Cherry Festival at Nichols Ranch in La Luz returns for it's fourth year
The Cherry Festival in La Luz, New Mexico makes its return for the fourth year. The Cherry Festival is one weekend in June celebrating all things cherry, cherry pie, cherry cider and cherry-picking.
According to the event's website, the Cherry Festival has a variety of activities and food to try. There are over 20 vendors and dozens of beer and wine options.
When and where will the Cherry Festival take place this year?
The Cherry Festival will be at the Nichols Ranch at 236 Cottonwood Canyon Road in La Luz, New Mexico. It takes place over two days:
- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 18
One Day tickets can be purchased online at the Nichols Ranch and Orchard website for $10. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate the day of for the same price.
What entertainment can you expect?
The Cherry Festival will have live music along with a petting zoo, a mechanical bull and a variety of games.
On Saturday, live music will be performed by West Texas, Phill Hamilton and Justin Kemp Band. You’ll also see the likes of Doso Dirtbags and Hooks and the Huckleberries on Sunday.
Saturday, June 17
- 9 a.m. to noon - West Texas
- 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Phill Hamilton
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Justin Kemp Band
Sunday, June 18
- 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. - Doso Dirtbags
- 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. - Hooks and the Huckleberries
Some things to consider
The festival is in the mountains, with an elevation of 6,800 feet. With people covering a lot of ground on foot, they are asked to bring good walking shoes and plenty of water to hydrate. Festival officials also suggest bringing a wagon to carry any items purchased at the festival such as pies or cider.
There will be picnic tables available, but people can bring chairs. Officials also advise that people who need strollers, to choose strollers with off-road wheels as the terrain in the mountains is not ideal for regular stroller wheels.
A shuttle takes visitors from the parking lot to the top of the mountain and festival grounds. There is not particular shuttle time as it goes back and forth with visitors.
Lastly, folks who wish to use a ladder when picking cherries are advised to have another person present to hold the ladder for safety. Visitors are allowed to pick cherries but due to weather conditions throughout the year there may be some damage to some crops. If there are cherries in reach and available to pick people are allowed to do so. There will be cherries already picked and available.
For any further information people can visit the Nichols Ranch website.
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.