The Ralph Edwards Fiesta: How Hot Springs, New Mexico, Became Truth or Consequences

Can you guess how a town that used to be called Hot Springs got the unusual name of Truth or Consequences?

Ralph Edwards was the host of a radio show called "Truth or Consequences." It was the show's 10th anniversary in 1950, and he wanted to find a way to honor this event. 

So, Edwards offered to broadcast the show from any city that would change its name to Truth or Consequences. Some people in Hot Springs, in southwestern New Mexico, thought it was a good idea, so they held a special election and residents voted in favor of the name change.

On April 1, 1950, Ralph Edwards hosted his radio show, "Truth or Consequences" from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The town also held a big celebration. Every year since then, Edwards returned to Truth or Consequences to host the annual celebration, or fiesta, which is now named after him.

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