Historic Old San Ysidro Church & Corrales Historical Society

Photo by Lance Ozier Todos Juntos Photography

Take the hay wagons to the end of the line!

During the village-wide Corrales Harvest Festival, Corrales Historical Society (CHS) welcomes you to celebrate not just the agricultural but also the historical roots of Corrales at the “Historic Heart of Corrales Fiesta” at Old San Ysidro Church. And much of it is free or low cost! Just across the road will be complementary history-related events held at the famed Casa San Ysidro.

Activities at the Old Church will be ongoing throughout both days.

Outside, the grounds will be abuzz with activity. As you step off the hay wagon, you’ll be greeted by the ever-popular activities.

Fun Activities

Inside the Old Church:

Take a trip back in time!

Dig into the agricultural heritage of Corrales! Antique utensils and tools will be on display, including farming implements, cauldrons, and a wine and cider press. Try your hand at corn grinding and butter churning, just like they did back in the day. And watch the fast and furious fingers of Margarita Sexson as she demonstrates ristra making right before your eyes, both Saturday and Sunday.

Don’t miss the Sights and Sounds of Music in Corrales! Discover what an integral role music has played in the life of our Village over the years, way back when–and now. Memorabilia of original Corrales music and musicians will be displayed, from traditional New Mexican to contemporary, from pageants and plays to song and dance.

All ages are welcome at the Children’s Craft Table. Try your hand at making musical instruments from simple materials, as kids might have done in the old days. One table over, treat your eyes and your taste buds! Sample the beautiful bounty at the Corrales Farmers Harvest Tasting Table.

Last year marked the 50^th Anniversary of the formation of Corrales Historical Society. Come have a look at the extensive timeline wall hanging detailing our unique area’s history. Spend time at our newly acquired Touch Screen Display Table! Historic photos, literally at your fingertips, include images of the Old Church structure over the years, agriculture and acequias in Corrales, the evolution of transportation in Corrales, and early Corrales art and artisans.

Outside the Old Church:

The Popular Pie Walk returns for a seventh year – visitors love this event! Win homemade pies made from harvest favorites… apple, blueberry, peach, pumpkin, rhubarb, apricot, and more. It’s just $1 to walk, or dance! around the Pie Walk squares. When the music stops, a number gets called – if you’re standing on that number, you win the pie of your choice! All proceeds go to the preservation of the Old Church.

Photo Ops Abound with fun face-cutout boards of farm scenes that will delight everyone with lasting souvenirs. Snap a picture atop an old tractor! The Old Church itself is considered one of the most authentic and well-maintained adobe churches in New Mexico. It’s a beautiful backdrop for a favorite photo memory. Take a snap of your BFF or kids in a “farm portrait” stand such as “American Gothic” and “Farmer on a Tractor.”

CHS docents will be selling Gifts and Souvenirs at Shop in a Basket, including notecards, books, tin ornaments and more. Pick up a little something to remember the day or start your holiday shopping early, with all proceeds going to preserve the Old Church. There will also be CHS membership displays and information about the Old Church, a 156-year-old adobe (with some 200-year-old parts!) that is the center of the Historic Heart of Corrales.

Enjoy the ambiance of old-time traditions! There will be corn hole and ring toss for the kids and other old-fashioned games that are just as much fun today.

Casa San Ysidro: Head across the street to where you’ll find New Mexican artisans and vendors, music and dancers, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, kids’ activities, horno bread baking (bring a loaf over to the Old Church for some fresh churned butter!), and more.