Readers Théâtre: The Hatch Chile Festival

Title: The Hatch Chile Festival Adventure

Characters:

• Mama
• Papa
• Juan (age 10)
• Maria (age 8)
• Vendor
• Craftsperson
• Food Truck Owner
• Emcee
• Musician/Dancer
• Narrator

Narrator: It was a beautiful day as the Cortez family set out on their day trip to the Hatch Chile Festival. They were excited to taste the famous green chiles and experience the vibrant culture of New Mexico.

Mama: (smiling) This is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to taste all the different types of chiles.

Papa: (nodding) Me too, but let's make sure we don't get too carried away. We don't want to have stomach aches on the way home.

Juan: (looking out the window) Wow, look at all the people! This is going to be awesome.

Maria: (giggling) I want to see the handmade crafts. They always have the prettiest things.

Narrator: The family arrived at the festival and immediately the smell of roasting chiles filled the air. Juan and Maria couldn't contain their excitement and ran towards the first vendor they saw.

Juan: (eagerly) Can we try the green chiles, please?

Vendor: (smiling) Of course, I'll give you a taste.

Maria: (examining a handmade bracelet) Mama, look at how pretty this is!

Craftsperson: (smiling) Thank you! It's made from local materials.

Narrator: Meanwhile, Mama and Papa sat down at a nearby picnic table and ordered some cold horchata from the food truck.

Mama: (taking a sip) Ah, this is refreshing.

Papa: (smiling) We should probably save some for later, though.

Narrator: As the family continued to explore the festival, they decided to try some of the delicious chile rellenos from a food truck.

Food Truck Owner: (handing over the food) Here you go, enjoy!

Juan: (taking a bite and grinning) This is amazing!

Maria: (trying the salsa) It's a little spicy, but I like it.

Narrator: Suddenly, there was an announcement from the emcee.

Emcee: (excitedly) And now, a live music and dance performance!

Narrator: The family rushed over to the stage to watch the show. They were captivated by the rhythm and movement of the Mariachi musicians and Folklorico dancers.

Musician/Dancer: (finishing the performance) Thank you, thank you! We hope you enjoyed the show.

Narrator: As the festival was winding down and the family was packing up to leave, Dad had a panic attack.

Papa: (struggling with the car door) Oh no, I think I locked the keys in the car!

Mama: (laughing) Don't worry, we'll figure it out.

Narrator: After a few moments of panic, they found a helpful police officer who was able to open the car door for them. As they drove home, Mama and Papa realized the aha moment of the day.

Mama: (smiling) Even though we had a silly accident, we had a wonderful day together.

Papa: (nodding) It was a great reminder to enjoy each other's company and not to take ourselves too seriously.

Narrator: The Cortez family learned a valuable lesson that day and made memories that they would cherish for a lifetime.

The Hatch Chile Festival is an annual event held in Hatch, New Mexico, that celebrates the region's most famous crop. Every year, visitors from all over the world come to the festival to sample the unique and flavorful Hatch chiles, which are only grown in the area. The festival takes place over Labor Day weekend and features a variety of activities, including live music, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, plenty of delicious food. (     words)

The Hatch Chile Festival has been a beloved tradition in Hatch for over 50 years. It began as a small event to promote the local chile industry but has since grown into a major attraction that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The festival has become so popular that it has even been featured on national television programs, and its fame has helped to put Hatch, New Mexico, on the map. (       words)

One of the main draws of the Hatch Chile Festival is the chance to try a variety of unique and delicious chile-based dishes. (20 words) From classic dishes like chile rellenos and green chile stew to more creative concoctions like chile ice cream and chile-infused beer, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can also purchase fresh Hatch chiles to take home with them, ensuring that the festival's flavors can be enjoyed long after the event is over. (      words)

While the Hatch Chile Festival is primarily focused on food and drink, there are also plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. Live music performances are a staple of the festival, with musicians from all genres taking the stage throughout the weekend. There are also carnival rides and games for children, as well as arts and crafts vendors selling everything from jewelry to pottery. (             words)

Overall, the Hatch Chile Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves food, culture, and community. It celebrates the unique flavors and traditions of Hatch, New Mexico, and provides an opportunity for visitors to come together and enjoy everything that this special region has to offer.  Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, the Hatch Chile Festival is an experience you won't soon forget. (          words)