Friday, May 23, 2025
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It’s been 75 years since the city of Hot Springs, New Mexico changed its name to Truth or Consequences, which makes 2025 the Diamond Jubilee of the Truth or Consequences Fiesta. Celebrating over the weekend of May 2-4, the annual event features vendors, games, food trucks, a beer garden, a junk boat race, a color walk/run, a rubber duck race, a skateboard competition, kid’s fishing tournament, and a full slate of diverse and dynamic musical acts.
The year was 1950 and the inaugural event was a dual celebration of the 10th anniversary of the popular NBC national radio show “Truth or Consequences,” which was preparing to debut a television version later that year, and of the decision by the City of Hot Springs to retire the name inspired by its coveted mineral-rich geothermal water and adopt the distinctive appellation of Truth or Consequences.
The renaming was spurred by a coast-to-coast promotional contest sponsored by the radio program. Ralph Edwards, the show’s famously affable host, conveyed his gratitude to the city by launching the first annual Fiesta and returning every year with celebrity pals for half a century. Edwards, a multi-Emmy winner, passed in 2005, but as the saying goes, the show must go on.
The fun begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with opening ceremonies on the main stage in the Bank of the Southwest Parking Lot, 504 N. Broadway St. Performing for the crowd at 5:30 p.m. will be the Chachalacas from Albuquerque, followed at 7:15 p.m. by the Tequila Nights from Arrey/Caballo, and at 9 p.m. by the Rockabilly Strangers from Las Cruces.
Horsemanship aficionados will also find plenty to do at the 75th Annual Fiesta Rodeo at the Sierra County Sheriff’s Posse Arena, 601 Rodeo Arena Rd. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the Rodeo starts at 7 p.m., with a featured performance by National Charro Trick Roping Champion Daniel Castro.
The next day at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 3, the 2nd Annual Color Walk/Run kicks off at the Tractor Supply, 499 S. Broadway, with a 1.5k race and all proceeds going to the HSHS Tigers Unidos. The official Fiesta Parade will travel the downtown loop starting at 10 a.m., followed by the opening of the Fiesta at noon.
Musical guests taking the main stage throughout the day Saturday include Pint & A Half, from TorC, at 12 p.m.; Casual Fridays, from Las Cruces, at 2 p.m.; National recording artists Syd Masters & the Swing Riders, at 4 p.m.; Papayas con Chile, from Las Cruces, at 6 p.m.; Burt Ferguson & Sierra County Line, at 8 p.m.; and finishing off with comedy cover band Metalachi at 10 p.m.
Events happening throughout the day include the Sand Volleyball Tournament and the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, both starting at 12:30 p.m. in Ralph Edwards Park; and the Corn Hole Tournament at 1 p.m. in the Bank of the Southwest Parking Lot.
The Rodeo also continues at 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the Arena, with a featured performance by the Buckles & Belles Drill Team, followed by a 7 p.m. dance with music by Tudy Romero & the Silver Bullet Band.
On Sunday, May 4, the event continues with the Kids Fishing Tournament and a Skateboard Contest, both at 10 a.m. in Ralph Edwards Park. The Fiesta Junk Boat Races follow at 12 p.m. in the Rio Grande River. Also in the Rio Grande will be the Club Duck Races at 2 p.m.
The 2025 T or C Film Fiesta will screen locally made movies, and feature panel discussions and a reception, at the historic El Cortez Theater, 415 Main Ave., throughout both Saturday and Sunday. Vendors will be set up all three days at City Hall, 505 Sims St., and the Healing Waters Plaza, 300 Daniels St.
Keep in mind that some of these events are subject to change, depending on the weather and unexpected situations. For a full schedule of events, visit TorCFiesta.com.
