Good morning, Las Cruces.

Mesilla mayor and co-owner of Salud!

Restaurant, Russell Hernandez will be honored with the Hometown Hero award at the Las Cruces International Film Festival on April 11 at Rio Grande Theatre, recognizing his work in community leadership and support for local businesses.

Organ Mountain High School senior Evaleen Vasquez performed three poems at the state finals (held in Albuquerque on March 8) as part of Poetry Out Loud to share her full range of emotion; she said the event gave her a chance to truly connect with the audience.

Las Cruces makers using digital tools now aim to expand beyond weekend markets – boosting job creation and strengthening our local economy.

Local experts note that supporting entrepreneurs as they scale can bring lasting benefits to our community.

DACC hosts its third annual volleyball tournament, 'Serve & Support: Volley for a Cause,' to help its diaper bank.

Teams of up to 12 players must donate $100 in diapers or baby wipes; the event is Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. at NMSU intramural fields on Stewart and Locust.

Pat Sisbarro—a cancer survivor and longtime community leader—helped lead the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign that raised over $6 million for cancer research before evolving into Cancer Warriors, which begins its fourth year this October to support women’s health in Las Cruces.

NM State athletics announced a $17 million upgrade at Aggie Memorial Stadium featuring a 14,500 sqft press box and executive suite, and construction will begin after the final home game this season and finish before the 2027 season with an added $9 million for operations.

Buffey Autry promotes archery at the Dona Ana Senior Olympics and leads the Organ Mountain Bowmen group (which holds monthly 3D shoots with 20 targets) to encourage beginners and families; High Desert Outfitters in Las Cruces provides custom bow fittings for safety and fun.

Elevate the Stage Gymnastics

12-4 a.m. — Pan American Center — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable gymnastics event in Las Cruces.

Elevate Gymnastics

12-4 a.m. — Pan American Center — Ticket details available — Elevate Gymnastics promises an unforgettable experience in Las Cruces.

Optional and Xcel State Championships

8-11 a.m. — Pan American Center — Tickets start at $75 — Experience the excitement of the Optional and Xcel State Championships in Las Cruces.

Springfest 2026

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Young Park — Free entry — Celebrate spring with family-friendly activities and community fun at this vibrant festival.

ASTC Boots & Bling Fundraiser

6 p.m. — New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum — Ticketed event — Enjoy dinner, dancing, and line dance lessons at this annual theatre fundraiser for NMSU Theatre Students.