imported post
Yes. I live in New Mexico and have been to the Balloon Fiesta a few times in the past 15 years.
In particular,disallowing of carry, open or concealed, on private property requires conspicuous posting of signs, or a verbal request by a person in lawful possession of the property.
N.M Stat. Ann. §§ 17-2-12; 17-2-33 through 35; 29-19-1 through 12; 30-3-8; 30-7-1 through 16; 32A-2-33.
Here is a synopsis taken from a thorough review of NM gun law.
Carry, open or otherwise not allowed under following conditions:
When in violation of state of federal law . . . on premises of school or preschool . . . on public bus transportation . . . on Indian lands . . . on court grounds or court facility . . . on University property, but school must post signs conspicuously . . . at a bar or alcohol dispenser establishment EXCEPT when said dispenser is in a hotel/motel and you have a room . . . while under the influence of alcohol, drugs; over-the-counter or prescribed, if a policeman feels you are impaired . . . with loaded firearm while riding a snowmobile . . . on private property, but ban must be posted with conspicuous signage or told in person verbally by legal possessor of property . . . on a game refuge.
As for what constitutes a 'concealed' handgun, "loaded handgun that is not visible to the ordinary observations of a reasonable person."
Therefore, signs must be posted conspicuously at the Balloon Fiesta entrances. Also, the 'premises' an effective curtilage (I love that word, sorry) of the lawful dispenser of alcohol, suggesting where that alcohol is allowed to be consumed.
Somehow, I feel the original poster has already packed up and left for Albuquerque for now . . . as we hash and rehash this subject. But, it was a good review.
As always, the best and authoritative source for Open Carry in New Mexico is the DA's office, the State Police number which I posted, or a licensed attorney with expertise and is up-to-date on New Mexico gun law.
My advice to the original poster is to observe for signage, and if walking the Balloon Fiesta grounds may involve walking into a Burrito stand that sells Budweiser, etc., not to Open Carry.