Ramblin’ around your city Ramblin’ around your town I’m out to do the best I can As I go ramblin’ around, boys, As I go ramblin’ around.

– Woody Guthrie

It’s called The Ramble, and it’s become a Downtown Las Cruces tradition. Since 2005, on the first Friday of every month, more than a dozen Downtown art galleries have opened their doors from 5 to 7 p.m. for a night of art, food, drink and friendship. Musicians, writers, actors and other local organizations join in the fun – all for free.

Karen West studies Judy Licht’s paintings on silk displayed at the Main Street Gallery during the April 2009 Ramble.

“The reason I chose the word ‘ramble’ “The reason I chose the word ‘ramble’ is that, according to Webster, it means a pleasurable stroll for enjoyment. And that is what it has turned out to be,” said Flo Hosa Dougherty, one of the event founders. “We hope that the art is the big draw, but on the other hand it has become a big social event.”