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It's fair time: From the midway to music, Expo New Mexico ready to showcase the state's best
Planning for the New Mexico State Fair is a year-round endeavor.
Just ask Dan Mourning.
As the fair general manager, Mourning spends most of his days keeping the wheels moving forward on the property.
In the weeks leading up to the N.M. State Fair, which takes place Thursday, Sept. 7, through Sept. 17, Mourning and his staff can be found overseeing the work it takes to get the fairgrounds ready.
鈥淭his is New Mexico鈥檚 fair,鈥� Mourning says. 鈥淲e have people from all over the state coming to visit or to compete. It鈥檚 a community event.鈥�
Mourning says moving all the dirt into Tingley Coliseum takes some work. The art for the Native and Spanish art shows will soon be all complete.
鈥淭his is where we get to showcase the best of New Mexican artisans,鈥� he says. 鈥淔rom crafts to quilting, you should see some of the amazing things being showcased.鈥�
Of course, a fair wouldn鈥檛 be complete without all the rides along the midway of the fair.
Mourning says there are plenty of events happening each day on every corner of the fairgrounds.
There鈥檚 also music in the air at Tingley Coliseum.
The state fair line up includes Mammonth WVH with PRCA Xtreme Bulls on Friday, Sept. 8
On Saturday, Sept. 9, country singer Justin Moore will headline a concert at Tingley Coliseum.
Tuesday, Sept. 12 will see country singer Chancey Williams, and on Thursday, Sept. 14, The Country Comeback Tour featuring Shenandoah with the PRCA Rodeo will take place.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles will headline on Sept. 15.
And Omaha, Nebraska鈥檚 311 will end the concert series on Sept. 16.
鈥淲e have Wolfgang Van Halen opening and this band is going to be huge,鈥� Mourning says. 鈥淭hey are the hottest ticket around because they鈥檝e been touring with Metallica and Def Leppard. Country is huge for us here too. And people are going to love 311 ending all of the fun. There鈥檚 a little bit of something for everyone.鈥�
