HOT DESTINATION EVENTS: APRIL

Celebrate 300 Years of Enchanting History at Albuquerque’s Tricentennial Bash

By Tonya Poole, 4-08-06

When it comes to national travel and lifestyle rankings, Albuquerque, New Mexico has spent the last decade hovering near the top of a whole lot of lists. Since 2001 alone the city was voted one of 25 “choice cities” across the nation for business by Outlook Magazine, one of the Top Five High Tech Corridors by Site Selection Magazine, one of the nation's Top 50 Tech Hubs by Business 2.0 Magazine, 5th Best Real Estate Market by Expansion Management Magazine, one of the Top Ten Art Destinations by American Style, the 4th Healthiest City in the nation by Natural Health Magazine, Most Creative Mid-Sized City by Richard Florida's “The Rise of the Creative Class”, Best City to Start a Business or Career by MSN, Super City of the Future by Expansion Management Magazine and the 10th Fittest City by Men's Health Magazine.

That's an impressive list, but the people who live and spend time here know that lists don't mean much for a community with a history as strong, palpable and vibrant as theirs has been since the city first planted its flag in the desert floor on April 23, 1706.

Later this month is a great time to pay a visit to Albuquerque as the city gears up to celebrate its unique heritage, its people, its colorful customs and its clear path into a bright future beginning with a kickoff gala on Thursday, April 20th, followed by three days of festivities to mark its tricentennial birthday. Events throughout the weekend include dramatic opera performances, a ball and banquet, hot air balloon ascension, a marathon, a fiesta and artisan market, and a birthday bash with music, dancing, comedy, food (including birthday cake) and prizes. The event closes Sunday, April 23rd, with a massive birthday candle lighting ceremony at 6pm, followed by a fire show and dance performances.

The event earned a spot on a list of its own, ranking number one in the nation for the Top 100 Events of 2006 by the American Bus Association. But we don't care about lists, right? Just head on down to Albuquerque and partake in a little cultural delight this month, and don't forget to arm yourself with the answer to the area's most pressing question: red or green?

For more information about visiting Albuquerque and its Tricentennial Birthday Bash, visit http://www.itsatrip.org.

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