The most grueling of the 5 stages of the race, is called “The Gila Monster.” This stage ultimately decides the winner. Known as the climbers race this stage has been said to the be “the toughest one-day race in America.”
Starting at Gough Park prime riders tackle the grueling climb up the Sapillo Peak to Wild Horse Mesa and finish in Pinos Altos.
Men Pro 1 ride 105.7 miles, Men Pro 2 ride 102.6 miles, Men 3 – Men 40+ - Women Pro 1 & 2 – Men 4 & 5 – Women 3 & 4 all ride 71.8 miles and citizens ride 32.5 miles.
The Men Pro 1 overall winners where 1) Levi Leipheimer racing out of Austin, TX 2) Lance Armstrong racing out of Austin, TX 3) Philip Zajicek racing out of Australia.
The Women Pro overall winners where 1) Kristin Armstrong racing out of Boise, ID 2) Alison Powers racing out of Boulder, CO 3) Katheryn Mattis racing out of Mountain View.
Tour of the Gila – Day 4
Saturday, May 2, Downtown Silver City
The showcase of the 5 day event is the downtown criterium race. Racing starts at 8am and last until 5pm with racers (everyone except the young children) racing around Bullard – College – Cooper & Broadway.
Around 1pm, Western New Mexico University will have their great race contestants racing their cars around the criterium course. Then right after the citizen races will start, when local cyclists race the course.
This year at the corner of Bullard and Broadway they had a speed radar gun positioned to track the speed of the racers.
The Leaders in today’s Men Pro 1 where 1) Roman Van Uden 2) Lucas Haedo racing out of Linden, NJ 3) Alex Howes racing out of Boulder, CO. Lance Armstrong came in at number 11 and Levi Leipheimer (after taking a spill in the last lap) can in 61st but is still hold the lead time.
The Leaders in today’s Women Pro where 1) Carla Swart racing out of Banner Elk, NC 2) Gina Grain racing out of Burnaby, BC 3) Cath Cheatley racing out of Wanganui, UN. Kristin Armstrong, who still hold the time lead came in 8th.
Tour of the Gila – Day 3
Friday, May 1, The Dan Pott’s Memorial Tyrone Time Trials
Today everyone battles the clock. Racers leave Tyron at 30 second intervals and face 1,000 feet of climbing and 16.15 miles of smooth and rough blacktop in the ever-present spring winds.
The Leaders in today’s Men Pro 1 where 1) Levi Leipheimer racing out of Austin, TX (furthering his lead) 2) Tom Zirbel racing out of Boulder, CO and 3) Lance Armstrong racing out of Austin, TX.
The Leaders in today’s Women Pro where 1) Kristin Armstrong racing out of Boise, ID 2) Alison Powers racing out of Boulder, CO and 3) Alexis Rhodes.
Tour of the Gila – Day 2
Thursday, April 30, The Inner Loop
Today the racers start at two different points Men 4,5 and Women 3,4 start at Pinos Altos while everyone else start and finish at Ft Bayard. All racers will go through Pinos Altos to an elevation of 7,400 feet. After a descent from Wild Horse Mesa to Sapillo Crossing, the racers will ride past Lake Roberts, over the Continental Divide, then into the Mimbres River Valley befor heading through Manover and ending at Ft Bayard.
Men 4,5 & Women 3,4 ride 64.2 miles today where Men Pro 1, Men 2, Men 3, Men 40+, Women Pro 1 & 2 ride 77.9 miles toady.
The Leaders in today’s Men Pro 1 where 1) Lucas Haedo racing out of Linden, NJ 2) Alex Howes racing out of Boulder, CO 3) Rory Sutherland. Lance Armstrong came in 27th. Levi Leipheimer came in 14th but still holds the lead in time.
The Leaders in today’s Women Pro where 1)Gina Grain racing out of Burnaby, BC 2) Cath Cheatley racing out of Wanganui, UN and 3) Kristin Armstrong racing out of Boise, ID. Kristin still holds the lead in time.
Tour of the Gila – Day 1
Wednesday, April 29, Silver City to Mogollon
The 23 annual Tour of the Gila started today. The racers (including the much anticipated Lance Armstrong) started the race in Gough Park riding through downtown before heading up U.S. 180 West and ending up in Mogollon. Men 40+, Men 3 & Women 1 & 2 ride 73.1 miles toady where Men Pro 1 & Men 2 ride 94.1 miles.
The Leaders in today’s Men Pro 1 where 1) Levi Leipheiner racing out of Austin, TX 2) Peter Stetina racing out of Boulder, CO 3) Christopher Baldwin also out of Boulder, CO, Lance Armstrong came in 8th in this leg of the race.
The Leaders in today’s Women Pro where 1) Kristin Armstrong racing out of Boise, ID 2) Katheryn Mattis racing out of Mountain View, CA and 3) Alisha Walsh racing out of Salt Lake City UT.
To see more results you can go to the Tour of the Gila website at: http://www.tourofthegila.com/
The Last Cheese Cutting
Saturday, April 11 at Gallery 400
Rob and Tyler hosted their very last Cut the Cheese Club Party at Gallery 400 on Saturday. The party was slated to be held at Bruce McKinney’s home but due to an April snow storm it was moved to Gallery 400. Here is to 5 years of cutting the cheese in Silver City.
Yankie-Texas Roundup Streetdance
Saturday, April 5 at the corner of Yankie and Texas
The Yankie-Texas Art District finished off a day of friendly shootouts in the streets, an art opening at the Blue Doom and a full day of music with a streetdance featuring Brandon Perrault & Rhythm Mystic.
“A Night in the Royal Court”
Saturday, March 28 at the Silco
The annual Silver City Mainstreet Awards where given out on Saturday night, the theme of the evening was “A Night in the Royal Court." Musical entertainment was provided by: Eileen Sullivan, Jeanie McLerie and Ken Keppeler along with “court entertainment” by Tim Evans as the jester and Glenn Henderson as the juggler.
This years award where received by: Marcado del Solo for Downtown Event of the Year; The Town of Silver City for the Partnership Award; Silver City Arts and Cultural District Coordinating Council for the Service to the Arts Award; Lucy Whitmarsh for Volunteer of the Year; Smith Real Estate for Cornerstone Business of the Year; Yada Yada Yarn/Art & Conversation for Business of the Year.
Penny Parks 10th Anniversary
Saturday, March 28 at Penny Park
Penny Park celebrated it’s 10th anniversary on Saturday with music, food and the March skate jam. Bands played throughout the day while a skating competition took place at the skate park. Professional skates Richard Sarrazin, Graham Vetts, Saul Cervantes & Caleb Rodriguez where also on hand to meet.
The park was also celebrating the campaign for a smoke free community.
Melanie Zipin and Jeff LeBlanc’s Music Video Premiere was a huge success. Everyone was raving about the song and the video and there was a line out the door to preview it. “What Does It Mean” by Melanie Zipin was filmed in Silver City in the Spring of 2008. Starring Claire McDaniel and Directed by Teresa Dahl-Bredine. With Special Guest, Stanton Moore of Galactic on drums!
The Sixth Annual Gospel Music Extravaganza
Saturday, February 21 at WNMU
The Sixth Annual Gospel Music Extravaganza and “Soul Food Dinner” hosted by The WNMU Multicultural Student Affairs Office and The Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church was held on Saturday. A full house was treated to gospel music by performers: The Johnsons, The Jericho Singers, Rachel Ross and David Milner & Company. After the performance everyone was treated to a “Soul Food Dinner” provided by The Brewer Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Junior 24 Club’s 40th Anniversary Tea
Sunday, February 15 at Gallery 400
The Junior 24 Club who’s motto is “Service in Silence” held their 40th Anniversary Tea & Silent Auction on Sunday, February 15 at Gallery 400. Local businesses donated item for the silent auction and Melanie Zipin & Jeff LeBlanc donated their musical talents for the event. The club members served tea (of course), 2 types of punch plus beautiful & tasty food galore.
All proceeds from the tickets and the auction went towards helping community needs and the Jr. 24 college scholarship fund, which sends one lucky person to college at WNMU a year.
Cheese Any One
Saturday, December 6 at Gallery 400
The Silver City Cheese Club held their December party at Gallery 400 on Saturday. The members came out in force with fabulous food and the wine was flowing all in preparation for the main event, Rob’s cutting of the cheese.
The next cheese party will be in February and it will celebrate the clubs 5 year anniversary.
ROAR
Wednesday, December 3 at the Blue Dome Gallery
On December 3 the Blue Dome Gallery, celebrated the start of the holiday season in conjunction with the Curious Kumquat. The show, ROAR, has new festive works by many of Blue Dome’s artist and Rob created culinary delectables. It was a treat for the senses and soul.
18th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 29 in downtown Silver City
“An Ideal Christmas” was this years theme for the 18th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Silver City. The weather was perfect this year, not too cold, and the downtown streets where packed with residents and tourist ready to kick off the Christmas season. The parade started at the courthouse moved down Broadway then turning on to Bullard and down Pope before ending at Gough Park.
2nd Annual Jewelry Group Show
Friday, November 28 at the Seedboat Gallery
The 2nd Annual Jewelry Group Show opening reception was held at the Seedboat Gallery on Friday. Their featured artists included Ginny Wolf, Judith Meyer, Kathy Anderson, Gina Heiden, Simon Sotelo, Christine Baker and Melanie Zipin. The show will be up through December 31.
Brandon Perrault’s New CD “Interpretations” is Now Out
Sunday, November 23 at the Silver City Museum
Local artist Brandon Perrault released his new cd on Sunday with a party hosted at the Silver City Museum. Brandon and Eric played several songs from the album to a gathering on fans and supporters before everyone moved outside to fest on what was called the “Museum Thanksgiving” a fabulous meal prepared by Brandon’s Grandmother.
A Walk on the Wild Side
Sunday, November 9 at The Twisted Vine
The 4th annual benefit for the Gila Wildlife Rescue was held on Sunday at The Twisted Vine. With 6 bands donating their time and musical talents, auctions, raffles, food and of course wine the town of Silver City came out in abundance to support Dennis and Denise Miller’s Gila Wildlife Rescue.
They have been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing New Mexico wildlife for 27 years. The Wildlife Rescue is one of only two rehab centers in New Mexico licensed for all species of wildlife. They are a non-profit that gets no outside funding other than private donations. With donations going directly for the care of the animals. They work with between 200 to 400 animals each year.
On Saturday afternoon Patricia Helgert married Abraham Martinez in an intimate ceremony at Gallery 400. Everyone in attendance was full of joy and love for the happy couple the groom even complained about how much his checks hurt because he could not stop smiling. With an amazing dinner and the cake catered by Diane’s the wedding party ate, toasted champagne, and dance into the night. Congratulations and good luck to the happy couple as they start their lives together.
“An Enchanted Evening”
Friday, October 24 at Gallery 400
On Friday, Gallery 400 hosted “An Enchanted Evening” with Mike Moutoux. The evening started off with cocktails then a four course before Mike came in to entertain everyone. With a cowboy inspired meal catered by Veralee Burg and the smell of a campfire burning outside to help with the mood the event was a great success.
Mike Moutoux has entertained audiences at ranches and festivals across the US with his own blend of music and poetry and is always an audience favorite. Calling himself, “New Mexico’s Most Enchanted Cowboy,” he says, “The poems and songs give me a chance to take people to a place or a feeling we may not get to any other way; to take their imaginations on a ride. There’ll be wild rides and cattle drives, beautiful country and clear blue skies – I’ll take you there as close as words and music will allow.”
Mike’s third CD, Headin’ Home, was nominated in 2007 for Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year by the Western Music Association. His newest CD, Spirit Still Remain, offers more of Mike’s funny stories and 4 of his newest songs.
Mural Dedication
October 18 at the Silver City Daily Press
On Saturday afternoon a street party was held on the south side of the Silver City Daily Press for the dedication of the new mural that has been placed on the side of the Daily Press. The mural was designed and painted by the art students at Cobre High School under the supervision of lead artist Marilyn Gendron and Kate Brown. The mural is part of the Mimbres Region Arts Council Youth Mural Program. Speeches of thanks were given by Faye McCalmont (MRAC executive director), Diana Ingalls Leyba (youth mural coordinator), Tina Ely (SCDP editor-in-chief), both lead artist and State Sen. Howie Morales. After the dedication and speeches where over a street dance was held with catering by Diane’s and music performed by Melanie Zipin & Jeff LeBlanc and Amistad.
Weekend at the Galleries
October 10 – 13 in Downtown Silver City
Mimbres Region Art Councils “Weekend at the Galleries” (4 days of nonstop art) that is held annually on Columbus Day weekend every year as come and gone. The art this year was the best that it has been, the weather was predictably unpredictable and the town of Silver City was taken over by tourist and locals alike. The weekend started off with it’s wine gala held Friday night at Gallery 400. On Saturday the Phantom Gallery was held once again at the Old Elks Lodge, where 10 artist had 8 hours to start and finish a piece of artwork (while spectators watched) before the pieces where taken across the street to Gallery 400 to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. With Marcia Smith catering the fabulous deserts and Ward Rudick as the “Phantom of the Action” the action was a success in raising money for the Art Council.
Picasso
October 10 – 12 at the Gila Theatre
The play “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”, a comedy written by Steve Martin, directed by Scott Knight and presented by Virus Theater, Theatre Group New Mexico and WNMU Expressive Arts was held for three days at the Gila Theatre. “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” set in Paris in the early 1900’s this play is an account of the ever changing 20th century. Everyone one laughed out loud at Jay Glickman who played Einstein and Buck Burns, as the Singer (Elvis) was hilarious. They closed Sunday night to a satisfied and happy packed house.
Silver City Film Festival
October 10 – 12 in downtown Silver City
The 2008 Silver City Film Festival started on Friday night at the Silco Theater with the opening film: Diego Rivera: I Paint What I See. Continuing on to Saturday and Sunday showing films through out the day at the Silco Theater and the Fine Arts Theater at WNMU with film categories in: narrative, documentary, animation and junior filmmakers there seemed to be something for everyone to see.
Weekend at the Galleries Wine Gala
Friday, October 10 at Gallery 400
The Mimbres Region Art Councils 4 day event “Weekend at the Galleries” started off on Friday night at Gallery 400 with their Wine Tasting and More reception. With St Clair Winery having wine tasting at three different stations and another station for purchasing wine by the bottle, the party flowed extremely well and their where also raves about how great the hors d'oeuvres where.
Congratulations to Mia & Mike Davies
Saturday, October 4 at Gallery 400
Mia & Mike Davies renewed their wedding vows on Saturday night in the sculpture garden at Gallery 400. Reading vows that they had written themselves the ceremony was heartfelt and filled with tears from the couple and their guest. After the ceremony the guest moved inside where the buffet dinner and cake were both catered by Diane’s. With toast made by friends and dancing into the night this was truly a magical event for the couple and everyone who attended.
Casa Blanca
Friday, Sept 19 at Casa Blanca Bar
The bill clammed “Relive the Fabulous 40s” and many people did at the Casa Blanca Bar Friday night. Everyone was encuraged to dress up in their best 1940's outfits for the event and to bring a Moroccan potluck dish. Jazz Orgy was in town from Wisconsin to provide the music and there was a special appearance by belly dancer Zorina and the girls. Everyone got a kick out of how everyone else dresses and they danced the night away. A big thanks to Harry for setting the party up!
1st Annual PICKAMANIA!
Saturday & Sunday, September 13 & 14 at Gough Park
The Mimbres Region Art Council put on the first annual Pickamania, held this weekend at Gough Park. Celebrating bluegrass, folk & Americana acoustic musical traditions. With a great line-up of Hill Billy Voodoo, Bayou Seco, A Band Scramble, Boulder Acoustic Society and Chatham County Line playing on Saturday. The band scramble contest was open to everyone, any one could sign up then they formed groups that had 30 minutes to practice together before performing and being judged. Acoustic Society played an encore by getting off the stage and playing unplugged standing in the crowd. After all of the bands had finished for the night they held Pickin’ in the Park were all pickers were welcome.
Then on Sunday The Silver City String Beans, Gypsy Feet, Ana Egge (a local favorite that has started to hit it big), Steve Smith & Hard Road, Red Molly and Robin & Linda Williams played. Red Molly was interrupted by a rainstorm but after 20 minutes or so of no lightning they came back on stage to a crowd of raingear and umbrellas. Laughing they commented “In New York (where they are from) they would call you guys hard core.” The festival ended late Sunday afternoon and even with the rain it was a great success that will grow bigger every year.
ST. FRANCIS FIESTA
Sunday, September 7, Gough Park
St. Francis Church held it’s annual St. Francis Fiesta at Gough Park on Sunday. Starting off with Holy Mass at 9 am then food, fun games and entertainment for the whole family lasted throughout the day.
