Each year, the residents and businesses of historic Pinos Altos host an October Fiesta as a fund-raiser for the Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department and other community projects including roadside/public area cleanup. The 6th Annual Pinos Altos October Fiesta will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2005, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with most of the events held in the historic Main Street area. Nestled among fragrant pines and offering astounding views of the Gila National Forest, Pinos Altos is located just 7 miles north of Silver City on Highway 15.

The Fiesta organizers promise family fun, live music, great food, and plenty of vendors in celebration and support of our community spirit. The Grant County Art Guild (housed in the Hearst Church), Fort Cobre, the Museum and Silver Winds Gallery will all be open and participating. Vendors will offer produce and all types of crafts, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and homemade items.

A local group of old west gunfighters, lawmen and their ladies decked out in 1800's garb can be seen at the various historic sites along Main Street. Periodically thoughout the day, this infamous group known locally as the "Gila Rangers" shoot up the town to the entertainment of all.

Entertainment also includes an array of local singers and musicians who will be performing throughout the day in front of the Pinos Altos Opera House. Most of these singers and musicians routinely perform at the Buckhorn Saloon.

The Pinos Altos Ice Cream Parlor (originally the Norton Store), which is known for their delicious treats, will be offering special foods to tempt the palate as well as outdoor dining. Bratwurst and sauerkraut, along with other grilled items, will be served outside where visitors can sit and enjoy the music.

The Buckhorn Saloon will be open for lunch and serving delicious meals in their unique and rustic ambiance. Known for fine dining, they open for dinner at 6:00 pm - for reservations call 505-538-9911.

Those who linger into the evening will want to attend the latest production of the Pinos Altos Melodrama Theatre at the historic Pinos Altos Opera House. "Evil's Reward or...The Taming of McGrew" runs weekends through November. Throw popcorn to your heart's delight while you boo at the villians and cheer for the hero. Phone 505-388-3848 or Email the melodrama for reservations or information.

T-shirts and raffle tickets will also be sold to benefit the Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department. The Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department protects an area of 122 square miles, including Pinos Altos, Little Walnut and Cottage Sand Road. Department personnel operate out of the Pinos Altos station and have recently built a substation in the Little Walnut area to ensure a faster response time to residents there. Personnel are encouraged to seek further education and training in fire and rescue, according to the press release. Many of the members are EMT certified and have had training in structure and wild-land fires. The department offers monthly training exercises. The dangers faced by the Volunteer Fire/Rescue are no greater or less than that of the large city fire fighter. The October Festival offers the perfect opportunity for a day of family fun and the chance to support these loyal Volunteers.

Pinos Altos has excellent lodging accomodations available within walking distance to the October Fiesta. Bear Creek Motel and Cabins (505-388-4501 or 1-888-388-4515) and Pinos Altos Cabins (1-800-348-2477) offer fully equiped cabins nestled under the pines and the Continental Divide RV Park (505-388-3005) offers RV and tent sites in an apple orchard with beautiful views of the Gila National Forest.

For more information about the celebration call 505-534-0406 or Email October Fiesta. For information on joining the fire/rescue department, phone 505-538-5560.