It all began two years ago with an infusion of funds earmarked for the patch of Albuquerque between Mountain Road on the north, Central Avenue on the south, Nineteenth Street on the east, and Rio Grande Boulevard on the west. Chuy Martinez, the cultural manager of Old Town, explains: “In the past, we’ve been operating with a very small budget.” Toni determines the turning point came when, “The mayor and the City Council appropriated (funds) for ‘Old Town-New Fun,’ making it an official program of the city of Albuquerque.”

Why all this fuss over Old Town? An economic engine of Albuquerque, Mayor Chávez believes, “It is part of who we are. It’s a great place for New Mexicans, a great place to be in touch with their history.” But often we take our roots for granted. This was clear to Toni while accompanying the mayor on an economic development mission to Shanghai, China. “They had a village, an old Shanghai. But they built it, a brand new old village. It was a clear contrast to Old Town Plaza. We’ve got this gem in the middle of Albuquerque that is our history. We should be showing it off and letting it shine.”

And shine it does. Interdepartmental teams working with the city’s “Great Streets” program took field trips to Old Town to view it from a visitor’s perspective. The question they asked, says Toni, is, “What clutter have we created by each (department) working individually?” Teamwork pays off. You will notice less signage to disturb your view of the historic architecture. The benches, planters, and bus stops sport new, brighter colors. Even trash cans are more esthetically pleasing.

New funds also mean new fun. Nightly entertainment in the gazebo has expanded from two nights to five, Wednesday through Sunday. Parking lots on Nineteenth Street, Central Avenue, and Rio Grande Boulevard accommodate vehicular traffic, while three ABQ Ride routes (36, 66, and 766) drop passengers at the corner of Rio Grande Boulevard and Central Avenue.

Wednesday evening Tardeadas are especially family-oriented, with a variety of programs, including music, dance, storytelling, and historian Emma Moya. Thursday night is flamenco night. “ Albuquerque is recognized as the flamenco capital of North America,” Mayor Chávez boasts. Eva Encinias-Sandoval and the National Institute of Flamenco appear frequently. Put your boogie shoes on Friday nights and salsa your way through Latin Night. On Saturday, make your way off the main streets of Romero and San Felipe, and meander into the plazas and patios tucked away from sight. They are great places to sit and relax. Children will have fun playing hide and seek. They are also the sites of what Chuy calls “hidden treasures.” “On Saturday, in the hidden plazas, we place musicians, dancers, or storytellers during the day so people can find them.” And the centerpiece of the day is the strolling mariachis. The New Mexico Gunfighters Association makes Sunday explosive with reenactments of Old West gunfights. Afterward, the Tango Club of Albuquerque displays its own brand of excitement.

To be responsive to the community, a more flexible ordinance now allows patrons to enjoy a cocktail not only in the restaurants, but also outside on their wonderful patios. In addition, many Old Town merchants formed the 8 O’Clock Club, remaining open until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, giving working Albuquerqueans an opportunity to shop during the evening hours while taking advantage of the entertainment. “It (gives it) more of a community atmosphere, a town center atmosphere,” Toni adds. Linda agrees that the town center atmosphere distinguishes Old Town as more than just a tourist destination: “It is a place where I can hang out and feel that sense of community.”

That sense of community infuses the city’s collaboration on Old Town projects with many nearby civic organizations and with San Felipe de Neri Church, the centerpiece of Old Town, and the co-sponsor of the annual Santero Market. Rapidly becoming another annual tradition is Old Town’s Salsa Fiesta, an opportunity to eat salsa, enter the best salsa competition, and dance to salsa music. A huge success this year, Mayor Chávez believes it will draw thousands in coming years. And during the winter, the New Mexico Humanities Council cosponsors Chautauqua talks with performers representing historical figures from New Mexico’s past telling stories of the period or recounting personal events in character.

Old Town has even more to offer during the holidays. “Christmastime is very interesting in Old Town,” Chuy explains. “It’s where you find the most unusual gifts. The ambience makes you feel like you are in a different town within the city.” Toni agrees, “You cannot duplicate Old Town anywhere in the city of Albuquerque. It’s a different type of energy. When you think of holidays and tradition, Old Town is the perfect place to be.”

Think open house. Merchants invite you in for refreshments while you shop for presents. But Old Town is not just a place to shop; it is a place to be. The Holiday Stroll this year extends to two days for folks to enjoy live entertainment, food, and the lighting of the Christmas tree, so large it takes days to install. There’s talk Santa may drop in for a tamale before he begins a steady diet of cookies and milk.

Grab your hot chocolate, smell the burning piñon, and listen to Christmas carols at the “ posadas ,” reenactments of the Nativity scene in front of the church and surrounding patios. Stand back and watch Old Town glow in the light of luminarias , especially during the Old Town Luminaria Tour on Christmas Eve.

As Toni relates, Old Town may cast a spell on you in ways you can’t imagine. “I was living in Connecticut, and my future husband wanted me to marry him and move here. He took me to Old Town at Christmastime. I sat and looked at the luminarias, and was completely sold. At least one reason I’m here is Old Town Plaza.”

Find more information on dates, times, locations, and programs in Old Town through the information line, 311, or the following websites: www.cabq.gov/crs/newfun.html or www.albuquerqueoldtown.com. Visit www.nmhum.org/home for information on Chautauqua.

Diane Thome is a freelance writer and owner of DT Research, a marketing research consulting firm.