It's Memorial Day weekend, so that means blues music in downtown Silver City. It also means get ready for roasted corn on the cob in Gough Park. Some people think of a beer garden on Pope Street. And some businesses look forward to full hotels and restaurants.
Memorial Day Weekend also is a great time for us to remember the heroes of the past. It's a time we can say thank you to the heroes of the present. And young men and women can dream of becoming heroes of the future.
Memorial Day Weekend is special in many ways. Here in Grant County, there are lots of things to see, do and even hear during the holiday weekend.
I am always amazed at some of the calls we get during big events. Today a gentleman from out-of-state called to verify that we no longer want bikers attending the Blues Festival. I responded with a rhetorical “Mister who comes up with these crazy rumors?” After a few minutes, he was ready to fire up his ride and eat a few bugs while traveling to Silver City. I also got a kick out of the lady who asked if there was a new rule banning lawn chairs at Blues Festival. I explained it was due to so many lawn chairs being thrown at the bad bands, thus you can only bring benches to sit on this year. Her reply was... “Is this real?” No Ma'am, it is not real... just as the rumor about banning chairs.
The funniest question I got this year was “Didn't I see you dancing last year?” Oh no... let's don't even go there. When I dance, or maybe I should say, if I dance, it's to country western music. I'll do a little two-step. I like a quick waltz. But no I don't dance to the music of the Blues. Even if I were to accidentally get drunk, I don't believe I would try to dance to the Blues. It just isn't going to happen. This old white guy can't jump or dance. But I hope the rest of you have a simply marvelous time swinging to the beat at the Silver City Blues Festival.
Lastly, there are always calls about dogs. Can dogs attend the Blues Festival? Do dogs like the Blues? Is there a place where I can give my dog some water at Gough Park? Do I need to scoop up the poop at the park? So I will answer the question in order... #1: yes, although it is said that there is an ordinance that reads no pets in the park. No one is ever there making dogs leave. #2: Some dogs probably do... some dogs probably do not. It really isn't up to the dog, the owner makes the decision and the dog simply has to live with that decision. #3: There are always food vendors, so you can buy a bottle of water and pour it into your cap, your hat, your beer cup or something so that your dog can lap it up. #4: Good grief...YES! Scoop the poop. That's probably one of the reasons there is an ordinance against dogs in the park.
Anyway, we are supposed to have some beautiful weather for this weekend. Enjoy the Blues Festival at Gough Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then we hope you will join us to pay tribute to our fallen heroes during the Memorial Day Service at Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Santa Clara. For local information or to book an event at the Grant County Veteran's Memorial Business & Conference Center, call the Chamber of Commerce office at (575) 538-3785.