What's up this weekend? A look at what's going on around Sandoval Co. Feb. 28 to March 2

Harlem Globetrotters trot into the Event Center this winter

RIO RANCHO — World-famous trick-shot basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, are landing …

Harlem Globetrotters bring their basketball showmanship to Rio Rancho

Early on in his basketball career, Julian McClurkin was saddled with the dreaded “too nice” label. This assessment came not long after he was cut repeatedly during every tryout he attended between seventh and 10th grade.

1. The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2025 World Tour to the Rio Rancho Events Center Friday.

The “Trotters,” as they’ve been nicknamed since the early 1980s, last visited the City of Vision on April 15, 2022.

“This year we’re bringing FUN and innovative CHALLENGES to showcase our superstars’ impressive skills and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism,” the team said in a news release. “Watch in awe as players go head-to-head in an exhilarating battle of skills featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots, and more — it’s a friendly competition at its most exciting!”

The family-friendly event will also offer pre- and post-game access to fans, as well as in-game fan interaction and a “Fan-filled Halftime Skills Competition.”

Show time is 7 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit rioranchoeventscenter.com.

2. Kicking off March for the fine arts programs of Rio Rancho Public Schools is the NMMEA District Music Festival, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cleveland High School Concert Hall and music rooms. After months of All-State performances and competitions, the musicians will finally be able to just get together and show off a little bit.

3. Head over to the Loma Colorado Main Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for the Garden Expo. Gardeners of all ages are invited to enjoy garden-themed crafts, a New Mexico biome scavenger hunt and see live reptiles and birds while learning about their roles in nature. More than a dozen community partners and gardening experts will be on hand, including lectures from Sandoval County Master Gardeners, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension, ABQ Backyard Refuge, Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District and the Bernalillo County Master Composters. Attendees will also be able to take home a free succulent or seed starter pack while supplies last.

4. From the Ground Up Farmers Market will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 2320 Lariat Road SE in Rio Rancho. Vendors will be on hand to promote local products, including baked goods, cupcakes, cream puffs, sourdough bread roasted corn and more. There will also be live music by Waylon Bailey. For more information or to get on the vendor list, call 505-967-3104 or visit fromthegounduplandscapesnm.com.

5. St. Baldrick’s Foundation returns to Rio Rancho Sunday for its signature head-shaving event in an effort to raise money for childhood cancer research.

With a goal of raising $60,000, this 16th annual event will honor three local children and their families who have been directly affected by cancer. The New Mexico Firefighters & Friends event has raised nearly $615,000 since 2010, with more than 1,350 heads going bald to stand in solidarity with kids battling cancer worldwide. Their efforts contribute to the New Mexico community’s impact of raising over $2.1 million to help in St. Baldrick’s mission to Conquer Kids’ Cancer.

Of those shaving is volunteer event organizer, Roger Tannen, who will be marking his 19th year shaving his head for St. Baldrick’s. As a Crusader for a Cure, Roger is committed to raising funds for childhood cancer research. His passion stems from personal experiences with cancer, including his nephew’s journey with leukemia, family battles with cancer, and the loss of a close friend. This year, Roger is dedicating his head shave to 4-year-old, Adrian, who is currently in remission after being diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia in 2022.

Visit Stbaldricks.org/get-involved to learn more. To register as a participant or to support the Rio Rancho event, visit the New Mexico Firefighters & Friends event page.