THE CITY OF ELEPHANT BUTTE |
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Elephant Butte incorporated as a City in 1998 a And - of course - Elephant Butte is also home to the largest body of water in New Mexico! ELEPHANT BUTTE EVENTSDrag Boat races are held during the summer months on Elephant Butte Lake, and sailing regattas are held year-round (check SierraCountyEvents.com or ElephantButteChamberofCommerce.com for more info). The Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta, sponsored by the City of Elephant Butte, is held every September and includes balloonists, skydivers, and drag boats from around the state and nation. Elephant Days, the City of Elephant Butte's Annual Celebration is held the same weekend as the Balloon Regatta, offering entertaining activities including quilt, woodworker, car and motorcycle shows, music, contests, and a lot more! 
Particularly festive is the Beachwalk Luminaria Festival and Floating Parade of Lights (2nd Saturday in December). Literally thousands of luminarias meander along a specially-designed beach path that comes alive with campfires, music, and food provided by local area organizations and businesses. This popular celebration at the Elephant Butte Lake State Park also includes a parade of illuminated boats and prizes for the most amusing and/or elaborately decorated watercraft and RVs. For more info on events, see our Events page. • link to Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce • link to Elephant Butte Lake State Park  |
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES |
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Once known as Hot Springs—and still America's most affordable Spa Town—Truth or Consequences is a small resort town with a year-round population of slightly more than 8,000. 
Situated off I-25 between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, this little town got its big name in 1950 as part of a publicity scheme to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ralph Edwards’ hugely successful game show on NBC radio. Edwards suggested that there might be a town in the United States that “liked and respected” the show so much that it Edwards loved T or C so much that he returned every year for nearly 50 years with his Hollywood friends for a Fiesta. The event is still celebrated in early May of every year with classic small-town panache. Activities include the Miss Fiesta pageant, a parade, rodeos (motorcyle and traditional) and a roping contest, a golf tournament, and - in Ralph Edwards Park - music, performance, and contests including a junk boat race and rubber duck race on the Rio Grande. (Complete info is on the Fiesta website.) Las Palomas Plaza (pictured at left), completed by the artist Shel Neymark circa 2003, is an inviting feature of downtown T or C. Located next door to the artifact-studded Geronimo Springs Museum and across the street from the Post Office, the plaza and fountain provides a place for visitors to sit and relax while soaking their feet in the town's famous hot mineral waters. MainStreet Truth or Consequences partners with the Sierra County Tourism Board in the promotion of downtown Truth or Consequences, its Historic Hot Springs District and water sports on the Rio Grande. MainStreet Truth or Consequences is a community-based group dedicated to the revitalization and beautification of the downtown.
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WILLIAMSBURG |
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There was a sizeable increase in population in Williamsburg in 1950 (after Hot Springs officially changed its name) due to the numerous locals who refused to live in a town called Truth or Consequences! Williamsburg citizens even voted to adopt the name "Hot Springs" (since it was no longer being used by their neighbors), but the idea never caught on, and about a year later the name was changed back to Williamsburg. The post office in Williamsburg was established in 1951. The Village of Williamsburg has progressed with a modern municipal services complex, and utility services are provided for its residents through contracts with the City of Truth or Consequences. There are several businesses near the I-25 freeway exit (75) at Williamsburg. There is a small park on the west end of the village, two RV parks, several convenience stores with gasoline and diesel, and a long-established antique business. Many of the residents are retirees who like the small village atmosphere. The "old" state highway (187), a picturesque southbound route that serves as an alternative to I-25, is accessed via Williamsburg. NM 187 is one of the routes of the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway. |
WIRELESS INTERNET |
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Wireless is available in many of the county's hotels, lodges, and spas.
T or C businesses offering wireless include Little Sprout (Broadway @ Foch), BellaLuca Cafe Italiano (Jones @ McAdoo), the 4th Street Computer Lab (next door to the T or C Convention Center on 4th street, east of Date), and Denny's Restaurant (north side of town just off I-25's exit 79). In Elephant Butte, try the Brassie Bar & Grill, part of The Club at Sierra del Rio Golf Course, Hodges Corner Restaurant or Casa Taco on Highway 195, or Big Food Express near the intersection of Warm Springs Road and Hwy 195. Hillsboro's Community Center has wireless in the courtyard and meeting room. |
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Promoting All of Sierra County throughout New Mexico, the United States and the World A project of the Sierra County Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board. Paid for in part by Truth or Consequences and Sierra County Lodgers Tax. |
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ABOUT SIERRA COUNTY NEW MEXICO
nd is a growing resort and retirement community. Elephant Butte offers superb 
In 1949, three residential areas just southwest of and adjacent to Hot Springs (now Truth or Consequences) voted to incorporate as a village and take the name of the first mayor, Dr. Thomas B. Williams - a very colorful character on the local political and social scene.