Zia Festival – The Best of New Mexico-Bred Racing & Vendors

The Zia Festival is set to return to Ruidoso Downs Race Track from July 30 to August 1, 2021. The top New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses will compete for nearly $1 Million in purse money on the race track. Plus, scores of New Mexico arts and craft vendors make their annual appearance inside the grandstand of the race track and in a giant tent located next to Billy the Kid Casino.

“It’s a lot about shopping and being able to purchase unique pieces,” Kana Laymon said. She’s been putting together the group of approximately 100 artists and vendors that will exhibit at this year’s Zia Festival.

“Our goal is to present a wide variety of artists and vendors for the Zia Festival so that there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Laymon. “We expanded our tent this year to include even more vendors, and they are bringing a fantastic selection of products. We have worked very hard to present a quality festival for the fans.”

There will also be free activities for kids, and admission is free for the entire event. Festival hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and booths will be located in the tent as well as in the grandstand.  

Zia Festival Tent Vendors

HATCH CHILE COUNTRY: New to Ruidoso, this great store brings authentic Hatch chile products to Ruidoso year-round direct from their family farm in Hatch, NM. They offer award-winning salsa and many other chile products including frozen green chile, chile sauces, dried red chile, red and green chile powder. Many other items including chile ristras, hot sauces, chile jelly, dip mixes, jams, honey, and other gourmet chile items are available. They will have the Chile the Kid t-shirts!

GO WEST BOUTIQUE: They are a mobile boutique and have a nice large selection of boutique clothing, turquoise jewelry, shirts, and shoes. Charlotte Piersol is from Midland Texas.

RUSTIC ROSE CLOSET: Tammy Manicki is from Las Cruces New Mexico she also comes to the Zia with her mobile boutique offering unique woodcut earrings, caps, and shoes.

HANG’N HEARTS CLOSET: Has a nice selection of boutique and unique clothing. Esmerelda Medina is bringing her mobile boutique to the Zia Festival for the first time.

COWBOY CANDLES: Ken Petree has been making fabulous hand-poured candles for many years as well as creating unique New Mexican leather artwork.

ROCKIN’ RCR CRAFTS: Roger Rutherford is a woodworker from Las Cruces. He will be showcasing his wood signs and handmade wood crosses.

ALL BISMUTH: Daniel Turner is a unique jeweler from Rio Rancho, NM. He is the creator of rare metal Bismuth jewelry, cabochons, art pieces, geodes, and much more.  Using this very rare material to form one-of-a-kind products in its natural state that defies the laws of nature in its crystal structure forms.  Bismuth is a very rare metal that when isolated and formed creates unique crystal structures that look like fractals and choose different colors on its own while it oxidizes.  No 2 pieces can ever be the same guaranteeing that each owner has a one-of-a-kind piece.

BEARS FOR KIDS, MOBILE: Ben Sanford will be bringing his stuffing machine and lots of friends who are looking for children that need a customized stuffed bear. We provide all ages with a mobile build your own stuffed animal experience!  Our mission is to make memories and to deliver smiles to both the young and the young at heart, one stuffed animal at a time.

CHARMING CHIMES & GIFTS: LaDonna Johnson with be bringing her unique handcrafted wind chimes, handcrafted from various repurposed and new items. All are one-of-a-kind creations.

BRANDED DESERT BOUTIQUE: Chelsea McGinnis is from Deming, NM. She will be bringing her yummy candied pecans, freeze-dried fruit, as well as leather and jewelry creations.

THE FARMERS DAUGHTER METAL ART: They will be offering plasma cut wood and metal signs and garden décor. Also has wood flags and crosses. Debbie is returning to Zia Festival from Alamogordo, NM

TWISTED CHARM BOUTIQUE: We are a traveling western women’s boutique! We specialize in keeping up with the funky western fashion trends while keeping our unique touches! We are well known for our trendy graphic tee’s as well as our genuine leather tooled purses

WORTINGTON FARMS: is a small 10-acre pecan farm that sells innovative pecan merchandise.  We process our own pecans from our 245 trees into flavored pecans, yummy baked goods, oils, an array of beauty products, plus so much more.  Enjoy your shopping experience and pick up something special for you or someone you love

JAD Custom Engraving & Handmade Western Goods:   Jack Allen has worked on multiple ranches throughout the southwest, he is an accomplished horseman. He and his high school sweetheart wife enjoy living the western lifestyle. He has been tool engraving sterling silver for over 30 years. He learned the trade from his father after working together for 6 years. He also creates hand-tooled leather goods. There will be a great selection of unique hand-engraved sterling silver jewelry

 Blue Quail Designs:   We are a family ran Mom and Pop shop, that has grown to be the largest southwest jewelry and art store in Texas. Very unique authentic Native American jewelry and western art can be found in our booth

Capitan 4H Club: These teens are raising funds to do projects in the coming school year and will be offering free face painting for kids by the activity area just inside the tent. They will also be accepting donations to help fund those future projects.

Guatemala and More Imports: Will Sican of Santa Fe presents his selection of handmade belts, quilts, hammocks, and other originals imported from Guatemala. He also features products from artists that live in the Santa Fe art community.

High Mesa Kettle Korn:  Steve Highfill will be serving up some fresh, sweet, and salty Kettle Corn. One taste and you will be hooked.  He has been perfecting his corn for 5 years. He can be found at events throughout New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. 10% of profits go towards helping restore the old mission in La Mesa, NM that was built in 1846.

 JAD Custom Engraving & Handmade Western Goods: Jack and Dominique Allen are the owners and engravers behind JAD Custom Engraving.  Jack has been engraving in the traditional western bright cut style for over 30 years while Dominique has been engraving for a couple of years.  Almost all of their jewelry is solid sterling silver but Dominique has engraved a few copper items.
Make sure you check out their booth while you’re at Zia fest and purchase a stunning piece to add to your collection.

Pepper Springs Out West:  Ronnie and Jennie Hanson offer high-quality dip mixes using only the finest ingredients; they are gluten and sodium-free. They also offer Cactus Jelly and saltwater taffy like you remember when you were a kid.

Pepitos Shop: Jose Chavira offers Mexican-made blankets, ponchos, serapes, and jewelry from across the border.

The Queens Southern Charm: Our Mother-daughter owned boutique creates affordable southern charm. We strive to incorporate God & family while we help you find exactly what you are looking for. We offer affordable prices for all shapes & sizes with styles that will make every woman feel beautiful inside & out. Shopping with us is easy and you will be treated like the queen that you are!

Renee’s Smore Stuff: Offers Christmas in July and all year round. They have vintage Christmas, collector Hallmark ornaments, come fill in your collection. She also offers Halloween, Lionel train, and Coca-Cola collectibles. When you think Christmas in July stop by and see what your tree is missing.

Shanto and Cradleboard Ranch: Fred Resler sells traditional Native American jewelry, silk scarves, Navajo rugs, and western-style art.

 Wildorado Silverworks: For Zia Festival patrons who love silver, this is a booth you don’t want to miss. All jewelry is hand-cut from antique silver coins with each piece having the mint date listed on the back. The dates are 1964 or earlier since that was the last year silver coins were minted with 90-percent metal. Each authentic piece is American history.

  Zia Knives: Les Purcella creates custom handmade knives; all of the knife components are handcrafted. Many of the blades are engraved with wildlife and livestock scenes. The unique handles are created with a wide variety of exotic woods.

Zoo Lou’s: Stephanie Perkins specializes in full-size women’s clothing ranging from custom-made baseball shirts to full-lace dresses. She also custom designs and manufactures purses made from leather, ostrich, cowhide, and saddle blankets. Everything is one-of-a-kind including a wide selection of jewelry and accessories.

Hidden Treasures: Kelly Wagner with Hidden Treasures We have a little of everything from Myra bags, these are great bags made from cowhide and canvas in all sizes. I also have lots of jewelry and sterling silver rings for only $20. And if your needing pictures I have great horses and cow pigs 40x40 and smaller. I have refreshers and hats, even koozies with Handel's for your cups and cans

Café Con Leache: will be located just outside the tent with some great items to help get rid of your growling tummy, they will have yummy hot, hamburgers, burritos, and nachos. As well as cool drinks.

 Romero’s Sombreros: James Z. Romero is a custom hat fitter. He has traveled around New Mexico for 30 years being a mobile Hatter to numerous events and fiestas. He takes great pride in his hat work. And can make a man feel like an" Hombre” He is a disabled Marine Corps veteran and a proud hat fitter. He can make the Hat look good and feel good.

Dyanne Silver: The horse - a symbol of grace and beauty and the warrior running wild to set its soul free. To honor this magnificent creature, Dyanne Silver, the highly acclaimed and Award-winning jewelry designer from Sedona Arizona has created a new collection for the Zia Festival beckoning you to let your own spirit run wild!!!

Bear Hugs and Beads: A hobby of sewing and stuffing Bears for family and friends as gifts, turned into a small at-home business by Rosa and daughter, Brittny.  Making Memorial Bear Hugs out of loved one’s cherished garments.  Enjoying the reaction of people as they spot a 13" Bear Hug made with their favorite sports teams, cartoon characters, color, flowers, military and/or profession themes.

Laura's House of Gems: You will find lots of beautiful, inspired accessories catering to the Expressive Woman with discriminating taste. My booth showcases handcrafted jewelry items featuring semi-precious gems, natural stones, pearls, and fine metals - along with exquisite hand-painted silk garments and accessories. I am dedicated to making quality pieces crafted from quality materials and offered at affordable prices. I love creating fashion treasures that enhance your own vitality, beauty, style, and charisma.

Heaven Cents: is a family-operated business. We started this business a little over 5 years ago, and have never looked back. We carry a mixture of items such as; shirts, freshies, travel bags, home decor and much more! We are always changing our merchandise, so we are continually bringing new and fresh products! We enjoy meeting new people, traveling to new places, and making new friends! 

Royal Boutique: Tim and Leti are the owners of this small business, from Odessa, Texas. It was established in 2017. We cater to children because they need a place to shop also

Ruth’s Canvas Creations: Ruth has been creating unique plastic canvas items for several years. Items such as tissue boxes, coasters, and door hangers.

Accents West:  A family business for over 30 years. Accents West is dedicated to bringing the highest quality Zapotec weavings from Oaxaca Mexico directly to you at affordable prices. Every one of our rugs, pillows, runners, or hangings is crafted on a loom out of 100% wool, hand-dyed, and hand-woven in the traditions of the Zapotec people. Based out of Austin, we are a father and son duo that makes it our mission to help you come to love our Zapotec weavings and their incredibly talented weavers as much as we do.

Liberty Rings by Erich: I take great pride in the historic art of coin crafting. For centuries, people from countries around the world have taken historic, detailed or memorable coins and crafted those into memorable wearables or items. Being a coin crafter, I enjoy preserving history by crafting Unique, historic wearables which will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Maggi Mae’s: is a small business started in June of 2020 by Maggi Loudermilk a local gal from Roswell, NM. She takes part in many pop-up events throughout New Mexico and Texas sharing her creations of handmade jewelry, leather goods, and hand-painted items! Maggi Mae’s offers much more as she can customize on the spot. Turquoise is her everything!

Lilla Rose Hair Heroes: Everyone puts their hair up sometimes, especially when the temperatures are hot!  But you don’t want a headache or to adjust your hair all day long. What we do is give people solutions to fast, easy, pain-free hair in seconds, that looks amazing.  We have quality hair solutions that last for the thinnest to the thickest hair.

 K and C Naturals: Carol Caldwell creates handcrafted natural skincare and aromatherapy products for people and pets. Our motto is "Allergies shouldn't define you! “That’s why our products are made with 100% pure essential oils and carrier oils. Women-owned and family operated since 2017.

Danielle's Craft Corner/ Broken Spoke crafts: We are a mother-daughter duo who love making handmade and custom crafts. Some of our items include Hand-painted wood slice coasters and ornaments, stained glass bike wheels, and bowl cozies. We look forward to meeting new customers and creating new personalized items! 

Valiant Dezigns: Yureima Ramirez is a small business owner with a love for art and crafting. Her work features beautiful pine-wood welcome signs to adorn the front of your home, with many different designs and colors to choose from as well as personalized items.  She's happy to put any logo, horse name, or even your favorite quote on a board so that you may display it anywhere in your business or home. Come by and visit Valiant Dezigns, we will be absolutely thrilled to meet you

Sandra Pinon Jewelry: Creating jewelry became a therapeutic outlet after discovering my son has a lifelong disability. From that sad moment in my life, came my love for jewelry design and craftsmanship. I hand make each one of my designs. From maneuvering the metals to setting the stones and finishing, each piece is individually fashioned with attention to detail. My customers appreciate the quality of workmanship. I strive to provide them pieces they will treasure for a lifetime and perhaps pass down to the next generation.

West Texas Jewelry: I am Shawnell Robinson Ayres I am a third-generation artesian and a second-generation metal worker. Even though I started my silversmithing late in life it is my passion. Mostly self-taught I have items for all from five to five hundred dollars.

Granny & Granddaughter’s: will offer gourmet salsa that will add savory & spices to your favorite meal. Candied Jalapeno, our best seller will have your mouth watering for sweeter & spicier. Looking to spice up your morning breakfast? We got the perfect Jam for you, “Apple Butter". Everything is amazing, try it today.

Color Street: nail polish strips come in a vast array of colors and nail art designs. Our one-strip wonder takes the hassle, dry time, and mess out of doing your nails. Our chip-resistant strips contain base coat, color coat, and topcoat all-in-one! The result:  a salon-quality manicure in minutes whether you're at home or on the go!  Stop by our booth and meet your stylist Theresa Gomez

Texas Treasures: Owned by Don and Kaye Rice. We make and sell various blends for making dips, no-bake pies, cheese balls, and wine slush mixes. These mixes make a wonderful addition to your meals, get-togethers, and parties. Texas Treasures has been going to shows in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas for over 12 years. All of our products are handmade, by us, in our commercial kitchen. We are looking forward to being back in Ruidoso, again, and hope to see you there.

Oh, Look By Carla: Carla will be offering a nice selection of leather purses. Handcrafted leather wallets, cellphone cases, and notepad covers. They also have handcrafted wood décor, as well as other handcrafted items. All of our unique items are 100% crafted by our family. Magpie Shiny Thangs will be joining Carla. It is a Roswell-based business featuring handmade jewelry, dream catchers, painted wooden boxes, and much more.

Sheila’s Classy to Whimsy:  A unique boutique. They have been in business since 2003 and have a wide variety of merchandise. One-of-a-kind pieces of Native America Jewelry, to a handmade leather handbag. You will always find something you can’t live without and our wonderful customer service is there to help you with your choices.

Reed Woodworks: Is a husband and wife from Andrew, Texas that has worked together to build a small business.  Our business started out of a request for unusual Christmas ornaments.   We have now grown to stove top covers, painted mason jars, painted chargers, wreaths, farmhouse chandeliers, a variety of farmhouse decor, and gnomes. We do custom work as well.   

Mary and Martha: My name is Shirley C. Compton and I have been with Mary and Martha Inspirational Living for over 14 years.  The company is a subsidiary of Day Spring Christian Cards and seeks to promote inspiration and encouragement inscribed in all its products from household items, dinnerware tableware, children’s products as good well as devotional books for all ages.  Our mission is to build women up in faith and business.   Mia Bella Candles are all-natural Palm wax that burns evenly and each candle has a wonderful soft fragrance. I believe in introducing and sharing things that are natural, inspiring, and refreshing. It tends to keep our spirits in line with the "good earth" and our Creator.

Feeling Friends: Feeling friend is a small female-owned business that focuses on promoting emotional well-being in children and teens. Feeling friend is a small hand-held sensory tool that utilizes pure aromatherapy to help children and teens manage and regulate their emotions. Whether a child is needing to uplift and invigorate their body or calm and console their mind, Feeling Friend has tools, tips, and strategies for helping them along the way

Angela’s Creations: Angie loves to create unique designs in just about any medium. Decorating clothing, T-shirts, caps, ceramic mugs, shot glasses, water bottles, and home decor including burlap and wood wall hangings. Metal stamped jewelry and Christmas ornaments, including hand-cutting some designs. Come by and see my customized metal-stamped jewelry and my out-of-the-ordinary dog and cat ID tags. My etched acrylic ornaments and etched scenes for lighted bases are eye-popping

The Krazy Panda Lady: Kylee Van Meter from Alamogordo is the owner of this small craft business. She creates various items out of epoxy resin such as necklaces, keychains, ashtrays, rolling trays, and more! Each item is unique in colors combinations she tries to make items where each is not exactly the same. Epoxy resin is a very durable material that has many uses! This crafter does everything herself in the creation process and is still expanding on various items to create. 

Tupperware: Elizabeth Alexander with Tupperware- Tupperware is celebrating 75 years in business this year- She has been a representative for Tupperware for over 32 of those years. She loves Tupperware & loves helping people with all their storage & serving needs. She will have an assortment of Tupperware available for cash and carry purchase- if you are interested in anything special she can accept orders.

Slainte’: Billie Michalek is a crusty ol' Army veteran enjoying my retirement with my two fur babies Lucy and Coolie. I make unique jewelry and also sell distinctive branded jewelry.  

Tobie Mae Designs: Donya Montez has turned her love of crafting and making into Tobi Mae Designs. Based out of Lubbock, Tx, they will have a unique selection of various handcrafted items, such as screen-printed graphic t-shirts, and watercolor tumblers. Tobi Mae Designs will have lots of great gift ideas for everyone!

 Rockin’ RCR Crafts: is a husband-and-wife team that designs items for holiday and home decor. They specialize in woodworking but can create unique, one-of-a-kind items from nearly any material. Nothing they do is mass-produced so you can rest assured that each item is yours and yours only.  You can follow them on Facebook at Rockin’ RCR Crafts

Norma Leticia Espinoza & Evangelina Davila: Offering what we love best!  We make bracelets, arts, and crafts. Being diagnose with stage 4 metastatic cancer and my sister surviving ovarian cancer, we do the arts as a hobby to help us in any way. We invite you to come and check out our merchandise!

Chubby Closets: repurposes, revamps and reimagines everyday items into families of Gnomes. Created by Becky who loves to bring the little guys to life, she won't name them but she will give them a back story so that you can! Becky and her husband, Kevin are from Rio Rancho where they love to create unique things just check out their displays!

Lemonade ShakeUps: They sell fresh squeezed lemonade, limeade, Arnold palmers, and snow cones that be customized with different flavorings and toppings.

Kustom Kups: Kelly Parkinson has been making decorative stainless-steel tumblers in a variety of sizes for 5 years. Her niece introduced her to hydro dipping, and she was hooked. This year she has combined forces with Krystal Lyn Creations. They will be bringing you a large variety of handcrafted creations, key chains and of course lots of tumblers

New Mexico Desert Natural Products: is a small business store front in Sunland Park NM
We have been keeping the bees for few years and opened the store 2 years ago. We sell the raw honey harvest in NM lands which as mesquite, palo verde, wild flower, alfalfa and cotton honey. And other products related with bees. Also include hand crafts.

Nuts r Us: Sells rich quality cinnamon glazed nuts for your taste buds. Our product is gluten free and contains no oils while cooking. We have 4 ingredients which are water, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and the nut of your choice (cashew, almonds, and pecans). Come try our product we won’t let you down! They will also be carrying some new handmade items this year.

Zia Festival Grandstand Vendors

Junque N Jewels: This business features new and vintage home décor items along with jewelry, clothing, and gifts for every imagination. Daylene Huey and Tiffany Menix are longtime supporters of the community and the Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

Victorian Memories: Dina Ortega features the popular “Scentsy” candles that are flameless, wickless and smokeless candles. “The candles are perfect for every home décor,” Dina said. “You just plug them in and enjoy them inside any home.”

Silver by Dave: Dave Scott’s renowned work has been seen in many exhibits including the “Golden Boots Awards” in Beverly Hills, California. His self-taught master craftsmanship in the art of engraved and southwestern silver jewelry has become a known throughout the state of New Mexico.

Small Town Sign Shop: These New Mexico artists Vicki & Bobby Windham are from Grady New Mexico, they travel to multiple shows in the area and beyond, showcasing their handcrafted metal signs. They are also able to create a unique piece just for you. How about a decorative address sign or even a new sign for your racing stable or business

Silver Attitudes: Pat Clark features contemporary and southwest style sterling silver jewelry

La Reina Gallery: Karen Stevenson has been selling top-quality and authentic Native American jewelry for over twenty years. “We feature beautiful squash necklaces and bracelets from well-known artists in the region,” Karen said. There will also be specially-designed western t-shirts and western outfits.

Kiva Jewelry: Jose Benavidez handcrafts Native American jewelry with sterling silver and various precious stones.

Linda Manion Artistry: She grew up riding horses professionally and they became the subject of her art. Linda can take any photograph of a horse or family portrait and create a once-in-a-lifetime piece of artwork.

Quetzalli: Maria Mendoza brings a unique collection of Mexican style dresses, jewelry and various other handcrafted arts and crafts.

Traditions Past & Present: James Sandoval’s jewelry is handcrafted from Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, and Platinum. Pieces can be built with diamonds or gemstones and can be completely customized. All pieces are inlaid with a variety of stones such as Opal, Jade, Turquoise, Sugilite, Lapis, Shell, and much more. He has been featured in Cowboys and Indians Magazine and is well known in Santa fe

Horse Feathers Gifts & Engraving: offers a variety of unique gifts & collectibles. They offer over 150 different “Trail of Painted Ponies”, & other unique collectibles. They also offer unique handmade engraved signs, plaques, as well as many other unique handmade creations.

Santa Fe Furniture and Gifts: Chuck and Amy Sonnenberg have quickly become one of the “must stops” for shoppers in Lincoln County. There store located just down the road from the race track offers more than 10,000 square feet of Texas-style furniture, clothing, jewelry, and everything else in-between.