Good morning, Las Cruces.

From October 17 to 23, Las Cruces will host many community events—movie nights at the Natatorium with a food donation for entry, a free concert by the University Singers at Atkinson Recital Hall, an annual Empty Bowls event, trunk or treat, Food Truck Friday, a Conformation Dog Show, a contra dance, a car show, a classic film screening, a farmers and crafts market, a new museum exhibit on historic toys, a regenerative organic pecans field day and a public art dedication at City Hall. These events offer family fun and cultural experiences with details like times and admission on the organizers’ websites or by phone.

Local teen Ava Lyonne Kincaid, crowned Miss New Mexico Teen USA in August, will compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant from Oct 18—24 at the Grand Theater at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.

The New Mexico Junior College student—who plays volleyball on a full-ride scholarship and leads Project Open Doors—aims to inspire local youth and showcase New Mexico on the national stage.

Haylee Viramontes, who grew up in Anthony, made impressive strides in her studies at NMSU and gained confidence through international travel and cybersecurity research.

She graduated from NMSU in May, earned a Boren Scholarship to study in Japan, and began her master’s at Carnegie Mellon this fall—she now aims to earn a Ph.D. and work to protect national security.

Students from Las Cruces competed in the Go For Launch! payload design contest at the Challenger Learning Center in September, where teams proposed experiments ranging from ants and praying mantises to tarantulas and rock crabs.

The winning team, Sunny Side Up, designed a project to send sea cucumbers to space for study and will join a national competition for space payloads — a contest that could earn them a trip to the International Space Station.

The City of Las Cruces will update its Downtown Master Plan with public workshops from Oct.

20 to Oct. 24 to gather input from residents, business owners, and community groups. The first workshop will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Amador Live (302 S. Main St.) and later sessions will include an open house and a closing presentation.

NM State football lost Tuesday night with a score of 30 to 27 after Liberty scored a late touchdown with 36 seconds left and a final kick went wide—leaving the Aggies with three wins and three losses.

The team will host Missouri State on Oct 22 at 7 p.m. MT at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

Missouri State Bears vs. New Mexico State Aggies Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Aggie Memorial Stadium — $12 – $30 — Catch the thrilling football showdown between the Bears and Aggies in Las Cruces.

Holiday Classic

October 24-25 — Las Cruces Convention Center — Check website for details — Celebrate the spirit of the season with the community at this classic event.

Day of the Dead Celebration - Day 2

7 a.m. — La Llorona Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Day of the Dead with activities and cultural festivities.

53rd Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire

All day — Young Park — Entry fee might apply — Experience a vibrant cultural celebration with interactive activities and entertainment for all ages.

Dangerbird 2.0, 3.0 and Safetybird Rides

November 6-13 — Las Cruces, New Mexico — Registration info available — Explore scenic desert routes with various biking challenges and support options.

Renaissance Arts Faire

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Young Park — Free entry — Experience an enchanting celebration of arts and culture surrounded by nature's beauty.