TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM—Known originally as Hot Springs, New Mexico when first established in 1916, the historic city of Truth or Consequences (“T or C”) is celebrating its 100th year as a city from June 10–12 with many lively, no-cost events taking place throughout the city.

“In the past 100 years, T or C has many fascinating stories to tell,” said Renee Cantin, City Clerk. “From the time when Geronimo and the Apaches first took to its healing waters as millions of others later have, to its name change in 1950 in response to a radio show contest, to its evolution as the home of Spaceport America – this is a city whose future is built upon its rich history, colorful stories and its diverse growth.”

The Centennial Celebration begins on Friday, June 10 with a talent show from 6–8 p.m. at Ralph Edwards Park followed by a dance featuring live music by country rock band Border Avenue at the Civic Center until midnight. Admission to the dance is $10. A cash bar will be available.

Centennial inspired floats will be paraded through Downtown T or C beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 to kick off the day. As seen on “Good Morning America” and “Fox and Friends,” U.S Air Force Academy’s Wild Blue Country band will perform their versatile style of music at 11 a.m. The brand new Healing Waters Plaza will be the site for the weekend’s opening ceremonies at noon, followed by live music by The Two of Us at 1 p.m. and Silver Bullet Band beginning at 3 p.m. The Clay Mac Band will perform during the Downtown Street Dance which takes place downtown from 7–11 p.m. A cash beer and wine garden will be available.

The Two of Us band will perform again on Sunday, June 12 at 9 a.m. followed by an encore performance by the Wild Blue Country Band at 10 a.m. Cash bar at the beer and wine garden will be available.

A car show featuring vintage cars and motorcycles will be held at Healing Waters Plaza at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Anyone with vintage cars and motorcycles can enter their vehicle in a contest, at no charge, for a chance to win prizes and the People’s Choice award.

Geronimo Springs Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts and exhibits including an  extensive pottery collection, will host an open house with free entry to the museum during the Centennial.

Just six miles north of T or C in Sierra County, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is also hosting their 25th annual Chile Cook Off on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Samples are $2 each and park entry fees apply. Prizes will be awarded for the best chile, including a category for People’s Choice and Showmanship. Anyone can enter the contest. Visit sierracountynewmexico.info/annual-event/elephant-butte-chile-challenge-cookoff/ for more information.

Established as Hot Springs, NM in 1916, the town changed its name to Truth or Consequences in response to a radio contest hosted by Ralph Edwards. Edwards and his crew chose T or C as the winner and aired their show from the town. Edwards returned to T or C every year for 50 years. T or C celebrates its Fiestas annually in May to commemorate its name change. T or C is the unofficial hot springs capital of the Southwest with 10 bathhouses. T or C is also home to Spaceport America.

For complete information about T or C’s Centennial Celebration, contact Renee Cantin at 575-894-6673 or rcantin(at)torcnm(dot)org or visit facebook.com/events/747098288726523/.

Some Facts About Truth or Consequences:

• Native Americans were the first to come here to bathe in the healing waters, including Geronimo and the Apaches. Spaniards and white settlers came later.
   
• The construction of Elephant Butte Dam in 1911 brought in many newcomers to the area.
   
• Many buildings at Elephant Butte Dam were later taken down in sections and reassembled in Hot Springs including the Little Green Church, Vera Hotel and James Apartments, located where Bank of the Southwest now stands.
   
• Otto Goetz, who owned a mercantile business, was T or C’s first Mayor and helped incorporate the town of Hot Springs in 1916.
   
• T or C’s first bank was chartered in 1917 by A.H. Hilton, father of Conrad Hilton who owned the Hilton Hotels.
   
• Governor Tingley and his wife started the Hospital for Crippled Children, known today as Carrie Tingley Hospital in 1935. He praised the healing mineral waters of T or C which he believed would help the children.