Dale created garlic shaped pots, others made garlic jewelry. Plans to hold the second festival the first week of August are under way, and Scott is publishing an eclectic cookbook for the occasion. He sees garlic as a viable crop for Torrance County because it requires less water and is easy to grow. A Mountainair renaissance arises from the grass roots efforts of people like Sharot, and Mary Schultz, who moved here from Santa Fe in 1990. President of the Cibola Arts Alliance and interior decorator, Schultz also serves as an unofficial Chamber of Commerce voice.
Progress follows the willingness of the people here to try new ideas.
And most have worked. Trees are being planted and the Main Street Program of the state's Economic Development Department is helping revitalize the town. The 1,000 member community at the junction of U.S. 60 and NM 55 was founded in 1903. Today, ranching and tourism comprise the main industry. Newcomers, attracted to the scenery, climate and eclectic crafts and arts, have discovered a rich historic community not jaded with commercialism.