What’s Happening Around Farmington | Week of Feb. 24

This week's Farmington bulletin features the return of the High Desert Games at Bonnie Dallas Senior Center with registration open through March 2nd for athletes 50 and up, a citywide job fair February 24th at the Farmington Civic Center with positions in Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Police and Fire, the Parnall Law Xtreme Arenacross and Stunt Show February 28th at McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, and the Sycamore Park Community Center Hosts Annual Daddy Daughter Ball. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

San Juan College's Native American Center brought the community together for two special evenings celebrating Késhjéé, the traditional Navajo Shoe Game. The learning session on Wednesday, Jan. 28, was led by Kevin Belin, Navajo language teacher at Navajo Preparatory School, who guided attendees through the game's rules, strategies, songs and cultural meanings. On Thursday, Jan. 29, teams gathered around rows of moccasins and shoes as players tried to find the hidden ball while using creativity and humor to distract opponents. This story is sponsored by Express Employment and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

This week's Farmington bulletin features a Chinese New Year Immersive Culture Experience on February 12th at San Juan College's Merrion Rooms with presentations, Q&A, and hands-on crafts led by Qinqin Schoser, the Lovers and Friends Tour Comedy Show February 14th at 8:00 pm at SunRay Park and Casino's Stingray's Room featuring headliner Zach Abeyta, Theater Ensemble Arts presents Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" February 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm and February 22 at 2:30 pm at the Connie Gotsch Theatre, and the "Atoms for Peace" exhibit exploring President Eisenhower's 1953 UN address and the impact of nuclear science on display at the Farmington Museum through April 27th. For more events, visit farmingtonnm.org/events. This story is sponsored by Dr. Graff Orthodontics and Home2Suites

Farmington Museum has expanded its permanent collection with the acquisition of 20 original landscape paintings by nationally recognized artist Agnes Crowley. The donation strengthens the museum's representation of Southwestern art and preserves an important body of work inspired by New Mexico's distinctive landscapes. The collection features acrylic paintings on canvas created during Crowley's more recent period of work, focused on the color, light and terrain of New Mexico. The museum plans to incorporate the Crowley collection into future exhibitions and make them available as loans to other New Mexico museums and arts organizations. Agnes Crowley is a nationally known artist whose career spans more than six decades. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she studied at the School of Fine Art at Washington University in St. Louis before moving to Paris in 1958 to study at l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and internationally and is held in private collections worldwide. She currently resides in Austin, Texas. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Durango Motor Company

Here’s a look at upcoming events around Farmington, including Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR., presented by the Heather McGaughey Children’s Theatre and featuring local performers ages 8 to 12; Ma’ii Productions’ exhibition celebrating 45 years of work by Diné artist Anthony Chee Emerson at the Henderson Fine Art Gallery; the Caliente Community Chorus’ 16th annual Broadway for Brunch at the Piedra Vista High School Commons; and Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity’s Building Access to Hope Dinner and Auction at SunRay Park and Casino. This story is sponsored by Four Corners Regional Airport and Boons Family Thai BBQ.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is expanding its Range Rider Program as part of the state’s gray wolf restoration efforts following voter-approved Proposition 114. The program places highly trained riders in key regions to help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while supporting long-term coexistence. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sunray Park & Casino.

San Juan County Gymkhana, a longtime youth rodeo program that has served local families for more than 40 years, recently reopened following closures tied to EHV-1 outbreaks. The organization provides riders of all ages with opportunities to learn horsemanship, build confidence and participate in rodeo events, while continuing to foster a sense of community across generations. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware and Home 2 Suites By Hilton.

This weekly bulletin highlights what’s happening around Farmington from January 23-29, 2026. From a two-day pickleball tournament supporting student scholarships to live performances, family-friendly entertainment and a free multimedia lecture, this roundup offers a snapshot of events happening throughout the week. This story is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals and Graff Orthodontics.

"Truth Be Told," a new documentary highlighting the vital role of local journalism in a healthy democracy, began its statewide tour this week with a screening in Durango. Directed by Brian Malone, the film explores the importance of local news in strengthening communities and why its continued existence is critical. The screening tour is a collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bolstering local journalism throughout Colorado. By Paige Sparks and Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and the FLC Center for Innovation.

Farmington is entering a year of growth and transition, with a new Exceptional Community Hospital set to open early this year and plans underway to celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary in 2026 through a yearlong “Farmington 125” community celebration. The city will also see a leadership change, as City Manager Rob Mayes retires in June 2026 and Deputy City Manager Shaña Reeves is expected to step into the role, pending City Council approval. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

On December 13th, M&R Service hosted “The Corndog Classic” charity event. The purpose of this annual competition is to raise money to purchase hoodies for the children of the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan county. Formerly known as “Lift for Gifts”, previous M&R Service sponsored competitions followed a simple powerlifting format of Benchpress, Barbell Squat, and Deadlift. This year, however, the competition evolved into a Sanctioned United States Strongman (USS) event. All proceeds generated by the event were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan County. Thanks to this event, and the many sponsors from around the community, M&R service was able to purchase over 750 hoodies for the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan County. By Tanner Waite. This story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and Home2 Suites.

“Best of Farmington” award nominations are open! The Dave and Friends Polar Plunge at Farmington Lake returns for its fifth year on Thursday, January 1st. And the City of Farmington seeks artist applicants for the 2026–2027 Art in the Heart Downtown Sculpture Exhibit. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and SunRay Park and Casino.

A world-renowned shadow dance company will perform in Farmington this December. The City of Farmington invites community members to celebrate the new Piñon Hills Boulevard extension. And experience a mix of tradition and innovation at San Juan College’s stained glass exhibit. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Four Corners Regional Airport.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, San Juan College (SJC) opened its doors to the community to celebrate craftsmanship, competition and career education. The Skills USA Regional Competition brought together students from across the Four Corners region to test their automotive and diesel expertise in one of the premier training facilities in the country, right here in Farmington. By Tanner Waite. This story is sponsored by Graff Orthonics and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Riverglo lights up Berg Park for its 27th annual holiday celebration. San Juan Symphony invites you to support live music and music education at its Christmas-themed fundraiser. And the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas parade and seeks gift donations for local children. Watch for more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

While the government shutdown has ended, food pantries continue to face high demand. The Good Food Collective helps them meet needs. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

A newly renovated childbirth center at San Juan Regional Medical Center is expanding care for moms and babies across the region. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

San Juan County and the Cities of Aztec, Bloomfield, and Farmington hosted a competition to collect food for local families in need. The Aztec Chamber of Commerce presents Sparkles 2025: A Very Abominable Christmas. And Riverside Nature Center appointed a new Facility Manager and Educator. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Ace Hardware of Farmington.

The City of Farmington invites community members to share their feedback on the draft Arts and Cultural District Economic Development Plan at a public input workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Farmington’s Art in the Heart Sculpture Program received an award from the New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and Dr. Graff Orthodontics.