The Raton Chamber of Commerce sponsors several fun, exciting events throughout the year, not only for the benefit of its members, but for the entire community. These events encourage visitors from other New Mexico communities as well as from throughout the region to spend a day, a week, or a lifetime in Raton.

To learn more, scroll down, or click on a link below.

• Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration
• Electric Light Parade
• Raton Bearfest
• Raton Car Show
• Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally

Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration

This festival has been celebrated during the first weekend in May for several years because of the large hispanic population and the cultural diversity in the area. During this two-day event in RipleyPark crafts, music, and food representing many different ethnic origins are offered with activities for both children and adults.

Electric Light Parade

Beautiful, fanciful, and fun floats light up downtown Raton every year during the holiday season, to the delight of all the spectators that line 2nd Street. The parade helps kick off the holiday season and many other fun events throughout December.

Raton Bearfest

The inaugural Bearfest in 2009 was started by Cindy Montoya as a way to recognize and celebrate the bears in and around Raton. The two-day event, held in the fall, which is sponsored by the Raton Chamber of Commerce brings together local artists, park rangers, and community leaders to educate the community and instill a respect for the wild bears.

Local artists are commissioned by business and individual sponsors to decorate large fiberglass bears that are later placed on display throughout town.

Raton Car Show

The streets of Raton are filled with muscle cars, vintage cars, and American classics during the annual Raton Chamber Car Show.

The event kicks off with a poker run on Friday evening, when all of the entries can be seen driving through Raton, bringing back memories of days gone by. Later, at the Sonic Drive-In, participants enjoy an evening of burgers, shakes, fries, and loads of fun.

Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally

Raton comes alive with color and magic every Fourth of July weekend, when hot air balloons fill the skies during the Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally.

Since 1993 when a lone hot air balloon ascended from the former La Mesa airport landing strip, the Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally has become one of Raton's most popular annual festivities, attracting more than 30 hot air balloonists and droves of spectators from across New Mexico and around the country.

The three day event includes evening balloon glows, music, crafts, breakfast by the local Kiwanis organization, and crafts and vendors.

Visitors can watch the early morning ascensions from only a few feet away, are invited to meet with the pilots and crew, and may even be able to take a hot air balloon ride. Local businesses and individuals sponsor the balloons and provide additional crew members for the visiting balloonists.

View a 2010 Balloon Rally Flyer for a schedule of activities.