2003 Festival Highlights
Step back in time with the Trinidad Santa Fe Trail Days Festival 2003, a historical extravaganza set in the beautiful El Corazon De Trinidad National Historic District. Over three lively days, visitors partook in a unique living history experience that brought the vibrant past to life. Sponsored by the Trinidad/ Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, the festival saw a plethora of vendors and businesses hailing from Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and even Alabama.
Byway Museums Byway Events
The revelry wasn't just confined to the streets; local museums played host to various events, captivating visitors with stories, reenactments, and exhibitions that painted a vivid picture of the days along the historic Santa Fe Trail. Characters from different eras mingled amidst the crowd, from rugged fur trappers to elegant Victorian merchants, adding a rich historical tapestry to the festival's ambiance.
Experiencing Pioneer Life Up-Close
Local businesses embraced the festival's theme of "Snapshot In Time" by adopting favorite eras and dressing up to match the roles of past inhabitants of the trail, enhancing their stores to match the chosen times. Long-established merchant families shared pictorials that brought the narratives of their forebears into the present, establishing a personal connection to the history of the trail.
The Culinary Delights of the Chili Cook Off
A favorite feature of the festival was undoubtedly the Chili Cook Off where the most mouth-watering chili recipes from the Southwest were on display, tantalizing the taste buds of those in attendance.
Musical Entertainment and Cultural Immersion
Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed the sounds of traditional Mariachis and continuous live music. Performances at the Coal Miners Memorial Park bandstand included an array of artists, such as the Chuck Cusimano Band, Vientos, and Colores de Tiempo Dance troop among others, offering a diverse musical journey through time and culture.
Living History Presentations
The Trinidad History Museum complex enriched the festival with living history presentations. Professional actors re-enacted key historical figures, while hands-on activities like wool dying, weaving, and adobe brick making allowed for an immersive educational experience for all ages.
Children's Activities and Entertainment
A special children's area provided entertainment and learning opportunities alike. From climbing walls to alpaca petting zoos, skateboard demos, and pioneer games, there was no shortage of activities for the little ones. Children were encouraged to engage with history, through presentational talks and interactive experiences that stimulated their curiosity about the past.
Classic Car and Bike Showcase
A dazzling array of vehicles from different eras were on display in the car and bike show, spanning the spectrum from classic to contemporary, adding mechanical wonder to the rich historical experience.
Travel Meets Time Travel
The Trinidad Santa Fe Trail Days Festival 2003 offered more than just a window into the past – it served as a unique travel experience that combined the thrill of a road trip with the magic of time travel. It's a testament to how historical events can not only educate but also provide an unforgettable journey through the sights, sounds, and tastes of history. As travelers yearn for meaningful and engaging experiences, events like this festival promise to be the destinations that leave lasting impressions on their journey through life.