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Free Archaeology Fair Planned In Las Cruces

  Las Cruces, NM – Calling all children, young and old, to enjoy a free archaeology fair on Saturday, May 7, focused on the “Adventures from the Past”.  You and your parents and friends are invited to participate in a day of fun-filled activities and ancient technology demonstrations.   The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Dripping Springs Visitor Center located in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, east of Las Cruces on Dripping Springs Road.  There is no entry fee for this event.

In celebration of New Mexico’s Historic Preservation Month, archaeologists from across the state have planned a variety of hands-on activities like making yucca cordage, drawing petroglyphs and stringing shell beads.  In addition, they will demonstrate the art of throwing a spear using an atlatl and shooting an arrow with primitive bows.  Living history and local archaeology will also be part of the outdoor event, with guided and self-guided hikes to the Van Patten Mountain Camp ruins and La Cueva rock shelter.

Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District, New Mexico Historic Preservation Division-Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeological Society of New Mexico and the Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, the fair is an opportunity for families to get out and enjoy the cultural resources contained in the Dripping Springs Natural Area, including the visitor center exhibit.

Snacks and water will be provided by the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks throughout the event.  Picnic tables are also available at the visitor center, if a family would like to take a break from the fair and enjoy their own packed lunch.

This weekend’s forecast calls for a day of FUN, learning about archaeology, and FAMILY, getting out and experiencing the BLM Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and all it has to OFFER in springtime!