Hatch Valley Chile Festival

Hatch Valley Chile Festival

As summer cools down, the Village of Hatch heats up. Labor Day weekend heralds the annual Hatch Chile Festival, a two-day celebration of our world-famous crop. The festival attracts over 30,000 visitors from all over the United States, including such notables as the Food Network and the BBC. Festival goers can sample famed chile recipes, watch the crowning of the chile festival queen, or toss a horseshoe in celebration of our most famous crop. The event also features chile ristra contests, artisan and food booths, and a carnival. Visit our events page.

“Celebrate the Future” Day
In 2006, we began “Celebrate the Future” day in honor of Spaceport America. Science, engineering and aeronautic organizations present demonstrations and displays to educate our citizens on the impact and employment possibilities of the Southwest Regional Spaceport.

Pick a direction… Any direction…
The surrounding areas hold your next adventure. With New Mexico State Parks in every direction, you can rock hunt, boat, bike, hike or ski. With Leasburg State Park and Fort Seldon to the south and Caballo Lake State Park, Percha Dam State Park and Elephant Butte Lake State Park to the north, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find the perfect opportunity for their recreation! Click here to get directions!

Hatch Business
Located off Interstate 25, between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, the Village of Hatch has experienced steady but moderate growth. In 2007, the town population registered a little over 1,600 people. The Village of Hatch also serves seven unincorporated communities with a combined population of 5,000 people.

With four banks, two grocery stores, a pharmacy, a few retail stores, and a smattering of restaurants, Hatch offers all the amenities of small-town life. The Ben Archer Health Center meets the community’s healthcare needs with doctors, a dentist, an ambulance service and emergency medical technicians. Our local Municipal Airport was awarded the “most improved small community airport” and continues to improve.

The opening of Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, brings the exciting frontier of commercial space travel to our backyard. The entrance to Spaceport America is only nine miles south from the Village of Hatch, which makes us the “New Gateway to Space.”

Hatch History
Born from an extension of the Santa Fe Railroad Company in 1880, Hatch, New Mexico, began as an adobe post office and a railroad flag station. Named after General Edward Hatch, Commander of the Southwest military, the town grew until a flood in 1921 destroyed many of the adobe buildings constructed of earth and wood.

The village rebuilt, and continues to prosper as an agricultural community to this day. The advent of the nearby Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, promises an exciting new chapter in the history of Hatch.