Taos, New Mexico Kicks off Summer Travel Festivities

TAOS, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mayor Darren Cordova proclaimed America’s favorite boomer actor/artist Dennis Hopper the Honorary Mayor of Taos.

“Forty Years of Friendship: LA to Taos”

The honorary mayor will reign throughout the 2009 Taos Summer of Love (May 4 through September 30). The summer-long event celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the release of Hopper’s acclaimed film Easy Rider and the spirit of exploration, creativity and fun that not only marked the ‘60s, but Taos itself.

“Dennis Hopper has been a Taos fixture since the 1960s. He paved the way for independent filmmaking with the release of Easy Rider in 1969 – and has been an acclaimed visual artist pre-dating his film career. It’s an honor to recognize him for his contributions not only to our community, but the entire country, by having him as our honorary Taos ambassador this summer,” said Mayor Cordova.

Easy Rider marked a new direction for film – and then, as now, mirrors not only the beauty of Taos, but its spirit. Taos has been a draw for travelers for over 1,000 years, and today sees nearly 2 million visitors annually ride away from their daily lives to explore the authentic in Taos.

Hopper at the Harwood:

Taos' Summer of Love 2009 kicks off with two Hopper art exhibits from May 8– September 20, 2009 at the University of New Mexico’s Harwood Museum of Art.

To mark his years in Taos, his long-time friendships, and the 40^th anniversary of the release of Easy Rider, The Harwood Museum of Art, in conjunction with Taos’ “Summer of Love” celebrations, presents “Hopper at the Harwood,” opening May 9^th, featuring two exhibitions: one focusing on his work, “Selected Photographs and Paintings,” and the other, “Forty Years of Friendship: LA to Taos,” a curatorial expression with the work of Larry Bell, Ron Cooper, Ronald Davis, Ken Price and Robert Dean Stockwell.

Summer Travel Fun in Taos, New Mexico!

Over 300 events have been scheduled during the Taos Summer of Love 2009. For a full listing go to http://taossummeroflove.com/calendar.

Some of the highlights include:

Showings of Easy Rider – June 20 and 21 at the Storyteller Theatre, sponsored by the theater and DMC Broadcasting
26^th Annual Taos Spring Arts Festival – May 1 – 31, a celebration of the arts throughout Taos, sponsored by the Taos County Chamber and the Taos Gallery Association
Hippie Homecoming June 21 with body painting, ‘60s music, stick pony races, hippie costume parade and contest, food, fun and a groovy time, sponsored by The Horsefly and its publisher, Bill Whaley
A summer of concerts by KTAO radio on the Solar Music Stage, including Hot Tuna and Country Joe McDonald
Toast of Taos July 2 – 11 featuring wine competitions, wine dinners, art and music – a groovy time benefiting Taos’ Holy Cross Hospital Foundation

“Everyone loves getting away for a summer vacation,” said Taos Public Information Officer Cathy Connelly. “We’re laying out the ‘tie dyed’ carpet for families traveling to Northern New Mexico during the spring and summer travel season. We’re a destination that embodies international travel right in the U.S. – and is kind to your travel budget.”

For more information about the Taos Summer of Love visit: http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20090312005186/en/tourism/taos-new-mexico/summer-vacation-travel

Follow all the summer events in Taos on Twitter: http://twitter.com/taostourism

Go to www.taossummeroflove.com for more information.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5954881&lang=en