Kites of all shapes and sizes show up for this annual event in Glenwood. Photo by Cheryl Thornburg
Spring is a busy time in Glenwood.  With the warmer weather, everyone’s looking forward to spending time in the Great Outdoors.  April features two of tGlenwood’s biggest local events – the Whitewater Mesa Kite Flying Picnic and the annual Dutch Oven Gathering.

This year on Saturday April 6th, 100 Kites are expected to fly at the 18th annual Whitewater Mesa Kite Flying Picnic in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Gila National Wilderness. The event features a multitude of kites of all colors, shapes and sizes against the backdrop of the Gila.

Kites of all shapes and sizes show up for this annual event in Glenwood. photo by Cheryl Thornburg
On June 3, 1924, the U.S. Forest Service set aside 755,000 acres in New Mexico as the Gila Wilderness — the first designated wilderness in the world.

The kite event is  sanctioned by the American Kitefliers Association, but it is not just for pros – everyone from toddlers to senior citizens test their kite-flying skills. There’s something exhilarating about watching the colorful display of the kites diving and weaving in the winds above the mesa. Kite fliers come from all around the state and around the country to show off their spectacular creations.

Bring your family, your friends, your kite, your sunhat, something to sit on, and your picnic. There is plenty of space to park for a tailgate picnic and to fly kites with no fences or power lines to tangle the strings. Pick up a free raffle ticket on arrival. There will be a drawing for a kite at 2:30 p.m.

You can also walk a trail in the Gila. Gold Dust trail #41 starts right at the kite field.

In addition, for a completely different experience, walk one or all six of the labyrinths and a maze across the road at Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths. 

 It all happens from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 6 at Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths, 355 Bursum Road (NM 159) off Hwy 180, between Glenwood and Alma, NM 88039.   

Admission is free.

 Water, kite-mending supplies, a Porta-potty and loaner kites are provided.

 For more Information, go to www.wmlabyrinths.com   or contact Cordelia Rose (575) 313-1002 (call or text.)

There’s something special about getting together outdoors for a Dutch Oven meal like those on tap at the Dutch Oven Gathering in Glenwood April 13. Photo by David Thornburg
One week later, on Saturday April 13, the annual Glenwood Dutch Oven Gathering takes over Glenwood Community Park  from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The park is located on Catwalk Road (Highway 174) off of U.S. 180.

Cooking teams from New Mexico, Texas and Arizona prepare authentic campfire Dutch Oven cooking at their campsites. It’s hard to say who’s enjoying themselves more — the cooks or the visitors enjoying the meals all cooked in Dutch Ovens over charcoal or an open fire.

Dutch Oven organizer Molly Bryan serves up some mighty fine chow at the event. Photo by Cheryl Thornburg
Full meals are served at individual campsites at 1:30 p.m. Menus for each campsite are posted in the pavilion and also at the campsites. Meal tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15. Come early and buy your tickets, they sellout quickly. You can then browse the park, observe how it’s done and visit with the cooks.

A variety of other vendors will be on hand and other food vendors will also be available.

Organizers say they always need more cooking teams and vendors. Contact Molly Bryan for more information at 575-574-7704 (call or text), 575-539-2714 or email 3mollymules60@gmail.com.

Hot coals and open fires are the secret to perfect outdoor cooking. Photo by Cheryl Thornburg
The event is a fundraiser for different activities that benefit the community.

But that’s not all – Glenwood Community Library sets up its Spring Book Sale at the event. It featuries a huge selection of books, DVDs, audiobooks and CDs, all available by donation.

And if you’re a bargain hunter, Glenwood Woman’s Club will be holding its annual Rummage Sale  nearby from  8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glenwood Community Center at 21 Menges Lane. It features clothing, household items, furniture and more.

Glenwood Library’s book sale offers books and DVDs for all ages. Photo by David Thornburg
The nearby Catwalk trail, which is handicapped accessible, as well as many other trails, are open for those who want to explore more of the area. 

For information on trails, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gila/recreation/hiking/?recid=1958&actid=50