What's up this weekend? A look at what's going on around Sandoval Co. Jan. 10-12

Ready, set, race: Monster Trucks rev up for a showdown at the Rio Rancho Events Center

Begin the new year watching the Toughest Monster Truck Tour vehicles battle for glory during a two-day pit stop at the Rio Rancho Events Center on Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11.

1. The Toughest Monster Truck Tour will return to Rio Rancho Events Center Jan. 10-11.

The Pit Pass gets fans early entry to walk on the dirt track, see the trucks up close, get autographs from the drivers and take photos.

The tour stops in 2023 and 2024 sold out the events center both nights.

“The Toughest Monster Truck Tour is always on dirt, unlike some other monster truck events in the area,” said Kelly Hess Goldman, the event promoter. “We’ll be bringing in 80 dump truck loads of dirt to build lots of big dirt jumps that include old-school crush cars and racing that involves lots of turns, which is often just as exciting as the freestyle. You can’t make an event this exciting without the dirt.”

The popular Freestyle Motocross team will also be featured.

The Toughest Monster Truck Tour begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, and at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Tickets are available here and at Rio Rancho Events Center Box Office.

2. There’s no shortage of entertainment in the Rio Rancho Public Libraries this weekend. Look for the Bookmobile Launch Party from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Loma Colorado Main Library. The library will celebrate the new Bookmobile with a tour, family-friendly activities, and free hot chocolate (while supplies last). The mobile library will bring materials such as books, audiobooks, movies, video games and more to parks, senior centers, and community centers throughout Rio Rancho in 2025.

Other highlights include:

• Police Information Exchange on elder abuse 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Esther Bone Memorial Library. An officer from the Rio Rancho Police Department will speak on how to spot elder abuse, how to report it and how to request a welfare check. Adults only.

• R.E.A.D. to the Dogs, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Loma Colorado Main Library.

• Author and change consultant Rebecca Reynolds will speak on her new book, “Thresholds of Change: The Way through Transformational Times,” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Loma Colorado Main Library.

3. The New Mexico Runners take on the San Diego Sockers at 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and, as part of Beach Party Day, the first 200 fans will receive NM Runners sunglasses. Fans are also invited to wear Hawaiian shirts and beach hats.