Get Out and Play at Your New Mexico State Parks This Labor Day Weekend

Santa Fe, NM – You work hard, so take some time to get out and have a fun, safe and memorable time at your New Mexico State Parks! State Parks offer great family opportunities for fun under the New Mexico sun and stars this Labor Day Weekend. “From scuba diving, to the biggest catfish, to hikes, NM State Parks offers adventure for everyone,” said State Parks Director Christy Tafoya. “With the summer rains, lake levels are up so boating and fishing are exceptional. The entire family can also have fun hiking, camping and attending our special events throughout the long weekend.” Labor Day Weekend Events: Bottomless Lakes State Park, Roswell, NM:  Bottomless Lakes State Park is the best way to dive into the Labor Day weekend during the annual Bubble Fest on Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd.  The event features underwater dive poker and fun, educational activities for divers and spectators alike. “Bottomless Bubble Fest is the park’s signature event. It’s a great way for scuba divers from around the region and state to get together and share their experiences,” said Park Superintendent Max Michanczyk. “We also award great prizes to the three best hands for our dive poker game.” Dive poker involves tossing two decks of weighted cards into Lea Lake and divers compete for the best hand.  No more than five cards can be held at a time, and divers may discard one of their cards in exchange for a new card, like traditional poker. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday for the winning hand. Bottomless Lakes State Park also offers a variety of fun activities for everyone.  Visitors can swim or rent paddleboards and pedal boats to explore Lea Lake.

Oasis State Park, Portales, NM: 9th Annual Catfish Derby Oasis State Park, through the support of the Friends of Oasis. The “Biggest Catfish Challenge” Derby will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Registration will start at 3:30 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. with the derby from 5-9 p.m. The event is open to all ages.

The derby entry fee is a charge of $5 per person. There will be two categories in the challenge: Adult (age 16 years and older) and Junior (age 15 years and younger). Prizes will be the same for both categories with a first, second and third place for each. Prizes will be awarded immediately after the derby and will be based on the weight of the fish. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the derby as well. The catfish limit is 2 per person per day. Anyone 12 years of age and older must have a valid NM fishing license.  The park entrance fee of $5 is required for non-annual permit holders.

Cerrillos Hills State Park, Cerrillos, NM: Come experience a volunteer-led guided hike through the hills. Hike will be on Saturday, September 2nd beginning at 10 a.m.

Heron Lake State Park, Los Ojos, NM:  Nature Inspired Art weekly activities based on nature themes will be held on Saturday morning, September 2^nd from 9 am to noon. Activities will include paper stained glass, bird & butterfly mobiles, paper making and much more. Have fun and create a memory of Heron Lake to take home with you! Check at the Visitor Center for the weekly program schedule. All programs are held at the Visitor Center Great Room. All ages welcome. 

On Saturday, September 2^nd, the Morning Nature Walk begins at 9:30 am to 10:45 am. Join our Park Naturalist for a nature walk through the trails of Heron Lake. Hikes are tailored to the abilities of the group and all ages are welcome. Other hike times are available on prior request. All hikes start at the Visitor Center.

Also on Saturday September 2^nd, Free Beginner Ukulele Lessons will be held at 11 a.m. to noon. If you are 8 years or older, here is your opportunity to explore a unique musical experience. Local resident Kathleen Galbraith teaches park visitors the basics needed to play the ukulele in just 60 minutes, and best of all, you do not need prior musical experience of any kind. She will provide instruments and simple handouts; all you need is a willingness to try something new!

Find your New Mexico “Enchanted” State Park! While enjoying your Labor Day weekend at a State Park, photograph your experience and then submit it to https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine/photocontest/ The New Mexico Magazine Photography Contest is open to all amateur photographers.

Reserve your favorite camping spot, find out more about events and check out our FREE boating safety classes by visiting our website at www.nmparks.com or www.boatnm.com