Los Lunas Relay for Life - June 29th/30th

If you haven't had the chance to participate in a Relay for Life event, you are definitely missing out. Luckily for you, there is an upcoming event that you can be a part of!
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From the Relay for Life website:


Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. Relayers do not have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

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Being that the local event is in about a week, it would be difficult to try to put together a team AND raise enough money to meet the goal of about $100 a person. It's not impossible, though, so if you think you are up to the task I encourage you to get on it RIGHT NOW!!

If you dont want to start a team, that's fine too. You are still welcome to come and support the teams that are participating and make a donation if you can. There are a lot of different activities that you can enjoy, and while some require a small donation, others are entirely free. ALL proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, and the fight against cancer. 

They are also looking for people who would like to volunteer with the local event as well as head up some fundraisers. If you think you've got what it takes, you can leave a comment here and I will pass the info along to the people that need it! 

Here is the info about the upcoming local event: 

June 29-30, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM at the Los Lunas High School track. 

You can also visit this event's Relay for Life site to make a donation or get more information: 

Relay for Life: Los Lunas

Need a laugh? It's FREE! (All 3 events)

When Laff's Comedy Club here in Albuquerque closed down a few years ago, it left those of us fans of comedy with far fewer options for enjoying the fun. I have found a remedy with a few upcoming shows here in town!


In recent years, Curt Fletcher has appeared with Dane Cook, Ralphie May, and Gabriel Iglesias (among others!), and has won one comedy battle after another. It's a really good show, and this is your chance to see him for free. There are 3 shows to catch him at over the next week:

Sunday, June 24th - 7:30pm: Malarky's Comedy Night 


Wednesday, June 27 - 8:00 pm: 405 Lounge (Live comedy starring headliner Scotty Goff, PLUS it's open-mic night!)


Thursday, June 28th - 8:00pm: Broken Bottle Brewery (Featuring Curt Fletcher)


For more information, you can visit the below websites: 


Curt Fletcher - Comedian

405 Lounge

Malarky's

Broken Bottle Brewery

FREE EVENT!! 2012 Movies in the Park!

This is a FREE event for people of all ages!! Movies in the Park is a free even that runs all summer long. Popular movies will be showing at different locations all over town, and you are encouraged to attend all that you can!

You are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and food/drinks. All drinks MUST be in a factory sealed container. No alcohol, weapons, or audio/visual recording equipment is allowed.

All shows will begin at dusk, and events may be cancelled due to weather.

Full schedule and all other information can be found HERE.

FREE Admission to the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens

The Peak is at it again with their Free Summer Fun Event tomorrow!! FREE admission into the Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. Admission is FREE to ANYONE from 6am-10am. YOU HAVE TO GET THERE BEFORE 10AM IN ORDER TO GET IN FOR FREE! If you get there after 10, or are still in line at 10am, you WILL be charged admission.

You need to print out your passes ahead of time! Go HERE to print your passes.

You can get more information on this event HERE.

June 21st - FREE Family Night: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

If you have never been to the museum of Art and History here in Albuquerque, you don't know what you're missing! And on June 21st you can go check it out for FREE! (And there is chocolate involved!)

It's a free family event: Ancient Americas Family Night


Drop the kiddos off to create artwork inspired by the ancients while you sample chocolate and learn about its role from chocolate artisan and historian, Mark Sciscenti (limited seating).  Pick up the kids after the talk and enjoy a 7:30 pm performance by Aztec dance group, PAZ Ehecatl. 

(Free admission is made possible through the generous support of Fidelity Investments and Southwest Neurosurgical Associates.)


In addition to special programs, different Museum exhibits will be open for viewing, the Gallery Store will be open, and Slate at the Museum will be serving light dinner options, snacks, and beverages from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

FREE!! NM Centennial Summerfest - June 16 - Noon to 9:30pm

Come to Downtown Albuquerque on June 16, 2012 to explore the cultural history of New Mexico's statehood through a free day-long celebration of arts, dance, music, cuisine, science, technology and the exciting atmosphere of Route 66.

There will be something for everyone at Centennial Summerfest: Dozens of live performances, a car show, an arts market, free children’s activities, a territorial village, and much more. This once in a lifetime event will culminate with a free concert by the Grammy Award-winning group, Los Lobos.

Schedule: 

June 16, 2012 from noon-9:30pm

Native American Pavilion

5th and Central, adjacent to the KiMo Theatre
Hosted by:  Onawa Lacy

12:00-12:45 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
1:00-1:45 Pueblo Country
1:45-2:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
2:00-2:45 Levi Platero and the Plateros
2:45-3:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
3:00-3:45 Native Roots
3:45-4:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
4:00-5:00 James and Ernie
5:00-6:00 Shelley Morningsong

Hispanic Heritage Pavilion

12:00-12:30 Ehecatl Aztec Dancers
12:35-1:05 Matachines de Bernalillo
1:15-2:15 National Institute of Flamenco featuring Yjastros
2:30-3:30 Gonzalo
3:30-4:00 Baila! Baila!
4:00-5:15 Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane, Jr.

World Pavilion

12:00-1:00 Frank Leto and PANdemonium feat. The Odara Dancers
1:00-1:30 Asian Dance provided by Asian American Association
1:30-2:30 Wagogo
2:30-3:00 NM Taiko Drumming
3:00-4:00 Son Como Son
4:00-4:30 Coleman Academy of Irish Dance
4:30-5:00 Opera Southwest
5:00-6:00 La Chat Lunatique

Rock and Rockabilly Pavilion

12:00-1:00 Cowboys and Indian
1:00-2:00 Daddy O’s
2:00-3:15 The Hubcaps
3:15-4:45 The Fireballs
4:45-6:00 Soul Kitchen

OAAA Juneteenth Pavilion

In conjunction with the OAAA Juneteenth Celebration, the OAAA Juneteenth Pavilion will honor African American heritage.
Pavilion Lead: Cecilia Webb, Office of African American Affairs

From the Stage:
11:55-12:15 Smith & Pickett “Call of the Drums”
12:20-1:35 Metropolitan Talent
1:40-1:55 Rosalind Jones
2:00-2:10 Joe Powdrell “History of Juneteenth”
2:20-2:35 Sweet Life
2:45-3:00 Shirlette “Songbird in Flight”
3:05-3:15 Celeslie Boyer-Morton “Fearless”
3:20-3:35 Phillips CME
3:40-3:55 Brenda Marley
4:00-4:15 Bethlehem Baptist Church “Steppin for Christ”
4:20-4:35 Of the Essence
4:45-5:10 Rainbow Studio Theater, excerpt from “Roots Revival”
5:15-6:00 Cathryn McGill

At the Pavilion:

• Blessed Creations – African History, Apparel and Commemorative Items
• Design By Ms. S.- African Crafts, Toiletries, Kwaanza items
• Nell’s Black Arts & Things – Black Art, Novelties
• Wee Willie Things – Hand-crafted Teddy Bears
• Pearls of Antilles Art – African Art, Candles and Incense
• Booker Woodard – Cultural Items (coming from Maryland)
• Health Information Booth – Breast Cancer Resource Center / Sickle Cell of NM
• Educational Book Booth -  Authors: Theresa Thaxton / Chief Do

Main Stage: Civic Plaza

5:30-6:15 Will Banister
6:30-7:45 Robert Mirabal
8:00-9:30 Los Lobos

For more information, visit abqsummerfest.com.

Transit of Venus Event - June 5th - 3pm-8pm

Only 2 weeks after the awesome solar eclipse, Venus will be making it's own appearance passing over the course of the sun as well! On June 5th, Venus will visibly and slowly move across the disk of the sun.

This won't happen again until 2117. If you miss this, you will never see it again in your lifetime...and it is also viewed perfectly in Albuquerque!

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will be showing a live broadcast of the event as well as activities and talks throughout the afternoon. 

Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 kids, under 3 free 

3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The Venus Transit…Live…in the museum planetarium through webcasts from NASA-Hawaii and the UNM Observatory.  Fun activities for the whole family!

Free Concert: Shawn McDonald @ New Covenant Church!

Another FREE event that's great for the whole family!

Shawn McDonald will be giving a free concert at the New Covenant Church on June 15th to benefit Joy Junction!

The concert is from 7pm-10pm, and for entry they are just asking for 1 non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item. All items collected will be donated to Joy Junction to help with their community outreach program.

For more information, please contact the church office at office@nccabq.org or (505) 857-9875. 

Save Money with Albuquerque BioPark Yearly Passes

One of the best ways to save money when trying to entertain the family this summer is to look for yearly or seasonal passes that can be used for your group. Whether 2 people or 5, you will almost always save a bundle by purchasing passes ahead of time.

There are several passes that I have for Ashley and I, and this post is all about the Albuquerque BioPark. One reason I really like this pass is because is good for an entire year... but more than that, I like this pass because it's good for *3* different parks in Albuquerque.

With this pass, you can access the Rio Grande Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Albuquerque Aquarium. The Gardens and the Aquarium are practically next door, so you can visit one then walk next door to the other. The zoo is just up the street.... so you can drive, or do it the fun way and take the $2 train from the Gardens/Aquarium to the zoo and back! A $2 train ticket will get you a round trip between the parks.

This pass has unlimited entry to all 3 parks for a year from when you purchase the pass. Because of the unlimited entry option for all 3 parks, you can go for the day, or just for lunch and not have to feel bad about paying the entry fee just for a small time in the park.

The general admission ticket prices are as follows:

One Park Access-

Under 3: FREE
Child (3-12): $3
Adult: $7
Senior (65+): $3

Combo Pass (to access more than one park in a single day)-


Under 3: FREE
Child (3-12): $5
Adult: $12
Senior (65+): $5


The season pass will save you money if you plan on visiting more than a few times over the course of the next 12 months. The prices for the pass combinations are as follows:

Individual	1 adult	$49
Couple	2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child	$59
Senior	Seniors (ages 65 or older)	$39
Senior Couples	Senior couples (ages 65 or older)	$49
Family	2 adults and 4 children or 3 adults and 2 children	$79
Family Plus	2 adults and 6 children or 3 adults and 4 children or 4 adults	$95

Age Ranges:

• Children are 3-12 years old
• Adults are 13 years or older-*all named adults must show ID with card
• If teenage ID is not available, purchase "Adult add-a-guest" instead of listing as an adult member
• All members must be listed on the membership. No blanks or "guests" unless the "Add-a-Guest" options are purchased
• Seniors are 65 years or older
• Children under 3 admitted free

Add A Guest:

• $15 for adults or seniors, $10 for children
• Bring a guest (adult or child) each time you visit
• Guest must be accompanied by a member named on membership card
• Limit 2 unamed guests per membership

For more information on the membership or for location, hours, or other information please visit the Albuquerque BioPark website here.

Help me help others! Let's make a difference!

Hey guys! Another slightly abnormal post for me, but hear me out.

I have found the inspiration to re-live a moment from my past. When I was in 7th grade, I put together a drive for the homeless. I collected food, clothes, shoes, and personal care items that we donated to Joy Junction. I don't necessarily want to take it that far this time, but I want to get together some things to make some personal hygiene kits.

There are so many people out there who can't afford a roof over their head, food to eat, clothes for their kids, or really anything at all. As broke as I am, I have always been fortunate enough to figure it out somehow. With help from my family, I have always been able to keep my head above water. There are a lot of people out there that don't have that luxury, and I think we need to step up as a community and help them out.

I am organizing a donation drive to get together the items needed to put together some personal hygiene kits. Of all measures of need, that's a very easy thing to fix. I am asking everyone to pass this around, generate some interest and get people involved.

All I'm asking is to give what you can... travel sized bottles of shampoo, body wash, mouthwash, and bars of soap. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and combs, deodorant, tampons/pads, socks, disposable razors, blankets, and anything else you think might be useful to someone who calls the streets their home.

You can bring the items to me at my home (address is listed below), or if you are unable to bring them to me, you can send me your address and let me know when the items will be available for pick up and I will come get them from you.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, you may do so by check or through PayPal (you can use a credit card or bank account through PayPal). Any amount helps. $1, $5, $10, $20. Whatever you can afford!

You have my word that EVERY PENNY raised for this drive will go towards building these personal care kits. 

You can mail checks to:

Melanie Bennett
12001 B Stilwell Dr
Albuquerque, NM 87112

You can send PayPal payments to:
lanie917@gmail.com

If you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to get a hold of me. I will be happy to assist in any way I can. You can post comments/questions here, or you can call me at 401-9990.

Please help me help others! Pass this on, share on Facebook or Twitter, email to your friends and family and let's get the word out. I want to make this an epic event! Thank you for being my friends and for assisting me in making this world a better place.

Free fun, and helping someone in need? Yes please!

This isn't my typical post about free things to do here in Albuquerque... but it IS a free event, and an opportunity for you and your family to come together to help someone in need right here at home!

Joy Junction is Albuquerque's largest homeless shelter, and they help hundreds of those in need every day. Providing food, shelter, clothes, hygiene kits and more to those who need a hand up in life. They are always looking for volunteers to help around the grounds, serve food, and participate in helping those who can really use a helping hand.

I have been working with Dr. Jeremy Reynolds and Joy Junction since I was little. I have donated time, clothes, home goods and more over the years, and even co-chaired a gala a few years ago that benefited Joy Junction to the tune of nearly a thousand dollars and a truck load of donated items. They are always appreciative of the help and donations, and could really use a few extra hands to help out.

You can visit their website to find out how you can help. You need to submit a volunteer sign up form, then complete the orientation, followed by serving lunch. After that, a whole world of opportunity will open up for you and your family to donate whatever talents you have. Ministry, crafts for the kids, grounds clean up, building repair, and more... they need it all. Check out their website to get all the info and see what YOU can do help out the less fortunate of Albuquerque!

Joy Junction's Website

FREE! Albuquerque Summer Reading Program

Thanks to Mandi for pointing this one out!!

There is a Summer Reading Program available through any Albuquerque/Bernalillo County public library. Kids, teens and adults are all eligible to earn prizes and rewards, and it's free to participate. You just have to visit a local library between June 1st and June 20th to sign up, and then READ! How easy is that?

I know my daughter loves to read, and seeing me reading seems to make a big impression on her. I will definitely be participating in this event for the benefit of both of us!


You can check out all the information at their website here.

HALF PRICE Cliff's Amusement Park

The Peak is at it again! Now they are offering Cliff's Amusement Park tickets at half price for the summer!

The passes are only good Monday through Friday, but you can print as many half-price coupons as you want from their website. They are good all summer long, so print them now and have them to use later!

You can get the passes by going here.

On that same site, you can also register to WIN FREE PASSES. Free is even better than 50% off!