Relighting the fire

Light the torches. Tucumcari MainStreet's Fired Up festival returns Saturday after a three-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MainStreet director Connie Loveland stated in an email Friday she was excited to get the free festival going again. The festival runs from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Tucumcari Historic Railroad Plaza and adjacent streets downtown.

"While we did scale down the event slightly, it's still packed with fiery family fun," Loveland said.

The festival also returns its signature fire-based act, Odd Lab, at 8:15 p.m. Odd Lab also will hold other performances at 6 and 7 p.m.

After uncertainty because of a burn ban much of the summer, Loveland said a fireworks show also will return at the end of the evening.

In 2019, Fired Up drew a record crowd of more than 4,200 people. Loveland said she was reluctant to make predictions about this year's festival because of the layoff.

"We really do not know what to anticipate attendance-wise this year," she said. "Engagement on social media posts are up from the 2019 event, so it's hopeful that is indicative of attendance increase for this years festival."

Loveland said this year's Fired Up has added some new twists.

"New to the festival this year is NM Mobile Axe company from Santa Fe," she said.

"We are excited to announce Axle Contemporary will be joining us for this year's Fired Up Festival. The public is in invite to participate in their art project, 'E Pluribus Unum: El Norte.' Bring your friends and family for free photographic portrait sessions. Make sure to bring a small object of personal significance to be included in your portrait. Participants will receive a free portrait on-site, and an additional portrait will be collected in a book and exhibition in 2023!"

Below is the festival schedule:

• 4 p.m.: Festival area opens with food court, vendors, live demonstrations and Axel Contemporary booth;

• 4:30: Prince Tocom and Princess Kari contest;

• 6: Odd Lab ambient performances;

• 6:15: Limited Edition music performance;

• 7: Odd Lab fire-eating performance;

• 7:15: Limited Edition

• 8:30: Odd Lab fire performance.