Las Cruces, NM – On this edition of PUENTES a la comunidad, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra spoke with Holy Cross Retreat Center Director, Fr. Thomas A. Smith, to talk about returning “live” with their Annual Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts – held each year on Labor Day weekend. He says they are hoping to make up for the lost income over the past 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This event is their main fundraiser. Proceeds go to assist the ministries of Holy Cross Retreat Center, including outreach to assist asylum seekers and medical patients from out of town.
The Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts will be held on Saturday, September 4th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Cross Retreat Center, 600 Holy Cross Road in Mesilla Park, NM 88047, two miles south of University Avenue and Highway 10 in Las Cruces. Something new will be added to the Festival – a “motorcycle blessing” on Sunday at 12:30 p.m., all riders are welcome for the blessing.
Masks will be required indoors except when eating. The center is certified by the State of New Mexico and will be following protocols.
Over 70 artists will be featured with a wide variety of fine arts, including photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, woodworks, jewelry, and more. About two-thirds of the artists will be in air-conditioned rooms or visible while walking in the shade. Besides enchilada and flautas dinners, there will be homemade empanadas, pastries, and biscochos, and a paella dinner as well, along with other food vendors. The Beer Garden has a local new vendor, “Spotted Dog Brewery” from Mesilla also Mesa Vista Winery. Silent Auction of items from the artists, and raffle tickets can be purchased. NO ENTRY FEE with plenty of parking, but donations are appreciated. More information available on their website – holycrossretreat.org; and on Facebook – Thomas A. Smith; and 575-524-3688.