At full gallop, a determined rider and horse thunder down the Skijoring course, towing a daring skier over obstacles and jumping ramps, creating a heart-stopping spectacle not soon forgotten by the cheering crowds held spellbound by the sight and sound of a genuine sport of the modern American West!
Like a phoenix rising from a pile of fresh powder, the Red River Winter Carnival is set for January 13-15 and a ton of fun and excitement for all ages is guaranteed! P.S. Bring warm gloves and a jacket, and be ready to be astounded!
Events include the return of Skijoring (the hit of last winter’s special events), Snowmobile Hill Climb races, snowman building, kid-friendly games and events at the Red River Ski & Summer Area. Live music at Lost Love Saloon, Bull O’ The Woods Saloon and at other venues around town will be part of the listening and dancing fun. There will also be a festive air with shopping strolls, torchlight parades at RRSA, fireworks, and more!
Skijoring features timed races with riders on horseback towing skiers by a long rope down the street at full speed, navigating snowy jumps and obstacles along the way.
Last year’s event, the first of its kind in Northern New Mexico, was a spectacular success with visitors, competitors and especially the electronic New Mexico news media that covered the event!
Snowmobiling will also be a popular component of the Red River Winter Carnival spirit and fun. This year’s event on Saturday, January 14, will find the awesome machines thrilling racers and spectators alike with their noisy excitement.
“Race The Face” Snowmobile Hill Climb will feature a series of timed runs up The Face at the Red River Ski & Summer Area. Local and regional riders, amateur and professional, will be competing for cash prizes and major bragging rights, racing in stock, modified, and pro modified categories. Starting line will be located at the Lift House.
LOOKING BACK
According to area newspapers, the first Red River Winter Carnival was held in 1983 in an attempt to draw visitors to the Red River Ski Area during the month of January.
There is some indication, however, that for a year or two before ‘83 there had been some events like dog-sledding, snowmobile races and live music that served to formalize the Winter Carnival promotion.
Mayor Linda Calhoun who moved to Red River in 1978, was President of the Red River Chamber of Commerce at the time and remembers that Hollywood stars, soap opera personalities and sports celebrities were imported to add spice to the festive atmosphere. Celebs included Linda Lavin (star of the hit series Alice), The Brady Bunch stars Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams (Marsha and Greg Brady), Ralph Malph of Happy Days, Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky of Starsky & Hutch), recording star Trini Lopez and Ralna English (Guy & Ralna fame on the Lawrence Welk Show),
Olympic pole vault gold medalist Bob Seagren, and Canadian star Alan Thicke (Thicke of the Night) also did a stint on the slopes and participated in some celebrity duties like dealing cards at the Casino Night.
“That got a bit expensive,” Calhoun recalls, “flying them in and hosting them, as well as their appearance fees.”
The 1987 WC was a benefit for the Special Olympics, while 1988 benefited the Make A Wish Foundation of New Mexico.
As the early 1990s arrived, Winter Carnival became more oriented to local events with various promotions by local businesses and novelty events at the Enchanted Forest.
Eventually by the mid-90s, the Winter Carnival lost steam as well as the motivated people involved that are always the driving force in any special event.
Winter Carnival evaporated into the January air and was replaced by a new and colorful promotion called Mardi Gras in the Mountains.
In 2011, the RRSA interest in Winter Carnival was renewed and the event is now in a growth cycle. More events are promised and fun will be the priority.
