This article originally appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun.
Carol Crossland, Arts & Culture Program Officer, JF Maddox Foundation
Life in Lea County is thriving, and nothing captures the spirit of our region like the community events we host. Events play a vital role in strengthening local communities like ours by transforming everyday, familiar spaces into lively destinations where we can gather, connect, and celebrate what makes our area unique.
We have seen this in action with the recent success of some of Lea County’s most popular events. In late May, Lovington Mainstreet’s Smokin’ on the Plaza transformed the downtown area into a barbecue lover’s dream, complete with an International Barbeque Cookers Association-sanctioned cook-off. Celebrating its fourteenth year, Smokin’ on the Plaza has become a Lea County tradition and an event our community looks forward to year after year. Similarly, the Downtown Improvement Association (DIA) Hobbs Night Markets have proven to be staples in Hobbs, offering residents the chance to enjoy live music and bingo while providing small businesses and local vendors with the opportunity to reach larger crowds.
With summer officially here, the calendar is packed with fun, family-friendly activities. Independence Day celebrations planned include Lovington’s Party in the Park, Tatum’s Splash Volleyball event, Jal’s Food, Fun and Fireworks celebration, Eunice’s Fireworks at the Lake, and the Hobbs fireworks display event. Kicking off the month of August is the 89th Annual Lea County Fair and Rodeo, while we wrap up the month with a car show, concerts, and family activities at Hobbs August Nites.
While events like these help to bring us together, they are also a driving force for our local economy. Festivals, concerts, and markets bring in visitors from outside the area who spend money at local businesses like restaurants, shops, and hotels, helping to boost sales, create jobs, and even generate more local tax revenue. Patty Collins, CEO of the Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, said, “Community events play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of promoting commerce, community, and character in Hobbs. These events bring people together, support local businesses, and create the kind of vibrant economy that helps our entire community thrive.”
To help you keep track of it all, LifeInLea.com is your go-to hub for events across Lea County. More than just a calendar, it’s a one-stop shop for all the details on the incredible events happening right here in our community.
There truly is so much to do in Lea County. By supporting and attending community events, we’re not just filling up our calendars — we’re investing in a healthier, more vibrant, and more connected Lea County. We can’t wait to see you out enjoying all that our community has to offer.
Carol Crossland is a Program Officer at the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation focused on cultivating big-picture possibilities in Lea County, New Mexico. Through its investments, scholarship program, and leadership institute, the JF Maddox Foundation has transformed the Lea County community, creating opportunities for residents to thrive for generations.
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