​February 15, 2020, is Territorial Charter Day and Silver City MainStreet will participate in the celebration with the third Urban Challenge Fun Run in downtown Silver City. The run is approximately a 5K and both families and serious runners are encouraged to register with the goal of having fun in downtown Silver City. “We had families and even some dogs on the run last year, states Patrick Hoskins, Board President of Silver City MainStreet. We want more residents to come downtown and see what is here and this is a fun way to do that and celebrate our Territorial Charter.”
Silver City MainStreet is collaborating with WNMU and Coach Macario Campos with sponsorship from the Town of Silver City on the fun run.  The Urban Challenge fun run will wind through the historic district and will start under the downtown archway and end at the Market Street walking bridge. The first 100 registered runners will receive a t-shirt and the entry fee is three cans of food that will be donated to the Grant County Community and WNMU Food Pantries.
 
“Coach Campos and his team from WNMU were great to work with last year and everyone had a good time. Runners gave us great feedback and it was fun to see entire families including parents with babies in strollers participate, states Hoskins. We look forward to having another great race and festive day. You can walk, run or skip the course - it’s a fun run, but it is timed and medals will be awarded for each age category.”
 
The race starts at 9 am with registration open at 8 am at the Visitor Center located at 201 N. Hudson St. To register for the 5K Urban Challenge Fun Run please email [email protected] or stop by the Silver City MainStreet office located in the Visitor Center at 201 N. Hudson St.
 
The mission of Silver City MainStreet is "To encourage a vibrant, historic downtown Silver City which is recognized as the heart of our diverse community." Please visit our website, www.silvercitymainstreet.com to learn more.

​The Mimbres Region Arts Council presents Chocolate Fantasia on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 11am to 4pm.  Spend the day with your sweetheart or family as you stroll around historic Silver City sampling gourmet chocolate confections.
 
Visitors will find more than 25 downtown merchants and galleries decorated in the spirit of this year’s theme, Cupid Carnaval, and distributing chocolates. Tasting tickets offering 20 tastes for $25 are on sale now. Proceeds from the event benefit arts education programs for children in the area.
 
“Silver City has its own unique charm. Add in gourmet, handmade chocolate confections, and you’ll see why February is a sweet time to come visit,” said Kevin Lenkner, Executive Director of the Mimbres Region Arts Council. “Chocolate Fantasia is one of our most anticipated annual events. We encourage those interested in attending to purchase tickets early as the event sells out each year. ”
 
Empty Valentine boxes will be available for $3 each while supplies last at Chocolate Fantasia Headquarters; Family Karate Center, 416 N. Bullard Street.
 
Ticket holders can cast their People’s Choice votes for best chocolates and best business decorations on the back of their tasting tickets, and then, once they have finished collecting their chocolates, turn in their tickets by 3 pm at any of the host sites. 
 
Awards for best decorations and chocolates will be given out at the closing ceremonies at 4:30 PM at the Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery.  
 
Proceeds from Chocolate Fantasia are used to fund youth outreach programs including the Youth Mural Program and Arte Para Todos. These programs are free to children in the area as a way for the Mimbres Region Arts Council to provide access and opportunity to anyone wanting to participate in meaningful arts experiences.
 
“Whether you visit just for Chocolate Fantasia or come for the whole weekend, Silver City and the surrounding area offer plenty to see and do,” added Lenkner.
 
For more information on all there is to see and do in Silver City, or to plan your visit, go to www.visitsilvercity.org. For tickets or more information on the Chocolate Fantasia, visit https://www.chocolatefantasia.org.

A true cross-section of the Silver City, New Mexico community – young, old, ranchers, farmers, hikers, bikers, professors, miners, students, and more – as well as visitors will come together for the 8th annual Silver City CLAY Festival Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. The Tournament will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 3-10 pm at the Murray Hotel Ballroom at 200 West Broadway in downtown Silver City.
 
Local poker aficionado, King Crowder, will host for the second year in a row. Players will play Texas Hold ‘Em through the afternoon and evening, enjoying one of the world’s most popular forms of poker.
 
“First, the people that play are gracious, fun, and entertaining,” said James Pagels, who has played in the tournament every year. “Second is the community spirit involved. The time and effort dedicated is awe-inspiring. Lastly, the poker is competitive and fun – it’s always a joy to donate to the local efforts!”
 
Popular since its inception during the CLAY Festival’s inaugural year, the tournament is a draw for both locals and visitors, and many participants have returned year after year.
 
James’ wife Bailey, who has seen him play in the Tournament every year, comments that, “for folks who take poker seriously, but like to have a good time, this game is the game of the year. The prizes are always worth the climb to the top.”
 
Players will be placed at round tables in the Murray Hotel Ballroom, a new venue for this beloved event, and will play Texas Hold ‘Em until only ten players remain. The final ten players will choose among prizes, including a stay at a Flagstaff condo resort with a golf course and swimming pool. Seats are limited for the Tournament, and players may register at https://clayfestival.com/2020-poker-tournament-registration until all spots are filled.
 
“It’s one of the few times you really see a broad mix of our community together,” said Lee Gruber, founder of the CLAY Festival. “People sit down to play poker, to play a game – it’s a pleasure to see.”
 
When you play, you can have fun and rejoice in supporting Silver City’s CLAY Festival. For more information, visit www.CLAYfestival.com.