With harvest season in full swing, the City of Moriarty is preparing for one of its most beloved and long-standing traditions.
The Pinto Bean Fiesta kicks off Friday and is shaping up to be the biggest in the festival’s decades-long history.
The fiesta, which began in 1987, starts Friday with a Hot Air Balloon Glow at Sierra Blanca Brewery from 6-8 p.m.
Saturday’s festivities begin early with hot air balloons taking off at 6 a.m. from 202 Broadway St. South. The traditional parade through downtown Moriarty begins at 10 a.m., with lineup starting at 8:30 a.m. along historic Route 66.
Vendors will set up at City Park between 6-8 a.m. Saturday morning, with activities running throughout the day. A car show will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with entry costing $20 per car. A cornhole tournament is scheduled for noon.
Former Mayor Brandon Webb, who resigned this week, told NM.news earlier this month that this year’s celebration is shaping up to be the biggest in the festival’s history.
“I can remember it as a kid being 9 or 10 years old,” Webb said. “But I think this year, this looks to me like it’s going to be one of the biggest Pinto Bean Fiestas ever.”
The festival, which unofficially marks the end of the agricultural season, holds deep roots in Moriarty’s history. Events will include live music, a plane flyover and plenty of pinto beans.
New this year is a Farmers and Ranchers Golf Tournament, organized by the local Rotary Club. The event will be played “out in the pasture” just east of the park, adding a unique rural flair to the weekend.
At City Park, attendees can enjoy food from four local favorites and refreshments from a beer garden. The VFW will host a car show with proceeds supporting veteran services.
“I really want to highlight and support our local veterans,” Webb said. “They’ve made real sacrifices for this country, and it’s important that we recognize that.”
The celebration concludes with a live band performance by 7000 Feet.
“It’s about bringing everyone together,” Webb said. “This is a local event that reminds us who we are and where we come from.”
Schedule of events:
- Hot Air Balloon Glow: Friday, Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m. at Sierra Blanca Brewery
- Hot Air Balloon Takeoff: Saturday, Sept. 27, 6 a.m. from 202 Broadway St. South
- Parade: Saturday, 10 a.m. (lineup at 8:30 a.m.)
- Vendor setup: Saturday, 6-8 a.m. at City Park
- Car Show: Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $20 per car
- Cornhole Tournament: Saturday, noon
- Location: Moriarty City Park and Main Street (Route 66)
