Throughout New Mexico, there are often many unique local events that can offer exciting new experiences for all age groups. One of these events is the Corrales Harvest Festival, which occurs annually in Corrales during the last weekend of September.

Meandering through the hay filled street of Corrales Road, the smell of green chili and beer was pungent in the air, and as I approached the Festival Central, I could hear a local Albuquerque band playing live country music. After entering the Corrales Park, I made my way through the dozens of tents and food trucks selling items ranging from t-shirts to funnel cakes. Spirits were high, and many families with young kids bustled about, enjoying the farm-like aura. Soon after purchasing a creamy, ice-cold root beer, I found myself gravitating towards the kids corner, where bouncy houses, climbing walls, and face painting lay in wait.

Gratified that the face painter had done a nice job on my small blue snake design, I hopped on the nearest tractor-pulled hay ride and headed south to another section of the festival. There, I found a contest for the best chicken and the best rabbit at the festival. Dozens of people wandered through the tents, watching the prize winners as they slept and looking for potential new pets to adopt. As I walked around, I stumbled upon a local thrift store with a variety of second-hand, yet high-end, clothing, as well as an abundance of vases and kitchen-ware. The aura was homey, and their prices were affordable for their quality. I left the store satisfied by my purchases and then hitched another tractor ride north. Here, past the Festival Central, I found a country band entertaining a crowd of people eagerly awaiting the roasted green chile which they had ordered.

Harvest Festival was a very unique experience that I would highly recommend for people of all ages. It is a fulfilling activity for those who enjoy spending time outside with family and friends, trying new food and drink, and celebrating the start of fall. It is a good opportunity to become more in touch with your New Mexico culture and roots and to explore a different part of town.