Grants
Fire and Ice Pavilion DesignsGrants Events Have A New Home
Drawing 20,000-plus bikers a year to Grants, the “Fire and Ice Bike Rally” has become one of New Mexico’s premiere motorcycling events. The rally’s event epicenter is “Fire and Ice Park” (701 W. Santa Fe), which is getting an upgrade with the addition of three new multi-use pavilions.
The parks pavilions were constructed with the assistance of a new program offered by the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning. Graduate student masters candidates worked with the city to design and build the new additions. This was the first time this program has been used in the state.
The park features three separate pavilions to accommodate more than one event at a time. The centerpiece is the new stage that will be home to future “Fire and Ice Rally” headline performers. Additionally, the pavilion was specifically designed to capture the blend of cultures in the Grants area, relying on Chaco and El Malpais influences.
History
The Anasazi Indians first made their home in Chaco Canyon near Grants, establishing an advanced civilization in the 12th Century. The town of Grants has its roots in the railroad industry. In 1881, three Canadian brothers (Angus, Lewis and John Grant) were awarded a contract to build a section of the new Atlantic and Pacific Railroad through the region. As trains began arriving and the population grew, the towns name shifted from Grants Camp, to Grants Station, and then finally to Grants in 1936. Logging and farming were Grants earliest industries, but in the 1930’s, as logging declined, Grants became know as the “carrot capital” of the U.S. Also in the 30’s, Route 66 was constructed through town, bringing tourists and travelers.
When a Navajo shepherd named Paddy Martinez discovered uranium ore near Haystack Mesa in 1950, it ignited a mining boom, and Grants grew from 1200 to 12,000 people. At its peak, the mining industry employed 6000 workers and contributed 63% of all the uranium produced in the U.S. The mining continued until the early 80’s, when economic issues forced their closing.
Culture
The New Mexico Mining Museum (100 North Iron Avenue) ,the “only Uranium Mining Museum in the World,” features exhibits that replicate real mining conditions.
Cibola Arts CouncilThe Cibola Arts Council (1001 W. Santa Fe Avenue) features the work of over 50 artists and photographers in their renovated Double Six Gallery. Additions to the building include neon lighting to recall the days of old Route 66, as well as old-school silver movie theater poster boxes that will feature art and information on gallery events.
You can find out more about Grants by visiting their town website. http://www.grants.org/.
Events
Thousands of motorcyclists gather for great riding and live music from nationally known acts at the Fire and Ice Bike Rally held every third weekend in July.
Christmas Light Parade- Every December.
Easter Egg Hunt- 7000 eggs are hidden each spring for the town’s kids to find.
Contact:
Randy Hoffman
Grants MainStreet Project
P.O. Box 337
Grants, NM 87020
Phone: 505.285.3573
