Clovis - New Mexico - Culture

Clovis is located on the high plains of Eastern New Mexico in the heart of cattle country, with ranching, farming, the dairy industry, and the railroad comprising important components of the community's economic base. Also, located eight miles to the west of the city is Cannon Air Force Base, which adds a very important dimension to the community's economy and available labour force. The City of Clovis is a retail and service hub for an area that extends approximately 75 miles north, east and south and for more than 100 miles to the west. The downtown area features museums, theaters, dining, murals, antiques and a variety of shopping. An original cobblestone street is a reminder of pioneer days, and the landmark Hotel Clovis stands beckoning travellers off the busy U.S. Highway. In its heyday, the Hotel Clovis was a hub of activity for the booming railroad, and today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Clovis New Mexico is a retail area serving over 100,000 people in New Mexico. Amarillo, TX, Lubbock, TX and Albuquerque, NM are nearby metropolitan cities offering even more advantages for Clovis and the surrounding communities. The last few years have produced an economic boost for Clovis resulting in new shopping centers including a Wal-Mart Supercenter located north of town on highway 70. The railroad, ranches, farms, and dairies still contribute heavily to Clovis' economy. Eight miles west of Clovis lies Cannon Air Force Base, which also contributes to Clovis' economic health.

The Clovis Model Train Museum is in the old Clovis Santa Fe Passenger Depot, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hillcrest Park Zoo adjacent to Hillcrest Park houses 500 animals. Most are exhibited in their natural habitat.

Experience Ned Houk Memorial Park in all its wonder and feel a bit of the past in today's hustling times. Ned Houk Memorial Park is 6 1/2 miles north of Clovis on State Highway 209. Covering 3,320 acres, it has large shade trees and 400 acres of mowed and irrigated grass around four stocked fish ponds. The Old Homestead Museum, created by and dedicated to H. A. "Pappy" Thornton, is also located in the park. There is a farming equipment display made prior to 1926, two typical old farm dwellings and a Model T Ford truck. The Ned Houk Motor Sports Complex is located on the Southwest corner of the park, and offers stock car racing Saturday nights from May to late October.

Also there is the Curry County Fair, the Clovis Music Festival, Pioneer Days, the Old Lyceum Theatre and its productions, Pioneer Days Rodeo and the Clovis Community Band. Clovis Community College satisfies those with a lifelong pursuit of learning.

Museums : The Blackwater Draw Museum located 12 miles southwest of Clovis on highway 70, displays bones of ancient mammoth, bison, horses and turtles and other artefacts. Thousands of years later, Comanche Indians hunted buffalo until the Spaniards and later white men drove them out. The Clovis Model Train Museum is set in the old Clovis Santa Fe Passenger Depot which has been restored to its appearance in the 1950s. The Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pappy Thornton Museum, features antique farm equipment and authentic farm dwellings from the area prior to 1926. The Eula Mae Edwards Museum at Clovis Community College features numerous art exhibits from a variety of cultures and highlights the spectacular work of local artists.

The Norman Petty Studios on 7th Street, known worldwide as the place where Buddy Holly recorded the smash hit, "Peggy Sue," among 18 other hits in 15 months. In his studios, Petty mixed songs for other stars, including Roy Orbison. Clovis' own Fireballs also recorded "Sugar Shack," the number one song in 1963, at Norman Petty Studios. Teenage sensation LeAnn Rimes recently recorded at the studios. Visitors should not miss a tour of the studio.

For those who enjoy golf, the Clovis Municipal Golf Course offers nine-hole regulation and nine-hole executive (3 par) courses. They also have a snack bar, pro-shop and driving range.

The Roy Walker Community Center offers a weight room, Youth Activity Room, Two Gyms, Outdoor Basketball Courts and a Boxing Gym.

The Hillcrest Park Zoo offers tours, educationals, petting zoo and Pet Therapy. This includes 22 1/2 acres filled with 150 mammals and 200 birds.

The City of Clovis is waiting to meet all of your indoor and outdoor recreational needs.