This Saturday, October 24^th, from 6 to 11 pm, at the Aztec Civic Center, it’s time for your sombreros, maracas and mariachi music! “A Mexican Fiesta” will be taking place at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The evening will begin with a cash bar provided by the Highway Grill, and during the evening you will be entertained by Grupo Folklórico del Universidad de Nuevo México, a traditional Spanish dance group from Albuquerque. Also, that evening, Rock-n-Rhythm DJ Entertainment will be on hand to help you with your dance moves! Dinner is provided by Rubio’s fine Mexican Dining and will be served by the AHS Key Club.

During the Banquet we will also take time to honor those who have voluntarily stepped forward and provided leadership through their contributions to our community. These community awards will recognize individuals in the following categories: Business of the Year, Rookie Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Servant Leader of the Year. Be sure to come out and show your appreciation to these outstanding individuals.

Throughout the evening don’t forget to place your bids and keep your eye on the silent auction! Bids change fast and sometimes the bidding wars become interesting! Donations of all sizes and kinds are greatly appreciated and many have already come in! Opportunities abound for you to walk away with wonderful items donated by local business members and to contribute to the programs and services provided to the community through the Aztec Chamber of Commerce.

Be sure to get your tickets! Tickets are $30 per person or discounted prices are available if purchasing an entire table. Tickets are available in advance only from the Aztec Chamber of Commerce or from a Chamber Board member. This year’s Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet is sponsored by King Sun Solar and Directory Plus. A thank you to those businesses for supporting Chamber functions.For information or tickets, contact the Aztec Chamber of Commerce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 334-9551.

The March issue of the National Geographic Adventure magazine features an article entitled Hike the New Roads to Ruins. The article's focus is on less frequented Chacoan sites such as the Salmon Ruins and the Twin Angels Pueblo. The Aztec Visitors Center is currently working on a map which will mark the location as well as detailed travel instructions. As soon as we are able, we will post a on-line map using Google maps technology showing the location of the Twin Angels Pueblo along with the four other outliers along the North Road from Chaco Canyon, all designated as world heritage sites.

These sites are part of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, a 661 mile trail looping from the Gallup / Grants area through Shiprock, Crownpoint, Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield down to Chaco Canyon.  The Aztec Chamber of Commerce wrote a grant that is being funded this year to produce metal highway signs identifying the routes along the Trail of the Ancients.  These signs will facilitate the adventurer finding the little travelled road to cultural and geologic heritages that surround us.