Courtesy of Big Jim Farms

Every New Mexican loves the smell of roasting chiles. We wait for it. It stops us in our tracks when we catch the whiff. Want to bathe yourself in it like we do? Big Jim Farms can make that wish come true. Saturdays and Sundays through September and October, including Sept. 8 and 9 from 9am to 5pm, savor the experience of picking your own green or red chiles with onsite roasting! These chiles are grown chemical-free by a third generation farmer and range from mild to extra hot. Prices are by basket size, which includes mini, small, medium, large and bushel, with the option to have your spoils roasted right in front of you for $5 more. There are also pre-picked fruits and vegetables for sale. Meet the farmer, see where the food is grown and get ready to load up on the New Mexican staple, while relishing in that intoxicating chile pheromone. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.