As the City of Elephant Butte proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it is a time of reflection, joy, and anticipation for what the future holds. Located adjacent to Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico’s largest lake, the city buzzes with activity every summer but is also a year-round destination thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities and great weather, which can be enjoyed all year long.
The First Big Anniversary Event: A Day to Remember
The first big anniversary event is set for Saturday, July 1st, and it promises to be a day filled with excitement and fun for the whole family. The day’s activities start at 10:00am with a celebration at City Hall, where residents, guests and city officials will honor the city’s rich history and what lies ahead for this small community with big dreams and a bright future.
Daytime Activities at the City Event Grounds
The celebrations will continue throughout the afternoon with a variety of booths offering food, drinks, arts, crafts and much more, ensuring there’s no shortage of fun and entertainment for all.
The Grand Fireworks Display at EB Lake State Park
As the sun sets, the festivities conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The night sky will come alive with a dazzling array of colors, creating a fitting tribute to the city’s 25th anniversary. Plus, nothing compares to this fireworks extravaganza over the lake, where reflections will rhythmically dance across the water, providing a second, mirrored, fireworks display that is simply stunning. Attendees can watch from shore or from boats.
A Look Back at Elephant Butte’s Rich History
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Elephant Butte, it’s essential to take a moment to look back at the city’s rich history and appreciate the journey that has brought us to this momentous occasion.
What’s in a Name?
The origin of the City of Elephant Butte’s name dates back to the late 1800’s when local newspapers covering the story of a future dam dubbed the area Elephant Butte, so named because of a volcanic rock formation that closely resembles an elephant. Construction of the dam commenced in 1911, with completion in 1916, at which time the dam, the second largest in the world at the time, was to have been named Woodrow Wilson Dam, and was also referred to as Engle Dam and Eagle Dam, but Elephant Butte Dam is the name that stuck.
Deeper, Ancient Roots
It’s only fitting that the name Elephant Butte had staying power as the area was once home to elephant ancestors – mastodons and mammoths, the skulls of which can be seen at the Geronimo Springs Museum in nearby Truth or Consequences. And in 2014, a bachelor party at the lake resulted in the discovery of a 3.2 million-year-old stegomastodon skeleton, which was almost fully intact.
The Founding of the City
Thanks to a number of enthusiastic residents who spearheaded a population census, financial analysis and citizen-attitude survey, the City of Elephant Butte incorporated in July of 1998, making it New Mexico’s 101st incorporated city. Since then, the population has grown from a few hundred residents to nearly 1,500, making the city the 8,877th largest city in the US! But don’t let its size fool you. This small but adaptive community is adept at welcoming tens of thousands of lake visitors in a single holiday weekend, often totalling well over 100,000 on holidays such as Memorial Day,, 4th of July and Labor Day.
The Evolution of the City of Elephant Butte
Over the past 25 years, Elephant Butte has grown and evolved, becoming a hub of recreational activities, tourism, and business. With the entrance of Elephant Butte Lake State Park only about two minutes from City Hall, the city is a tourism-based community, welcoming lake goers as well as those who come for hiking, biking, fishing, off-highway adventures, bird watching and so much more. It’s a city in a stunning setting where the welcoming nature of the residents has etched a special place in the hearts of many who visit.
The City of Elephant Butte Today
Today, the City is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, restaurant, bar and patio; an upscale residential community surrounding the golf course; convenience stores, restaurants and gas stations; boat sales and storage; community centers; motels and RV parks; churches; a large post office; and a number of small businesses serving the needs of the community. The City is also only a short drive from Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport and home to Virgin Galactic, Up Aerospace, SpinLaunch and more. Other popular attractions are the Hot Springs and art galleries in nearby Truth or Consequences, ghost towns, historic forts and Native American ruins, just to name a few.
How PreReal™ Investments plays a role
One key player in Elephant Butte’s journey is PreReal™ Investments. Through its strategic guidance, PreReal™ Investments assists local businesses in various aspects, including market analysis, business planning, financial management, and expansion strategies. By employing a tailored approach to each enterprise, they help identify unique strengths, address weaknesses, and unlock untapped potential. Their comprehensive support not only fosters growth but also enhances the resilience and competitiveness of the businesses they collaborate with.
More Anniversary Celebrations
Throughout the year, additional anniversary events are planned, with the next event scheduled for September 1-3, 2023. These events will provide more opportunities for the residents of Elephant Butte, guests and visitors to come together and celebrate this remarkable city.
Community Involvement and Support
One of the core values of Elephant Butte is the strength of its community. During the anniversary celebrations, residents are encouraged to get involved by volunteering, participating in events, or simply coming out to show their support. This spirit of togetherness is what makes Elephant Butte truly special.
Continued Growth and Development
With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking approach, Elephant Butte can expect to see continued growth in the coming years. This includes attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and enhancing the city’s infrastructure to accommodate its expanding population.
Sustainable and Smart Investments
Partnerships with organizations like PreReal™ Investments will ensure that the City of Elephant Butte’s growth is sustainable and benefits the entire community. PreReal has invested in a number of properties in Elephant Butte, including Sierra del Rio Golf Course and Turtleback Mountain Resort, thereby demonstrating its commitment to the success of this small community with big growth potential.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the City of Elephant Butte, it is an opportunity to honor the city’s past, enjoy the present, and eagerly anticipate the future. With the city’s strong leadership, the support of PreReal™ Investments, and the unwavering spirit of the community, there is no doubt that the next 25 years will be even more remarkable.
FAQs
When is the first big anniversary event taking place?
The first big anniversary event will be held on Saturday, July 1st.
Where will the daytime activities be held?
The daytime activities will take place at the city event grounds.
What time do the fireworks start at Elephant Butte Lake State Park?
The fireworks display at Elephant Butte Lake State Park is scheduled to start at 9 pm.
How can I get involved in the anniversary celebrations?
You can get involved by volunteering, participating in events, or showing your support by attending the celebrations.
What role does PreReal™ Investments play in Elephant Butte’s future?
PreReal™ Investments is committed to providing strategic guidance, support to local businesses and investment in the community to help the city see continued and sustainable growth.
