Story by Sharon Dominguez; Photos by Mark & Sharon Dominguez, Lorna Azevedo

Sunday September 11, 2022 was the designated day at the New Mexico State Fair for the Model T’s to be on display.  As we have for the past several years, we gathered at a secured parking lot (provided to us by the NM State Fair) to get our cars ready to drive into the fair and get set-up for the day. As members of the Tin Lizzies prepared to leave the parking lot, one of the cars would not start and had to be put back onto the trailer.  This left us with 14 cars to display at the fair.

We departed at 7:55am (per our State Fair Coordinator and current Club President Mark Dominguez) and drove into the fair. Neil O’Brien led the way in his 1920 Luverne Fire Truck with the Dominguez’s 1925 Tudor and 1927 Touring following close behind.  Next up was Sanchez’s in their 1923 Roadster, followed by Gauna’s in their 1917 Depot Hack.  Willan’s in their 1926 Touring followed; with the Wing’s in their 1925 Touring; Schwanke’s 1926 Touring; Ferro’s 1918 Depot Hack; Dilt’s 1926 Touring (Driven by Jeff Richards); Mitchell’s 1927 Tudor; Azevedo’s in their 1921 Gilmore Special Speedster, Duncan’[s 1927 Roadster Pickup and rounding out the display was Beck in his 1918 TT Truck.

Two special ribbons were awarded: one to Dave Ferro’s 1918 Depot Hack for “Special Appreciation” and another to Mark & Susan Wing’s 1925 Touring for “Most Favorite.” Of course, none of us went home empty handed as we all received participation ribbons. 

At noon a memorial event for 9/11 was held on Main Street. The Navy Band played several patriotic songs and there were many speeches from first responders from that day. There were large crowds at the Fair this year, as all COVID mask restrictions had been lifted.  We enjoyed great weather and talked with a lot of folks and answered the many questions that they had.  Many of us enjoyed walking around to look at all the various displays and ate many of the wonderful foods that you find at the fair.

Promptly at 3:00 pm we left the Fair.  We were escorted out of the Fair Grounds by the NM State Police and either headed back to the staging area to load cars back on trailers, or straight home – for those who drove their Model Ts to the Fair.  All in all, it was a great day!  Until next year – stay safe!