Smithsonian Magazine article gives travelers worldwide reasons to visit

Locals know about the treasures in Gallup and surrounding areas – hot air balloons, natural wonders, bike and hiking trails, Native Dances, the arts community and New Mexico cuisine – and may take those things for granted. But they’re a big draw for visitors.

This year Gallup gets a bump, in the form of Smithsonian magazine’s “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2022.” Gallup was chosen as the “Best Artsy Small Town,” a distinction shared with the world in an online article.

“All of the small towns we feature are 25,000 or under in population, and have a lot to offer per capita, in terms of...

According to her website, Raye Zaragoza dealt with a lot of pain growing up and trying to fit in as a Japanese-American, Mexican, Indigenous woman. But that’s all changed now that she’s grown up, accepted herself for who she is, and found her voice as a musician.

“I am proud to be a multicultural brown woman with insecurities and a vibrant intersectional identity that I continue to grapple with,” Zaragoza stated in a post on her website. “I hope young girls of today will know that the ‘It Girl’ is whatever the hell they want to be.”

“The It Girl” is one of the songs off Zaragoza’s 2020 album “Woman in Color.”

Zaragoza grew up in New York City, where her...

Sean Harrison to perform at the Gallup Masonic Center June 19

“I’d like to think I’ll die in an interesting way/ A final effort for some glory to my life/ Like falling from a cliff/ Or run over by a train.” That’s how “Wake up Dead,” a song off of Sean Harrison’s 2020 album “Halfway from Nashville,” starts.

Harrison’s music has been described as “Americana,” meaning that it encompasses traditional music styles, such as folk, country, and bluegrass. In an interview with the Sun, he said he considers most of his work to be more on the blues side of music. He said his inspirations include Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

“I like writing songs that make fun of guys...

Local State Farm agent Chee Montano has a long history of demonstrating what it means to be a Good Neighbor by stepping up to help his community. On June 2, Chee presented Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region with a $10,000 grant from State Farm as part of the company’s Outstanding Community Engagement Program.

The nonprofit organization was selected by the insurance agent, as part of their recognition for being one of 100 agents nationwide who were nominated and selected for their outstanding community engagement.

“At State Farm, we are committed to helping build stronger communities,” Chee said. “For me, it’s not enough to simply say we’re a Good Neighbor, we...