Fires, floods impact Ruidoso’s businesses

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM )—The fires and floods have impacted all aspects of life in the Village of Ruidoso. While the Village is back open, businesses are still taking a hit due to the decrease in tourism during the busy summer months.

Inside the Rocky Mountain Christmas shop in Midtown, Christmas is celebrated year-round.

“Thirty-two years, we’ve been in business thanks to our customers because they are the ones that keep us here,” says Santa Claus, the owner of this North Pole outpost, a testament to the strong community spirit in Ruidoso.

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Many of their customers come from El Paso and the surrounding areas of West Texas and New Mexico. Like Rocky Mountain Christmas, other businesses rely on tourism to keep them going.

However, since the wildfires and floods, visitors have kept their distance.

“Like everyone in Midtown, we’ve seen a major slow this summer. But we appreciate that people are concerned and want to know if we’re ready and open. And we are,” says Amanda Foster, owner of Happy Hiker on Sudderth.

The impact of natural disasters has had a disastrous effect on local businesses’ bottom line.

“A lot of our businesses, their business revenues are off 70, 80, 90%. So that will also affect the Village,” says Mayor Lynn Crawford.

Crawford says they’re doing what they can to return tourists to the Village.

“We’re planning Octoberfest events and have concerts in the park. A lot of those things that we want to work toward are November and December, “Crawford said.

KTSM spoke to business owners who said they are optimistic and want people to know their doors are open and ready to welcome tourists back.

Santa wants to remind us, “Those elves, they’re working every day. And I tell you what. All the shops are open, ready to serve you as tourists, and we welcome you back.”

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