Saturday, March 7, 2009 - Pancho Villa State Park, Columbus NM

COLUMBUS, N.M. – Folklorico dancers, mariachi music and a parade led by 100 Mexican Cabalgata horseback riders highlight Pancho Villa State Park’s 6th Annual Camp Furlong Day, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. The annual event promotes friendship and goodwill between both countries.

“Camp Furlong Day honors the strong ties between Mexico and New Mexico in this historic commemoration,” said State Park Director Dave Simon.

The multicultural festival commemorates the March 9, 1916 attack by troops of Mexican General Francisco “Pancho” Villa on the village of Columbus and adjacent U.S. military camp, and the United States' response with the Punitive Expedition into Mexico by General Pershing and his soldiers.

“Camp Furlong Day unites New Mexico residents, visitors and citizens of Mexico in commemorating this significant historic event,” said Victor Trujillo, Pancho Villa State Park manager.

Nearly 100 horseback riders from the Cabalgata Binacional Villista will join the celebration – the culmination of a 14- day ride from Guerrero, Chihuahua to Columbus, N.M. At Palomas, the Cabalgata will be joined by American horse riders.