Once known as Hot Springs—and still America’s most affordable Spa Town—Truth or Consequences is a small resort town with a year-round population of slightly more than 8,000.  

Situated off I-25 between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, this little town got its big name in 1950 as part of a publicity scheme to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ralph Edwards’ hugely successful game show on NBC radio.

Edwards suggested that there might be a town in the United States that “liked and respected” the show so much that it would change its name to Truth or Consequences. State Senator Burton Roach relayed the news to the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, and in a special city election, residents voted to adopt Truth or Consequences as their town’s new name. Edwards and his entire crew subsequently came to T or C, as it is affectionately called by locals, and on April 1, 1950 a live, coast-to-coast broadcast of Truth or Consequences-the-radio show – was aired from Truth or Consequences-the-town!

Edwards loved T or C so much that he returned every year for nearly 50 years with his Hollywood friends for a Fiesta. The event is still celebrated in early May of every year with classic small-town panache.

Fiesta activities include the Miss Fiesta pageant, a parade, rodeos (motorcyle and traditional) and roping contests, a golf tournament, and – in Ralph Edwards Park – music, performance, and contests including a junk boat race and rubber duck race on the Rio Grande.

Las Palomas Plaza, completed by the artist Shel Neymark circa 2003, is an inviting feature of downtown T or C. Located next door to the artifact-studded Geronimo Springs Museum and across the street from the Post Office, the plaza and fountain provides a place for visitors to sit and relax while soaking their feet in the town’s famous hot mineral waters. 

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Or visit one of these local sources for more information about life in Truth or Consequences:
Tourism Website | City Website | County Website