More Than 5,000 Visit Lincoln for the return of Old Lincoln Days and “The Last Escape of Billy the Kid” 

August 10th, 2021

The town of Lincoln came alive August 6-8 with the return of the Old Lincoln Days festival and “The Last Escape of Billy the Kid” pageant, allowing guests to experience history up close in one of the most legendary places in America. New Mexico Historic Sites, the Friends of Historic Lincoln, and the Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant Committee worked together to fill Lincoln Historic Site with re-enactments, local art and food vendors, historical lectures and tours, living history demonstrations, children’s activities, and other events.

It was estimated that more than 5,000 people visited the historic property during the three-day festival, with over 1,000 in attendance at the Saturday evening performance of “The Last Escape of Billy the Kid," which celebrated its 80th year.   

“New Mexico Historic Sites could not be more thrilled with the turn out we had for Old Lincoln Days this year,” said Tim Roberts, deputy director of New Mexico Historic Sites. “Our staff from around the state came together with the community of Lincoln, the Friends of Historic Lincoln, and the Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant Committee  to create an amazing event in relative short order.”  

“I have seen five Old Lincoln Days and this was the best attended I’ve seen,” said Johnny Boswell, Vice-President of Friends of Historic Lincoln. “I commend the collaborative efforts of those making this happen with only a few weeks’ notice. In addition to a wonderful weekend of programs and events, I believe there will be lasting benefits in the coming months.”  

“I think our combined efforts were great,” said Kent McGinnis, President of the Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant Committee. “Being able to show team work has resulted in great results.”   

Lincoln Historic Site also welcomed back its volunteers and docents during the Old Lincoln Days festival. These community members, who provide an immeasurable resource with their time and talent, returned to the historic property for the first time since March 2020.    

About New Mexico Historic Sites   New Mexico Historic Sites is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The New Mexico Historic Sites system was established in 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico. The eight Historic Sites include Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Jemez, Lincoln, and Los Luceros.  

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