Did you know there’s an elk ranch in Placitas?
If not, you have plenty of company, says Keith Allen West of the Elk Ridge Ranch on State Route 165. He said many in the community are unaware of its existence.
The first Placitas Ranch Fest, which takes place Saturday, could change that.
The event will include tours, live music and entertainment, a healing and wellness zone, food trucks, and tastings and cooking demonstrations by local chefs.
Visitors will be able to see the wild elk that reside on the property. There’s a chance they’ll witness a birth, or at least see a baby; one of the animals, Flower, is winding down a pregnancy, while two others have recently had calves.
More than 50 local vendors and artisans will also be present.
The music will be played on what West calls the “front porch,” an area south of the pen housing the mothering female elk. The first act will be from the Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company, a children’s group that specializes in musical theater.
A group from The Box Performance Space will also appear. Other performers are regional artists, and spontaneous pop-up shows are expected.
The rest of the property includes a natural pond, a ranch shop and pens for male elk and bison (though there won’t be bison on the site until next year).
West said his realization that many longtime residents of Placitas didn’t know about the ranch, he approached owners Dale and Susan Spencer about having an on-site welcoming event. The ranch frequently participates in local events around Placitas, he said.
West’s business, Clear Light Cedar, is presenting the Ranch Fest. Sponsors include Placitas Pizza, KUPR Community Radio and La Puerta Real Estate.
The event is free to attend and open to visitors of all ages, but pets should be left at home. Elk Ridge Ranch is at 772 State Route 165. Ranch Fest is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.