Fair opens gates to soldiers, veterans

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The New Mexico State Fair is celebrating Military and Veterans' Appreciation Day with a parade and free admission for the troops on Thursday.

The free admission is offered to all uniformed military and military veterans with Department of Defense and Veterans Administration identification cards.

Regular parking fees still apply, and the offer of free admission does not extend to family or friends accompanying the soldier or veteran, according to a fair spokesperson.

The schedule for the day includes:

• 10:00 a.m.: All exhibits/displays open to fairgoers along Avenue of the Governors
• 10:30 a.m.: Parade assembles, north end of Avenue of the Governors (Main Street)
• 11:00 a.m.: Parade step-off, traveling south on Avenue of the Governors to the NMSF Pavilion Stage (south end of Food Court)
• 11:30 a.m.: Ceremony honoring all New Mexico Military & Veterans begins on NMSF Pavilion Stage
• 1:05 p.m.: 44th Army Band concert at NMSF Pavilion Stage

A complete schedule of State Fair activities can be found under the State Fair tab in the KRQE.com Local Guide .