It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in mesilla-valley, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are”
“Phenomenal staff. Attentive. Caring. Professional. They match caregivers perfectly based on our needs. 10/10 I”
“Great company to work with they super nice I just wish I have more hours”
“Mrs. Grace C. Is the sweetest person working at/for Always Best Care is an amazing”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and”
“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always”
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents.”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents.”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome”
“I am a current client of this provider Our family is been so pleased with the”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are caring and gentle with her, very attentive to her needs and show this is more than just a job, it's a calling for them. Their behind the scenes staff are outstanding, great in communication and flexibility. We really appreciate ABC and would give them more stars if we could!”
“I'm so impressed with the care my Mom has received from ABC! Their staff are caring and gentle with her, very attentive to her needs and show this is more than just a job, it's a calling for them. Their behind the scenes staff are outstanding, great in communication and flexibility. We really appreciate ABC and would give them more stars if we could!”
“Phenomenal staff. Attentive. Caring. Professional. They match caregivers perfectly based on our needs. 10/10 I will talk about them to everyone I know. Las Cruces was in dire need for a Senior Care group who truly does have a passion for us.”
“Great company to work with they super nice I just wish I have more hours and they are super understandable, I don’t want to go :( I just need more hours”
“Mrs. Grace C. Is the sweetest person working at/for Always Best Care is an amazing Experience. Thank you Grace for the wonderful support u give.. She is great at communicating! Thank you for the Extra care giver TRAINING.”
“The staff at Always Best took great care of my older sister. They were kind and compassionate. They went out of their several times to take care of her, and they were very respectful and responsive to our concerns. I would highly recommend using them.”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism and competence that make them a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommended!”
“The staff at this establishment are top notch. They boast an impressive level of professionalism and competence that make them a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommended!”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are A1, providers are exceptional and staff is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t say enough but positive feedback. Will really recommend this company for all your senior needs and services.”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are A1, providers are exceptional and staff is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t say enough but positive feedback. Will really recommend this company for all your senior needs and services.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and love spending time with the elderly and there families!!”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and love spending time with the elderly and there families!!”
“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always come through with providing the best quality home care for your loved one! I highly recommend them for senior care services! They truly deserve the name of, “Always Best Care Senior Services of El Paso.””
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the elderly. They are so helpful. There is no one else that I would rather work with.”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome and friendly staff. Highly recommend!”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers and family to make sure we have the equipment and support we need. They truly stand by their name. If your looking for a care agency for your loved ones. Look no further because I truly enjoy working for them and I know they hire caregivers who love their job. Patients are our number one concern and the care we provide should be the best. I have learned so much working for ABC Senior Services and I’m grateful for their support.”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help seniors in making their lives a little easier!”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents. Their commitment to client care and integrity of their staff make families of loved ones feel completely at ease. Thank you!”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very personable. My father-in-law just turned 100 and my mother-in-law is 96, and together they can be a handful. I would highly recommend Always Best Care, without any hesitation.”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very personable. My father-in-law just turned 100 and my mother-in-law is 96, and together they can be a handful. I would highly recommend Always Best Care, without any hesitation.”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers and family to make sure we have the equipment and support we need. They truly stand by their name. If your looking for a care agency for your loved ones. Look no further because I truly enjoy working for them and I know they hire caregivers who love their job. Patients are our number one concern and the care we provide should be the best. I have learned so much working for ABC Senior Services and I’m grateful for their support.”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help seniors in making their lives a little easier!”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents. Their commitment to client care and integrity of their staff make families of loved ones feel completely at ease. Thank you!”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome and friendly staff. Highly recommend!”
“I am a current client of this provider Our family is been so pleased with the care and attention we have received for our Mother. Our worries when we cannot be near both our parents has dwindled to almost nothing. We are very happy that we decided on Always Best Care. The people that help us are an excellent team that work with us and keep the lines of communication open. The y always have answers to our questions and make the whole family feel safe. Thanks again A.B.Care. The Rodriguez Family”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of attention to detail is extraordinary. The services they offer not only to seniors but to our community is unmatched. If you are searching for someone that can get the job done effectively, look no further. I highly recommend doing business with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in mesilla-valley, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in mesilla-valley, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in mesilla-valley, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Hot air balloons will launch for the first time in 14 years in Las Cruces.The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally will take flight Jan. 17-19 in the Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces. There will be 20 full-size balloons and 15 radio-controlled balloons. A radio-controlled balloon is a smaller version of a hot air balloon, typically about a quarter of the size of a regular hot air balloon.The rally starts with a free, family-friendly event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, with a balloon glow showcasing the radio-controlled balloons....
Hot air balloons will launch for the first time in 14 years in Las Cruces.
The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally will take flight Jan. 17-19 in the Downtown Plaza de Las Cruces. There will be 20 full-size balloons and 15 radio-controlled balloons. A radio-controlled balloon is a smaller version of a hot air balloon, typically about a quarter of the size of a regular hot air balloon.
The rally starts with a free, family-friendly event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, with a balloon glow showcasing the radio-controlled balloons.
A few vendors will be present with food and drinks for purchase.
A mass ascension of full-sized and the radio-controlled balloons will be around 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, from the southwest lot of the Field of Dreams, 2300 Tashiro Drive. An evening glow event will occur around 5:30 p.m., where the full-sized and radio-controlled balloons will show off their colors.
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The rally will wrap up at 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, with another sunrise mass ascension from the Field of Dreams at approximately 7 a.m. Spectators will have one last chance at seeing the balloons take flight.
The event is spearheaded by lead organizer Christine Castillas, a native of Las Cruces who moved away and came back in 2023 with a vision to restart the wonderful experience with her fiance?e.
“We are so excited to bring the official Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally back to Las Cruces,” Castillas said.
The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally started in 1977 with just 13 balloons. In 1985, it was named the Whole Enchilada Balloon Rally but was renamed to its current title in 1988. The last rally was held in 2011, making it 14 years since balloons took to Las Cruces skies.
Castillas and the MVBR organizers hope to engage and encourage the community to attend the events.
“I’m already looking forward to 2026. We’re talking about what to do differently and some things that are going really well that we want to improve upon,” Castillas said.
Spectators are encouraged to join the MVBR for a fun, free and scenic weekend. There are no public rides available for this event. Attendees are welcome to bring their own seating and on-leash pets are allowed at the owner’s discretion. For more information visit, mesillavalleyballoonrally.weebly.com
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Mari?a Corte?s Gonza?lez may be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected]; @EPTMaria on Twitter.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — After a 14-year hiatus, the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is making its return to Las Cruces from Jan. 17- 19.The three-day event will take place at the Las Cruces Downtown Plaza and the Field of Dreams.The balloon rally, which first made its way to the air in 1977, with only 13 balloons.The event is being led by Las Cruces native Christine Casillas. Casillas expressed her excitement about reintroducing a hidden gem to the community."To have the community come together is...
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — After a 14-year hiatus, the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is making its return to Las Cruces from Jan. 17- 19.
The three-day event will take place at the Las Cruces Downtown Plaza and the Field of Dreams.
The balloon rally, which first made its way to the air in 1977, with only 13 balloons.
The event is being led by Las Cruces native Christine Casillas. Casillas expressed her excitement about reintroducing a hidden gem to the community.
"To have the community come together is absolutely special for this event," Casillas said.
Nuvia Aguera, a marketing specialist at Visit Las Cruces, said she hopes Casilla's determination to bring back the balloon rally sets an example for future events in the city.
"I hope she inspires many others. You know, if anyone else has any good ideas, if they have something they want to get off the ground, we are more than happy to kind of work with them, maybe help promote it and market it. That's where we are," Aguero said.
Event organizers are taking precautions as winds are expected to pick up starting Friday.
Casillas said the team is constantly monitoring weather and wind conditions to ensure pilots and their crews can launch and fly the hot air balloons safely.
One of the pilots in the event, Tom Gardner, said it's crucial to only fly under safe conditions.
"You know, a wind of five or six miles an hour is a comfortable way to fly in or less as they get higher. For us to fly in high winds really increases the risk and it's just not a good idea," Gardner said.
If wind conditions remain calm, the event will kick off on Friday afternoon from 6:00-9:00 a.m. on Friday at the downtown Plaxa de Las Cruces with a balloon glow showcasing RC balloons.
Saturday morning with a mass ascension featuring full-sized RC balloons at 7:00 a.m. at the Field of Dreams at 2300 Tashiro Dr.
On Saturday afternoon people can also attend the showing at 5:30 p.m.
The last chance to see the balloons will be Sunday, January 19, with another sunrise mass ascension at approximately 7 a.m. from the Field of Dreams.
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Visit Las Cruces photoPosted Thursday, January 16, 2025 12:29 pm David Salcido Las Cruces BulletinWhen was the last time the morning skies over Las Cruces were festooned with gayly colored balloons, suspended like bubbles across the valley? You’d be right if you said 14 years: That’s how long it’s been since the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally did a launch from the City of the Crosses, but that’s about to change. The rally is back, over the weekend of January 17-19, and this time around, they&rsqu...
Visit Las Cruces photo
Posted Thursday, January 16, 2025 12:29 pm
David Salcido Las Cruces Bulletin
When was the last time the morning skies over Las Cruces were festooned with gayly colored balloons, suspended like bubbles across the valley? You’d be right if you said 14 years: That’s how long it’s been since the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally did a launch from the City of the Crosses, but that’s about to change. The rally is back, over the weekend of January 17-19, and this time around, they’re bringing technology with them.
“One of the reasons we’re doing this is because we have full-sized balloons, but also the smaller radio-controlled balloons,” said Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally organizer Christine Casillas. “Those are amazing, because they function like full-sized balloons, and we’re hoping that will bring in a whole new generation.”
That last part is a valid concern. The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally had its humble beginning in 1977, with 13 balloons, but by the time the 21st century rolled around, it was second only to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in size and scope. Yet by the close of the first decade, there were fewer balloons and attendance was dropping off. Many of the stalwarts of the event were retiring and there didn’t seem to be any new blood to pick up the slack. A hiatus ensued.
Casillas took on the daunting task of resurrecting the beloved event because she has memories of growing up and chasing balloons with her mother and sister. She’s also engaged to a balloon pilot of 40 years and attends rallies all across the country. Her decision to bring the rally back to Las Cruces was a natural evolution.
“It just needed somebody to organize it, and I had the crazy idea that I could do it,” she said. Securing the sponsorships of Visit Las Cruces and New Mexico True made the crazy idea a reality.
“If Visit Las Cruces had not helped us, I’m not sure we could have pulled it off. We would have had to wait until 2026,” Casillas said. She is quick to point out, however, that this rally is not a one-woman operation. There were a lot of local enthusiasts who jumped at the chance to bring the rally back.
“I’m doing this as a balloon enthusiast, but it’s not just me,” Casillas said. “We have a whole platoon of people who are helping to organize it, all working as volunteers. I have people from Deming and Alamogordo coming in to volunteer. My original vision for this rally was to have it as local as possible, which included all of the areas surrounding Las Cruces.”
The next step in the resurrection was bringing in the balloons.
“We have balloonists coming in from Albuquerque, Missouri, Arizona, and beyond,” Casillas said. “We have hot air balloons for all tastes. We have 20 full-sized balloons set to fly on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We also have 15 remote radio-controlled balloons.”
And finally, vendors to supply the amenities like food and drink.
“I’ve got some good vendors who will be working hard during the rally,” said Casillas. “I’ve got Francy Emilade, who has a huge following. She does the most amazing hot chocolate, ciders and lemonade. Organ Mountain Graphics will be doing kettle corn. Esteban’s Mexican Food will be bringing breakfast burritos and gorditas. We’ll also have beef jerky, and non-alcoholic Bloody Marys and margaritas.”
With everything in place, the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally is set to thrill valley denizens once again with the stunning sight of colorful balloons floating languidly across the morning sky. But first, there’s the kickoff from 7-9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, when the radio-controlled balloons will gather and glow in the downtown Plaza de Las Cruces.
The next morning, around 7 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, the first morning ascension will take place at the Field of Dreams. The full-sized balloons will inflate and launch from the southwest dirt lot. The radio-controlled balloons will put on their show in the west parking lot.
Later that evening at sunset, around 5:30 p.m., the parking lots will once again be ground zero for the Evening Glow, where both the full-sized and the radio-controlled balloons will light up the night in a magical display of color. The final ascension occurs at sunrise, around 7 a.m., on Sunday, Jan. 19, once again at the Field of Dreams, in a repeat of Saturday’s lift off.
Of course, all of this is dependent on clear weather. If it’s too windy (more than 10 mph, according to the website), or if there are storms within 50 miles, most pilots will not risk flying. The forecast for the weekend is clear and sunny, but only the gods of the desert know for sure, and the pilots have the final say.
With luck, this will be only the beginning for the next chapter in the saga of the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. One of Casillas’ and her fiancé, John’s, goals is to continue building interest between festivals, and that means building up the pilot population in the area. In this respect, the future is looking bright for the couple. Interest in ballooning, it seems, is on the rise again.
“There used to be a lot more pilots living in Las Cruces, but a lot of them moved away, or retired,” she reminds us. “It’s just a matter of having an instructor who is available. In order to be able to instruct, a pilot needs a commercial rating. Once that’s achieved, they can take on students, who in turn can log instruction hours. So, having a commercial-rated pilot in the area is crucial. There are actually a lot of young pilots coming in. One of John’s students is in his 30s, and another is in his 20s. And we just met three more students over the weekend, and they’re all young.”
The Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally lifts eyes to the skies Jan. 17-19, first at the Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main St., then at the Field of Dreams, 2300 Tashiro Drive. For more information, visit the website at MesillaValleyBalloonRally.weebly.com
Mesilla Valley, Balloon Rally, events
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