ALBUQUERQUE—August 12, 2009— The initials “GM” can stand for several things … for example, general manager or General Motors. At the New Mexico State Fair it stands for Grand Marshal as in Grand Marshal of the annual State Fair parade.

New Mexico State Fair Commission Chairman Luke Otero announced today that Chef Bobby Olguin, owner of the Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio, NM, will be the bearer of those initials as Grand Marshal of the 2009 parade. Fresh from his victory in taking down Food Network celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Olguin accepted State Fair Chairman Luke Otero’s invitation to lead off the parade.

“This is awesome,” said Olguin, “I am truly honored to serve as State Fair Grand Marshal, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to promote the green chile of New Mexico.”

“Bobby has just won a great victory for his hometown of San Antonio, and for the state of New Mexico,” said Otero. “His green chile cheeseburger beat Bobby Flay’s and brought national recognition to New Mexico’s unofficial state sandwich. We want to honor that achievement and honor him by giving him the opportunity to lead the parade that kicks off the biggest show in New Mexico.”

Long-established as the biggest parade in the state, the New Mexico State Fair parade is coordinated by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Posse; parade chairman is Mark Warrick. A “rain or shine” event, this year’s parade will leave the southeast corner of Expo New Mexico (on Central just west of Louisiana) at 8:45 on the morning of Saturday, September 12. Units will travel east on Central Avenue, disbanding near Eubank about 2 miles east of the starting point.

In addition to the awards presented by the State Fair, there will be two special awards given by Acoma Pueblo/Sky City Casino– the Governor’s Award and the Council Award.

Fair awards will be presented in a number of categories. First and second place will be awarded in all classes based on originality, use of color, use of music, use of theme and overall appearance. Awards will be presented during a ceremony at approximately 2:00 on the afternoon of Parade Day. The decision of the judges is final.

Special awards are:
THEME AWARD - BEST REPRESENTATION OF THE THEME
JUDGES’ AWARD - MOST ARTISTIC USE OF DESIGN & MUSIC
FANTASY AWARD - MOST WHIMSICAL REPRESENTATION OF THEME
GOVERNOR’S AWARD - MOST SPECTACULAR

Other Parade Classes 1-10
1. Riding: a. Sheriffs’ Posse, b. Adult Riding Groups, c. Youth Riding Groups, d. Horse & Buggy. NOTE: Horse entries must abide by the NM State Equine Liability Act. Also
parade participants 12 years and younger riding horseback are required to wear an approved equestrian rider’s helmet. Children 8 years and younger riding horseback should be positioned in the interior of a parade entry escorted on both sides by adult riders.
2. School Bands: a. 5A High School Marching Band, b. 4A High School Marching Band, c. 3A High School Marching Band, d. 2A High School Marching Band, e. 1A High School Marching Band, f. Other School Marching Bands
3. School Drill Teams
4. Cheerleaders
5. JROTC
6. Non-School Marching Groups
7. Non-School Bands
8. Clowns: a. Clown Groups, b. Clowns - Individual
9. Vehicles: a. Single Entry Antique (Cars 25 years & older), b. Group Entry Antique (Cars 25 years & older), c. Original/Modified Vehicles (Cars under 25 years old), d. Low riders, e. Motorcycles & Motorcycle Clubs, f. Bicycles & Bicycle Clubs. NOTE: The number of units in a car club entry will be limited to 10 cars. Each club must determine on their own who will be in the parade.
10. Queens & Royalty: a. 18 and older, b. 17 and younger

For more parade information, please visit the EXPO New Mexico website www.exponm.com/fair/competitions/parade.asp. Specific inquiries and questions should be addressed to larry.trujillo1@state.nm.us; phone: 505-222-9727.