The Ruidoso Festival of Lights celebrates its 10th season this year and The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to rejoice. This event was created in 2001 with intention of expanding the holiday tourism season. Existing and new events are promoted enticing visitors to come to Ruidoso for a weekend getaway and to enjoy the events, shopping and skiing during all of November, December and January. This community event has had various promoters over the years that have created a wonderful tradition for Ruidoso for residents and tourists alike.

Inviting new visitors and repeat weekenders is accomplished with various advertising. This year’s media plan includes radio promotion in El Paso targeting the 18-45 audience including Ft. Bliss troops. With the assistance of the Ruidoso Tourism Department, the Chamber produced several billboards in Albuquerque. Nine digital images rotate on four separate boards in high traffic areas. Two of the boards feature the Parade Of Lights Parade Marshall, Steve Stucker of KOB Eyewitness News 4 and two of the boards show Ski Apache’s incredible skiing opportunities. The remaining boards highlight some of the major events during Festival of Lights.

As skiing is a staple for Ruidoso, it will continue to be a cornerstone of any winter promotions for Ruidoso. The Chamber’s advertising message concurs with that of chamber member, Ron Andersen of Wild West Ski Shop, “Here in the Southwest we are also blessed with some of the best snowboarding and skiing weather anywhere in the world.  The snowfall in the Southwest varies each year, but with snowmaking you can still enjoy the winter season.”

The advertising of the Ruidoso Festival of Lights as a winter destination is also promoted through the festival’s partners. The Ruidoso Valley Greeters produced newspaper and print advertising and Spencer Theater provided internet marketing. Fifteen thousand rack cards were distributed throughout Albuquerque, Southeastern NM and West Texas and were included in direct mail to targeted customers. Regional radio on MTD stations hit the 4 hour drive market. This advertising supplements the broader and further reaching scope of the Ruidoso Tourism Department.

The Chamber is please to be a part of such an incredible program that brings customers through the doors of Ruidoso area businesses. Promotion from businesses is encouraged by distributing rack cards and reminding friends and customers to visit www.RuidosoFestivals.com to learn more about the individual events. This website also has the application for Dec. 4 Parade of Lights, themed “Snowy with a Chance of Sparkle”. Applications for the parade are due on Wednesday, Nov. 24.