County Happenings -- What's Up Otero?

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Come bring your pet(s) and join us for this special blessing as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. All animals are welcome! St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1114 Indiana Ave, Alamogordo. Call 437-3891 for more information.

Fiesta de la Familia

This community fiesta will take between Seventh and Eighth Streets on Delaware Avenue, at the Immaculate Conception Church Oct. 2-4. For more information, visit http://www.icchurch-alamogordo.org/fiesta.html.

Otero County Health Council/ Behavioral Health Local Collaborative

Holds regular meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, starting at noon, at La Frontera,1900 10th St. All are welcome. For more information, call Maureen at 437-9340.

Poetry Group at the Alamogordo Public Library

The group will meet Thursday Oct. 8, Thursday Nov. 5 and Thursday Dec. 3. All Meetings will begin at 6 p.m. For more information please call 439-4148.

Art & Wine Walk

This free event will take place Saturday Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Heart of the Desert Pavilion. Local artisans, food, live entertainment and wine to walk with will be there. Admission is free, 7288 Hwy 54/70. Call 434-0035 for more information.

Downtown Merchants Art Walk

Every third Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come stroll down the Historic 900 block of New York Ave., meet local artists displaying their work, enjoy food from local vendors. For more information or to sign up for a space contact Le Spirit Arts & Crafts 191 New York Ave., 575-312-5065.

Apple Festival

The High Rolls Apple Festival will take place Oct. 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Local apples and other products from local vendors will be available for sale. Admission and parking are free. Please, no pets. For more information visit highrollsfestivals.com.