AARP to Sponsor Santa Fe Indian Market

For the first time, AARP will have a presence at the Santa Fe Indian Market both as a sponsor of the event as well as through its interactive booth near the bandstand on the Santa Fe Plaza.

“AARP is always looking for new ways to engage with people and the Indian Market provides a unique opportunity to do just that,” said Gene Varela, AARP New Mexico State Director. “People from all over the world come to see and purchase exceptional artwork by Native Americans and while they are doing that we want to highlight all the resources that AARP has to offer.”

Part of the booth will focus on The AARP Fraud Watch Network with tips, quizzes and other resources on how to prevent identify theft and becoming a victim of fraud while the other portion will focus on the work AARP New Mexico is doing here in the state. Some of that local work includes obtaining more resources for family caregivers, helping people work toward a secure retirement, creating livable communities, and hunger issues, among others.

Still, AARP isn’t completely breaking with the Market’s tradition of artwork as its booth will provide a sweepstakes where participants can register to win a beautiful butterfly pin of onyx and red coral crafted by renowned artist Michael Kirk. Kirk specializes in contemporary Native American jewelry and is a former Best of Show winner.  Visitors to the AARP booth will have the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes.*

The Santa Fe Indian Market is celebrating its 94 ^th anniversary, this weekend, Aug.  20-21.  According to the event website, it began in 1922 as the Indian Fair created by the Museum of New Mexico as part of the Santa Fe Fiestas.  It was a way to showcase the art of Native Americans. Today it is one of the largest such events in the country. While the main event, organized by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, is Saturday and Sunday, there are many activities that take place in conjunction with the Market over the course of the weekend, beginning Friday, Aug. 19.

“We also want to take this opportunity to honor the contributions that Native Americans have made to this country and especially here in New Mexico. The beautiful artwork that will be on display at the Market is just one example of the rich culture that makes New Mexico so unique,” Varela said.

To learn more about the Santa Fe Indian Market visit http://swaia.org/

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 21 years or older to enter.  Employees of AARP, their immediate family members and members of their same household are not eligible. E nds on Aug. 21, 2016.  Sponsor: AARP