State Fair showcases N.M. agriculture

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - With the New Mexico State Fair--one of the state’s longest-standing traditions--set to begin in just a few weeks, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture s ready with new promotional events and even some new twists on some old crowd favorites.

“We know the State Fair is a popular event for just about everyone in the state and for thousands of tourists," NMDA director/secretary Jeff Witte said. "That’s why NMDA is there from start to finish housed in the Agriculture Building.

"It’s a great opportunity for the department to showcase New Mexico’s agricultural industry and its significance to our great state."

The 73rd annual New Mexico State Fair starts Friday, Sept. 9, runs through Sunday, Sept. 25, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During this time, NMDA will host several public events.

“These are fun, family events," NMDA marketing specialists Katie Goetz said. "Everything from our crowd favorite, the Battle of The Salsas, to our new dairy and nut promotion where fairgoers get to join us for a free scoop of ice cream, topped with their choice of New Mexico nuts.

“Plus during this ‘ice cream social’ New Mexicans can meet our state’s secretary of agriculture, Jeff Witte.”

NMDA is also teaming up with the Rio Rancho Rotary Club once again for the operation of the New Mexico Country Store.

“The County Store is located in the Agriculture Building, and this is where folks can go to purchase New Mexico food products that area either grown or processed in our state," NMDA public information officer Noreen Jaramillo said. "It’s a great way to buy local and support our economy and our farmers."

NMDA State Fair Events:

• Dairy and Nut Promotion: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
• Watermelon Carving: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
• Battle of the Salsas: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17
• New Mexico Organic Food Promotion: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
• New Mexico Red Chile and Beans Promotion: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24