Little J; Chef Change at Lodge; Budget Thursday; IRONMAN in Ruidoso; Bluegrass Photos, and More
Follow the stories with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
VIDEO: A Second Life for Farm Animals: Little J Ranch
When Wilbur the potbelly pig arrived at Little J Ranch, he could only walk about ten feet before he had to stop.
Chef Lepree Leaves Lodge
Chef Richard Lepree resigned from the Lodge at Cloudcroft kitchen earlier this month. In March, the Reader featured Chef Lepree with a video interview and profile: https://www.cloudcroftreader.com/p/video-a-kitchen-reborn-one-chefs
Sources in the know say that sous chef Caelan Bickel will move up to the lead position.
Coming Up: Thursday Night Budget Meeting
On Thursday, July 30, at 5 p.m., the Cloudcroft Village Council meets to make budget adjustments for fiscal year 2025-’26 and to approve the 2026-’27 final budget.
Bear witness in person at the village chambers, or tune in to YouTube: @CloudcroftNewMexico
Reader Reels: IRONMAN Comes to Ruidoso
Vivian Willett reports on the race and potential economic impacts.
Help Shine a Light on Cloudcroft
The Reader is looking to add 50 new Cloudcroft Stars — monthly supporters — by Labor Day, September 7. And thanks to several generous local donors, every pledge is matched dollar-for-dollar for its first year.
Photo Essay: Weed Bluegrass Festival
The Weed, New Mexico, Community Center marked its 30th annual Bluegrass Festival on July 18-19, continuing a longstanding tradition that serves as the community’s primary fundraiser to keep the center open for public use, according to festival organizers.
Saturday’s festivities featured performances from five bands: Vintage and Blue Sky Country of Roswell, Old Time Radio of Ruidoso, Acoustic Gap of Albuquerque, and Capitan Gap Revisited of Colorado Springs.
Organizers added new indoor attractions this year, including a bouncy house, face painting, and vendors.
Sunday began with a short devotional followed by bluegrass gospel music. Organizers said the festival continues to bring together neighboring mountain residents for a shared celebration of music and connection.
Core Memories: U-Pick Apples Open July 31
Cadwallader Mountain Farms is throwing open the orchard gates on Friday, July 31.
Open Fridays through Sundays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with pricing that gets sweeter the more you pick: $2/lb for 1–10 lbs, $1.75/lb for 11–20 lbs, and $1.50/lb for 21–30 lbs.
Varieties will roll out through the season as they ripen, so it’s worth a repeat visit. Kids welcome (with supervision), comfy shoes recommended, and bring cash or check, no cards in this orchard.
Find Cadwallader Mountain Farms in High Rolls Mountain Park, and watch their Facebook for updates.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Off the Beaten Path:
Promote Your Business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Cloudcroft Art Society
Located in Old Red Brick Schoolhouse: Holiday and Saturday art showsNoisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsCloudcroft Art Workshops
Enhance your artistry while enjoying the beauty and coolness of the mountains!Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
The Southernmost ski area in New Mexico.Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest + Mountain Provisions, Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video services
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