WELCOME HOME

Raton is small town America at its finest. It’s a comfortable place to live where residents and visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of more hectic lifestyles, be greeted by heartfelt smiles and friendly “hello’s” while strolling downtown – a place where neighbors truly care for each other and offer hospitality to visitors without hesitation.

Raton has a deep sense of shared values and community pride, a keen appreciation of its historical and cultural heritage, and also provides the best of modern conveniences. Life in Raton makes you want to be part of this thriving community where businesses prosper and economic opportunities abound.

RATON, NM (April 7, 2025) – Main Street America announced today that Raton MainStreet in Raton, New Mexico, has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2025 GAMSA honors, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening ceremony for the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Read the full press release)

Our 2019-2023 Impact Report is designed to inform our partners, the community, elected officials and other interested individuals of our organization’s activities, progress, challenges and accomplishments over the last 5 years. We are proud of what we have accomplished for our community!

Upcoming Events

  • Raton MainStreet is excited to offer a series of FREE online entrepreneur classes designed to help local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Whether you’re launching a brick-and-mortar downtown or building your business elsewhere in the community, these one-hour virtual sessions provide practical tools and real-world strategies you can apply […]

  • Raton High School Parking LotJune 11-14, 2026  Get ready for summer fun at the Sun Valley Raton Summer Carnival in Raton! Enjoy thrilling rides, classic carnival games, and all your favorite fair treats—fun for the whole family under the bright summer skies. Schedule & Hours: Bring your family, invite your friends, and make unforgettable memories […]

  • Experience the wonder! The 2026 International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally returns to beautiful Raton for three unforgettable days of color, excitement, and celebration. From July 3–5, 2026, hot air balloons from across the country will gather along the historic route of the Santa Fe Trail to create a spectacular display over our scenic mountain […]

  • Celebrate Independence Day in the heart of downtown with Raton MainStreet at our annual Fun on First Street! Join us on Saturday, July 4, 2026, for a full day of family-friendly fun, community spirit, and patriotic celebration. First Street will come alive with local vendors, delicious food, live music, games, and activities for all ages. […]

  • Get ready for a weekend of incredible music and community spirit at the Gate City Music Festival, returning to Raton on September 5 & 6, 2026. Known as the “Gate City” of the Southwest, Raton will come alive with the sounds of live bands, great food, and a welcoming festival atmosphere.

Volunteer With Us

Join Raton MainStreet as a volunteer and play a hands-on role in bringing events to life, supporting local businesses, and helping our historic downtown thrive—your time truly makes a lasting impact in our community.

Take five minutes and fill out the online form below!

Our Sponsors

Sponsors help support our award-winning program and keep downtown Raton vibrant and activated. Below is a list of businesses and individuals who are “Friends of MainStreet.”

Businesses

Titles Services, Inc.

Best Western

Edward Jones (Devin Barton) – Intl. Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally

Vermejo Park Ranch

High Country Meats

Buffalo Chip

K-Bob’s Steakhouse

Arthur Rolloff

Colfax Cannabis Company (Intl. Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally)

Carquest Raton (Intl. Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally)

Pino Brown’s Print & Embroidery

InBank (Intl. Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally)

Individuals

Michael Anne Antonucci

Bernadine Barela

Guadalupita Encinias & BF Maharrey JR

Bill & Cindy Allen

Kathy Harris (Gate City Music Festival

In Memory of Josie R. Encinias 
Valentini Family
BF Maharrey

 

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Raton MainStreet/ACD is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Raton MainStreet is an affiliated MainStreet program in the New Mexico MainStreet network, recognized for its longstanding commitment to downtown revitalization and economic development. As part of the New Mexico MainStreet network, Raton MainStreet has earned national honors for excellence in preservation-based commercial revitalization.