Dan Mourning

General Manager, EXPO New Mexico

Dan Mourning is the General Manager of Expo New Mexico and the New Mexico State Fair. The New Mexico State Fair is the only State Fair in the country to take place directly on Route 66. Each year, Expo New Mexico welcomes nearly 2 million visitors with over 500,000 of those attending the Fair.

Expo New Mexico GM: Fairgrounds are just fine, but Tingley needs upgrade - Albuquerque Business First

In conversation with Roadrunner editor, Madison Garay.

What does Route 66 signify for you?

Route 66 signifies an important piece of American history, a history that we are proud to be a part of. The Torreon at Gate 1 (Central Ave.) is still standing. It served as a beacon to people making the long, cross-country trek and it still serves as a beacon to this day. It signifies a place where all are welcome to come together to celebrate.

What is one of your favorite spots along Route 66 in Albuquerque?

One of my favorite spots along Route 66 is the El Vado Motel. I remember staying at El Vado. Seeing what the motel has transformed into, I think that is such a great use of the space. I’m into history, and believe in keeping historic buildings around, especially buildings that are so significant to American history like those on Route 66. The way that the El Vado was repurposed shows that we can honor our history while still moving forward. It’s a great illustration of where we came from and where we are going.

Image of the exterior of El Vado Taproom at the El Vado Motel

El Vado Taproom, one of the establishments within the reimagined El Vado Motel (c. 1937). Photo courtesy of Jak+Flux.

Describe a memory you have of Route 66.

Growing up in Denver, we were always really excited to visit my grandparents in Albuquerque. One of my favorite memories of Route 66 is driving with my grandfather in his old 1957 Chevy Apache pickup truck. First, we would stop at the bank on the corner of Central and San Mateo before cruising down central. We’d always end up at Frontier to eat and get ice cream. I picture it perfectly to this day!

Frontier Restaurant

Frontier Restaurant at night. Photo courtesy of Ian Beckley.

The New Mexico State Fair is a quintessential event on Albuquerque’s Route 66. How will the State Fair continue to honor New Mexico’s Route 66 heritage? What is the best part of running the fair on Route 66?

Everyone knows that in September, you come to the State Fair. It’s where New Mexicans come together to celebrate, build memories and enjoy time with our friends and families. With everything going on in the world that maybe isn’t so positive and the challenges that we face as New Mexicans, we provide a place for folks to put all that aside, come together and celebrate everything that makes our state great.

As the Fair develops and evolves into its next chapter, Route 66 will play an even bigger role, perhaps with the development of a new arena along Route 66 to anchor the economic development of this neighborhood. We believe this will reimagine the neighborhood with strong entertainment development anchored in and around the fairgrounds.

What’s a birthday wish you have for Route 66 (as it relates to our city, state, or overall)?

My birthday wish is that we transform this area of Route 66 into a strong economic driver. A neighborhood for Burqueños to live, work and play. We would love to see retail, entertainment and all the other big city luxuries drive the economic development and reimagination of the International District.

A shot of the midway at the New Mexico State Fair.