Desert Photos - Bringing the Southwest to the World

We have a great time every year helping out with National Night Out. There were 35 registered parties and 2 spontaneous parties and we, me and Don, were able to get to 27 of them. Not to bad for a couple of people who just wanted to sit in the background huh… guess that makes us party people in a backwards kinda way. In making the rounds and talking with people, not only in the stores where we stopped for drinks but with the general public as well, we have had a number of people ask us “What exactly is National Night Out? Like what is the purpose exactly?”
So here in a Nut shell is what NNO is all about.

National Night Out" (NNO), is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW)

You always hear people talk about how things used to be. We used to have block parties, we used to have a quaint main street, we used to have sidewalk sales.
Those were the days. Time moves on and in that time there is a rejuvenation of those ideas. We have rediscovered all those things.
Block parties – YEP Canyon street from Fox street to Mermod
Sidewalk sales – YEP Canyon street from Fox street to Mermod
Quaint Mainstreet – YEP Canyon Street

All the things that people miss about small town America we have in Carlsbad. With the personal touch of locally owned stores that you just don't get with the large chain stores.

For 16 years the City of Carlsbad has had the leadership of a man who has done everything in his power to make Carlsbad a place to be proud of. Now Carlsbad is no Mayberry, but in the world we live in today, Carlsbad is not so Bad.

Yes there are problems and yes there are issues, no doubt. But as a community, the community that Bob Forrest sees when he looks around, and the leadership that he has given to us… we can create the vision of the man who tried to make a difference. Every day he tried add this is what true leadership is all about, giving your all everyday to make a difference.

Thank you Bob Forrest for all your years of service to Carlsbad, and Barbara for her support.

You could hear them in the truck. The hundreds of little duckies calling to be released to the water that was so close…quack quack quack. The people on the bridge were sympatric and began to chant with one voice for the release of the gate … Duckie! Duckie!! Duckie!!! The large ducks with the volunteer human leaders were in the water, poised to lead the little duckies to the safety of the finish line. The whistle sounds and the larger ducks are off swimming. But these are not the sweet little duck we would like to think they are, with their bright eyes and smiling bills. The riders must be careful for they are untamed and wild ducks. They can, and will if given the chance, buck you off or take you under with them, as one rider found out the hard way.

This story will develop into it's own section and become a link in the taskbar above, like our "Carlsbad Caverns" "Military-Veterans" and "Fire Fighters" sections. In the future we will add photos of stores from the inside to give you a taste of what you will see when visiting our Downtown section. If you are a store owner and wish to have us stop by and photograph your store please contact us.

Desert Photos is a "not-for-profit" organization, it is our intention to promote our community, southeast New Mexico, as well as the southwest. Who says the best things in life can't be free!

For thousands of years humans have had a love affair with the horse. Everyone from the farmer to the city person will stop and watch a horse. We may not even know that we have stopped. The beauty of a horse is undeniable.
The Hunter, Jumper, Dressage show at the Sheriff Posse grounds proves this. With horses trotting and jumping with a natural grace some of us can only wish for. These animals and their owners show us once again the beauty in the creation of the horse.
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The day is quite and we are all going about our business when all of the sudden a siren goes off, the sound of a Police car racing through the streets. For anyone who knows a police officer this is something that makes you hold your breath and pray. For all of those who did not come back from the call of duty. We honor you.
Carlsbad Police Department Memorial ceremonies were held with honor, tradition and dignity. Please join us in remembering through the images that follow.
Memorial Photos

One year ago the day started with tears of goodbye, sadness and promises of “I will come home”. On May 11th 2010 that day finally ended with tears of joy, love and promises kept.

Carlsbad came together and welcomed home the 920th Engineers Division.

Bikers gathered to lead them in, high school bands prepped for the welcome. People lined the street and flags fluttered. The street was adorned with ribbons and balloons.

The entire event was surrounded with positive energy and love. Love for a nation, a community and most of all for the men and women who, although gone for a year, were never out of our hearts or minds. We as a community are blessed to have these wonderful people home and to be able to come together and show them just how much they mean to all of us.

The day dawned cloudy and windy but spirits were high. At the Beach band shell all was quiet throughout the morning. As Lunch approached you could see that there was something starting to happen. That was when a swarm of people and a flurry of activity hit. There were tents, table, hammers, stakes, banners and decorations being thrown around in the wind as the people of Carlsbad started to prepare. What could they be preparing for in wind like this you might ask. The 12th Annual Relay for Life. For those who lost the fight against Cancer and for those still fighting, the people of Carlsbad came together once again and raised money, nurtured friendship and walked. In Memory and in honor. With an abundance of love and tears.