plan next summerʼs fun.
For more information call 505-354-2327
Sponsors of the 2007 A Taste of Capitan are:
A.T.A.C.'s Capitan Farmers' Market, Buckner Electric, Calamity Janes, Capitan Country Emporium, Capitan Public Library, Carrizo Valley Ranch, Custom Fabrications Inc., El Paisano Restaurant, Greenhouse Café, Horsemen's Grill, Jake Wolfhart Leather Company, Julie Sawyer Insurance Services, Inc., LaMay Electric, LLP, Lincoln County Mercantile, Lincoln County Realty, Marcia Guynes – Summit Reality Group, Oso Art, RioRuidosoRealtors, Smokey Bear Hometown Association, Smokey Bear Restaurant, Smokey's Country Market & Can't Stop Smokin, The Menagerie, Tom's BBQ, Windy City - Dog in a Garden, www.youvegottobekidding.net, and Zafra Gifts Etc.
Advertising paid for in part by Capitan Lodgers’ Tax