GOPA Fly-In to Ruidoso, New Mexico
August 5-7, 2022
Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (KSRR)
Howdy all,
It's just too darn HOT down south right now, so please join us for a "Beat the Heat" Fly-In, August 5th through 7th in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where the highs are in the 70s and lows in the 50s!
We've put together a fun and COOL weekend. There is plenty to see and do in Ruidoso and the surrounding area. Here is the tentative schedule:
Friday:
- Arrive at KSRR before noon (details below)
- Lunch
- Zia Festival at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track: Features art, crafts, jewelry, and other creations made in the Land of Enchantment, in addition to stakes races of NM-bred horses.)
- Dinner
Saturday:
- Breakfast
- Alto Artists Tour: Annual self-guided tour of artists’ studios in nearby Alto, NM
- Browse the shops in Ruidoso’s Old Town for those not interested in the art tour
- Lunch
- Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days in nearby Lincoln, NM
- Dinner
- Sunday:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart KSRR in the morning
We will have more details for everyone after we get a head count so we can nail down restaurants. Also, this year’s schedule for the Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days has not been published yet, so the agenda is still subject to change.
Plan to fly into Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (KSRR), 575-336-8111. There are plenty of tie-down spaces for no charge, as well as covered spaces and hangar space for a fee. Check density altitude! The airport elevation is 6814 MSL. Suggest you arrive and depart before noon, not only for density altitude, but also because the rain tends to come through after lunch.
Unfortunately, it’s a busy weekend in Ruidoso and still the peak season, so hotel rooms are not cheap. We have 10 rooms blocked out for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at the La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Ruidoso Downs, 575-378-3514. (We included Sunday night for those who might like to stay cool a bit longer and leave on Monday.) The weekend rate is $160/night for the King room, and the rate for Sunday night (if you choose to stay) is $101. You can cancel up to 24 hours prior to arrival with no penalty.
Our block is held until July 31st , but they have a limited number of kings left (unless you want a larger king suite for more $$) so if you have a preference, I suggest you make your reservation soon. The block is under my name (Lee Ziegenhals), but you can change your room to your name when you call and give them your credit card.
Rental cars will be needed since the airport is about 18 miles from the hotel, and all of the events will require transportation. Cars are available from Ruidoso Rent-A-Car, 575-630-0446, and the rates are not too bad:
$49/day Nissan Sentra 4 door
$59/day Hyundai Elantra 4 door
$79/day Equinox SUV
$95/day 9-passenger Suburban
Cars can be picked up at SRR by prior arrangement. It would be good for people to reserve by mid-July as they have a limited number of vehicles. Let me know if you’d be willing to share a car with someone else and we’ll help match folks up.
We will send more details to everyone once we have a head count. Please email me (lz1@zieg.us) or call (210-387-8371) by July 22 nd and let me know if you plan to attend, how many will be coming with you, and if you’re willing to share a car.
We look forward to seeing everyone in COOL Ruidoso on August 5th!
