Hometown USA, Las Vegas, NM

Lights, Camera, Action!

Filming on Bridge Street, Las Vegas, NM

Once again our little town is undergoing a transformation. One area is being recreated into a '50s version of the other Las Vegas, the one with glitz and glamour, at least on the surface. In the '50s there was a dark force in control of gaming, and prostitution was a way of life for women whose dreams of stardom ended in disillusionment and sorrow. The old-style mob influence is long gone. Corporate flamboyance drives the economy now, but it can still be a tawdry business with gambling addiction stealing people's futures. 

The transformation on Bridge Street in Las Vegas, N.M., is for a television pilot about the '50s in the town that never sleeps. I have no idea what the plot line is, but I don't imagine it is about the sunny side of life.

The bright side – and the down side – for the only Las Vegas that counts for people in business for themselves, is what it does to the bottom line. Some benefit greatly; others wonder if they can survive the unfortunate interruptions in business access. As a small business it is difficult to take a hit of any kind.

Still, there is spin-off from the movie industry that cannot be denied. It opens the doors of Las Vegas, N.M. to people who have never been here before. It brings exposure and opportunity in unexpected ways.

If you are reading this and live in Las Vegas or in the area, make a special trip to Bridge Street/Plaza and see what's going on. It is a fascinating process to watch. While you’re there, pop into one of the stores and drop a few dollars. Restaurants, clothing and shoes stores, book stores, galleries and more, they're all open ready to serve you.

If you are reading this and you don't live in the area, come on down! It's the sweetest little town around, loaded with history and great things to see and do. Las Vegas, New Mexico may not have glitz and glamour, but it does have down-home hospitality, northern New Mexico chic, and many unique shopping experiences, including those which feature local artists.