Good morning, Las Cruces.

Earlier this month, teens in Las Cruces danced and reconnected at the Teen Block Party held at Amador Live—organized by Tommy Black with the Boys and Girls Club, the city, and Adams Radio Group—which featured free backpacks, haircuts, food, ice cream, and live music from local DJs and set the stage for teen-only dance parties, DJ classes, and a new Teen Action Committee. This event provided a safe space for youth while sparking plans for more teen-centered activities.

Las Cruces’ Farmers and Crafts Market announced that votes will be accepted for America’s Farmers Market Celebration to decide the best market in the country—voters can choose online until September 30 as the contest offers cash prizes for the top 10 finishers in its 17th year.

The 34th annual Dress the Child dinner with the 'Southern Comfort' theme will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

18 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces—raising funds to buy new clothes and shoes for needy children in Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley. Tickets cost $100 each or $800 for a table of 10 and the event will feature a multi-course dinner by local chefs, a silent auction, live music, and a cash bar.

New Mexico State University’s Marketing and Communications department will host the fourth annual Gratitude Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept.

13—bringing together the campus and Las Cruces community. The event will begin at the Horseshoe with a 5K at 9:15 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m., and will feature family activities, appearances by Pistol Pete and Aggie Up, and a food drive for the Aggie Cupboard.

Artist Liz Wright is starting new craft workshops in Mesilla at Assembly Craft Studio, located at 1730 Tierra de Mesilla, with her popular resin art class beginning August 13.

She moved from Portland in 2022 and said her new studio will host a range of classes — giving locals a chance to learn hands-on creative techniques.

The Supported Success Internship Program gives paid work opportunities to high school students facing barriers and began with a Spring pilot at Mayfield High School before expanding this year to include Organ Mountain High School—local educators and community leaders are working to integrate the internships into the school day—offering real-world skill building.

Columbia Elementary students returned to their campus for the first time since 2018 after a mold problem forced them to attend classes at Centennial High School — Principal Michelle Valdez said the school now hosts about 540 students and expects to reach 750 in a few years.

She noted that while some areas are complete, key facilities like the cafeteria, gym, and special classrooms remain under construction with final work for the latter expected near the end of August and outdoor improvements scheduled for November.

Jornada Elementary School opened a new reading café—an indoor space with cozy reading nooks and a whimsical teepee—for students and community members to share reading time.

School officials said the program is part of a broader effort to support student well-being and are seeking volunteers to read during the day.

Las Cruces may not meet its next climate action check-in as the community has cut only 2.4% of greenhouse gases compared to 22% by the municipality—Jenny Hernandez said population growth and slower community progress are key factors.

The city’s plan aims to reduce emissions by 73% by 2050 and is seeing steady progress in areas like electric vehicle adoption and building codes, while challenges remain in community outreach.

New Mexico State University announced a nationwide search for a new athletic director—working with Parker Executive Search to replace fired director Mario Moccia, whose removal followed findings of systematic failures linked to the men's basketball scandal, while interim director Amber Burdge manages the department.

Footloose Youth Edition by A.C.T.

7-8 p.m. — Rio Grande Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying youth rendition of Footloose with the teens of Bomont as they kick up their Sunday shoes.

Monster Truck Wars

12-6 p.m. — Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo — Tickets start at $60 — Experience an unforgettable day of thrilling monster truck action in Las Cruces.

Shine on Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute Band

7-9:30 p.m. — Rio Grande Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience a spectacular tribute to Pink Floyd with a stunning laser and light show.

Bryant Bulldogs vs. New Mexico State Aggies Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Aggie Memorial Stadium — $12 – $30 — Experience college football excitement as the Bulldogs take on the Aggies in a thrilling match.

NMSU Aggies vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Aggie Memorial Stadium — $12 – $30 — Watch the Aggies take on the Golden Hurricane in an exciting college football matchup.