The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum has a lot to celebrate.

As the museum commemorates the 20th anniversary of the construction of the main building and the creation of the newest venue on the 47-acre campus – the Heritage Garden – there will be free admission for everyone all day on Aug. 27.

The festivities feature many demonstrations, including blacksmithing, quilting, wool spinning, sewing, weaving, and wood carving. Pony rides for children, which cost $5, will be from 10:30 to 12. There also will be a dedication of the Heritage Garden and recognition of the Museum’s founders.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Parade of Breeds demonstration at 11:30 a.m., where the livestock staff brings examples of each of the Museum’s seven different breeds of beef cattle into the shaded round pen to talk about the characteristics and origin of each breed.

The Heritage Garden is located in front of the Bruce King Building and features a beautiful sculpture by artist Martha Pettigrew, and a wall that will be used to honor the museum’s supporters. The beautiful, landscaped area also will be used by the catering contractor (Dickerson’s Catering) for parties, weddings and other activities.

The day will also be to celebrate the recent announcement that the museum was awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. It’s the highest national honor for museums.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (575) 522-4100.