Roswell UFO Festival / New Mexico

Most people know of Roswell New Mexico as being ground zero for the reported crash of an alien fling disc in July 1947. In fact, there is probably no other place on earth where an alien flying craft made history than outside of this town in southeastern New Mexico. The story of Roswell New Mexico and the events that reportedly occurred there more than sixty years ago seems to get bigger as each decade passes.

The thing that has always been debated about the Roswell UFO crash of 1947 was whether or not it really occurred. Immediately after the first local newspaper headlines confirming the crash, the army steadfastly denied that it happened. The official story from the military was that what crashed was a weather balloon. Needless to say, this version of events has been vehemently denied for the past sixty five years from all corners of the research world. The main issue that arose was, if indeed only a weather balloon crashed in 1947, then why was some of the highest ranking officers involved with the event. Why was the army’s top brass flown into Roswell New Mexico? Why was there so many armed guards present at the crash site and in front of the army airfield hangar? All this for a weather balloon crash in the New Mexico desert? In addition to this, as the years passed, there have been reported statements from both citizens and retired military that what crashed north of Roswell was indeed an alien spaceship or flying saucer.

The annual UFO Festival really has something to offer for everyone. The UFO Museum and Research Center is filled with interesting artifacts and first person stories of people who lived in Roswell at the time of the alleged crash in 1947. Out of all of the evidence presented at the UFO Museum and Research Center, the first person stories from people involved in some aspect of the incident are probably the most interesting artifacts of the era.The stories detailed at the museum come from reliable sources who would appear to have no real motive to make something up, especially during the latter years of their lives. Included is a reported statement made by the then Lt. Governor of New Mexico who allegedly was present in Roswell at the time of the incident.

Try our fun twenty-five question history quiz

Short Quiz

During the festival itself, there are many presentations and panel discussions from UFO experts, authors and researchers from across the nation. During the 2012 Festival there were discussions ranging from what some of the involved military officers said about the incident later in life to presentations about alleged implants into humans from alien visitors. For sure, just about every aspect of the UFO incident in Roswell New Mexico was presented. You’ll be able to enjoy multimedia presentations about UFOs and related paranormal topics. Lectures and presentations were scheduled from June 28th through July 1st. Anyone questioning the events of June/July 1947 in Roswell should probably hold off judgement until they have a chance to visit the UFO Museum and look through the written evidence and exhibits. This of course can be done anytime during the year.

In addition to the above, festival goers can enjoy a unique, one of a kind, parade down Roswell’s main street and attend an alien costume contest. Also, a laser light show was presented at the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium located 100 W. 11th St. in Roswell.  If you’re looking for entertainment of a more earthly nature, you’ll enjoy the several bands and singing groups also highlighted on main street stages and on the courthouse lawn. As you can imagine, there are plenty of games and attractions for the young ones making the Roswell UFO Festival a family event.

You may also be interested in our article and photos of the Roswell UFO Museum.

Roswell is located about 200 miles southeast of Albuquerque and about a 200 mile drive northeast of El Paso Texas and about a 170 mile drive west of Lubbock Texas.

(Photos from author’s private collection)