2024 Family Festival & Torch Run for the Special Olympics

The Family Festival & Torch Run is a cherished annual event in Lea County, proudly hosted this year by the Lovington Police Department and the City of Lovington. Local first responders come together to support the Special Olympics in a day filled with fun, fitness, and festivities, all in the spirit of inclusion and community support. The event kicks off with a torch run led by first responders alongside Special Olympics athletes, symbolizing unity and determination.

Following the run, the festival offers a variety of activities, food, and entertainment for all ages, celebrating our athletes and raising awareness for the Special Olympics. Join us as we honor our local first responders, celebrate the strength of our athletes, and come together as a community at the Family Festival & Torch Run!

Why Join LCOC

The Lovington Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to maximizing, promoting, and encouraging the development, growth, and expansion of small and minority-owned businesses throughout Lovington and Lea County. We are the resource to advocate, publicize and network your business. Your success is our success.

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Benefits to our Memberships

As a Lovington Chamber member, you can maximize the development of your business by utilizing the membership benefits accessible to you.

Networking Opportunities
Business Referrals
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony’s
Notary Public Services
Ambassador Program
Newsletter
Social Media Network
Business Card Display
Website Listing
Workshops
Seminars
Membership Spotlight
Member-to-Member Discounts

History of Lovington Area

Lovington was established at the beginning of the 20th century. The first store was built in 1908 and was named "Jim B. Love Grocery Store." The first post office was also housed in the store, and Jim Love was appointed postmaster. In 1917 Lea County was formed from parts of Chaves and Eddy County, and Lovington was designated as the county seat.

From the time of its establishment, Lovington was primarily a ranching and farming center. Oil was discovered in 1928 but did not have a significant impact on the economy until 1950 when the Denton pool, located nine miles northeast of Lovington, was discovered. In a short time the Denton pool had 92 flowing wells and, along with subsequent oil development, shaped the economy, labor force, and life style of present day Lovington.

Population changes in Lovington during the first half of the century reflected the steady growth in farming and ranching, while changes since 1950 have been related to the oil and gas industry. Only recently has the dairy industry begun to take part in our growth. The Census Bureau counted 411 people in the city in 1920. By 1940, the number had grown to 1,916 and between 1940 and 1960 Lovington experienced a 500 percent increase in population. Since that time the climb has leveled to a population of 11,399 as of 2016. Lovington’s climate, like much of eastern New Mexico and western Texas, is characterized by warm summer days, cool nights and mild sunny winters. The summer months have average maximum temperatures in the 90s cooling down to the 60s at night while the daytime maximums in the winter range from the 50s to 60s.

Community spirit appears to have prevailed from the very first in the new town of Lovington as it still does today.