Mescalero, NM (March 13, 2009)–Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino has long been a destination rich in history and tradition — and a favorite location where guests have come from near and far to play, relax and explore. Whether it’s a girl's weekend get-away, seeing a favorite entertainer or enjoying a holiday dinner with the family at Wendell's, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is where people have created unforgettable memories for themselves and their loved ones for many generations.

To honor these traditions, the Inn is announcing the "Fondest Memories" Contest — beginning today, Friday, March 13 — and invites past and present visitors to share their favorite memories from Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino for a chance to win a prize package valued at more than $1,200 and a chance to appear in a future advertising campaign.

"From annual ski vacations, to big game hunting experiences, to playing host to someone's wedding day, we are honored to have played a part in creating treasured memories for so many of our guests,” said Douglas Lentz, chief operating officer of IMGRC. "This contest not only allows us to capture and share some of these special moments, but at the same time, awards several lucky guests with a prize that will hopefully lead to another great memory at the Inn."

To enter, guests are encouraged to visit: www.mountaingodsmemories.com to submit their story and photos from that special moment experienced at the Inn. Winners will be selected in mid-April, and will receive a weekend at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino, including room accommodations and selected activities, as well as the opportunity to have their story used in a new advertising campaign.

Jo Kazhe, a long-time employee of IMGRC, recalls one of her favorite memories of a hunter from New York who was looking to take-home a record bull elk: "When the hunter found his target, he got ready to shoot and rested his gun on the guide’s pick-up truck," said Kazhe. "Forgetting that the scope on the top of his gun was higher than the pick-up bed he was resting on, the hunter fired and shot a hole the size of a silver dollar in the side of the guide’s truck!"

Contest Details:

• To enter, guests must submit a full story and accompanying photographs detailing a treasured experience at Inn of The Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
• Entries can be submitted at: www.mountaingodsmemories.com or by mail, to:

  Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
  Attention: Tina Lentz/Memories Contest
  PO Box 269
  Mescalero, New Mexico 88340-0269

• Participation is open to legal residents of the fifty United States who are 18-years-old or older.

• Contest starts Friday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. CST and ends at 5:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, April 12, 2009.

• Five lucky winners will be selected to win a weekend stay to include:
  • Room accommodations for a two-night stay at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
  • Two breakfasts for four at Gathering of Nations Buffet for both Saturday and Sunday
  • $100 towards dinner at Wendell's Steak and Seafood
  • A welcome basket and winner’s choice of one recreational activity per day (excluding casino and gambling-related activities).
  • The approximate retail value of each prize package is $1,200

For more information about the contest and to review submissions, visit: www.mountaingodsmemories.com.

About Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino:
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is the ultimate entertainment destination for all seasons. Located in Mescalero, N.M., near Ruidoso, the Inn has 273 luxury rooms and suites, 38,000 square feet of Vegas-style gaming, a championship golf course and more than 40,000 square feet of meeting space. The Inn is one of many economic enterprises of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, which also runs Ski Apache, Mescalero Big Game Hunting and Casino Apache and Travel Center. For more information on monthly gaming promotions and events, visit: www.mountaingodsmemories.com or call (888) 262-0478.