Upcoming Events for September 30th, 2021
THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD
USDA Forest Service waives fees for Veterans Day
OUR WORLD — The USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, will waive fees, where charged, at day‐use recreation sites in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas and the Bighorn, Medicine Bow and Shoshone National Forests in Wyoming in honor of Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11th.
The Forest Service offers several fee‐free days annually to encourage Americans to explore the outdoors and visit their public lands. The fee waiver includes many Forest Service picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads, and visitor centers. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, or other permits still apply. Fees will continue to be charged at Forest Service standard amenity fee recreation sites operated by concessionaires, unless individual managers choose to participate.
HUERFANO
El Fandango performing Oct 2 in Trinidad
HUERFANO — Walsenburg’s El Fandango dancers, the oldest folklorico group in Colorado, have an upcoming competition and performance.
They will be competing at the 6th Annual Rocky Mountain Folkloric Dance Competition.
The Level 2 competition is Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 at CSU-Pueblo Hoag Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. Level 3 competition is Saturday, Sept. 25, starting at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10 which includes both days.
If you miss the chance to see them this weekend, the young ladies will be performing at Santa Fe Trail Days in Trinidad, on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 1:30 pm .
Huerfano Farmers Markets
HUERFANO COUNTY — There are a whole bunch of Farmers Markets taking place each week in Huerfano County. Enough, in fact, that you could go to a new market every day from Thursday to Sunday. If that’s not your style, swing on by the closest one to you for fresh local fruits and veggies and hand-crafted goods.
The Gardner Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. under the pavilion next to the Methodist church.
The Walsenburg Farmers Market takes place on Sundays from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Heritage Park.
The La Veta Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. in front of the Francisco Fort Museum.
The Cuchara Farmers Market takes place on Fridays from 4p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cuchara Mountain Mercantile.
Huerfano area AA and NA
HUERFANO — AA in Walsenburg meets Tuesday and Friday, at 7 p.m. at the Church of Christ, across the street from the Spanish Peaks Library.
In La Veta, AA will meet on Mondays at 6 p.m. in La Veta at the Methodist Church on Main St.
NA meets Saturday at noon at the Huerfano Community Center.
Fun Fridays continue!
HUERFANO — Fun Fridays Continue with the following line-up of Fall/Winter Activities.
Oct 8: Roller Skating
November 5: Bowling
December 3: Hooper Pool
January 21: Sledding
February 25: Pueblo Altitude Trampoline Park
March 25: Pueblo Zoo
April 29: Fishing & Archery
Sponsored by Two Peaks Fitness. $10/child if parent is gym member; $15 for non-members. For children of all ages. Guardian must be present for children under the age of 5.
Limited scholarships available.
Background checks performed for all adult chaperones.
Signup forms available at www.twopeaksfitness.org/fun-fridays or can be filled out at Two Peaks Fitness, 216 S Main St in La Veta. We must receive your paperwork and payment no later than the Wednesday prior to that activity for logistics planning. Each activity has a different time – details available when registering.
For questions or more information call Two Peaks Fitness at 719-742-3555.
Story Time at SPLD
WALSENBURG – Story time is every Friday morning from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. It is open to children ages 0 – 12. The library is located at 415 Walsen Ave. in Walsenburg. For more information contact Ms. Sherry at (719) 738-2774 or sherry@spld.org.
Friday, Oct. 1, Fall.
Artists call for SPACe Fall Show
LA VETA — The Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) invites artists working in all media to participate in the upcoming Fall Show. Artists are encouraged but not required to enter artwork that reflects the Fall season. Artwork may be brought to SPACe, 132 W. Ryus, La Veta, on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, Sept. 29, 30 and Oct.1 between 11 am and 2 pm. There is a nominal entry fee of $5 for each piece entered, with a limit of 4 per person. Oversized pieces are considered 2 entries. For complete details on show requirements, visit the SPACe website, www.spanishpeaksarts.org, call 719 742-3074 or visit in person.
The Clay, Glass and Fiber Show, along with exhibits of new works by Albert Anderson Clymer and Ted Shafer ends soon–Sat. Oct. 2. Don’t miss this great show!
SCCY Tamale Fundraiser
HUERFANO COUNTY — Who’s ready for some Tamales? SCCY is taking order for tamales by the dozen.
1 dozen pork and red chile – $20; 1 dozen green chile and cheese vegetarian and gluten free – $20; 1 pint of Myra’s yummy Chile – $8
Order on Facebook at Sangre de Cristo Center for Youth or call us at 738-1573. Pick up on Friday, Oct. 1 between 2 . and 6 p.m. at 513 Main St in Walsenburg.
John Mall Homecoming Weekend UPDATE
WALSENBURG – John Mall High School’s homecoming festivities, slated for this week, have been postponed as a result of several recent challenges the school has faced.
The school just returned to in-person learning last Friday, after a COVID-19 outbreak forced two weeks of remote classes. On Monday, some 20 students, mainly freshmen and a few sophomores, were sent home to quarantine because they had come in contact with a staff member who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, according to Huerfano School District RE-1 Superintendent Mike Moore.
In addition, he said inclement weather predicted for Friday put the parade in doubt and Friday night’s homecoming football game cannot be played because opponent Sargent High School had to postpone because they are also in quarantine.
“The principal wants to ensure that all students and grade levels are able to participate,” Moore said.
He said the school will hold a homecoming, but the date has not yet been determined.
Oktoberfest schedule
LA VETA — Come on out and celebrate Autumn at the La Veta Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 2nd on La Veta Main Street.
9:45 a.m. Color Guard. Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem
10 a.m. Veteran’s Tribute
10:15 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bier Garten
10:15 a.m. Music by the Alan Polivka Band begins
Noon. First Prize Drawing
1 p.m. Prize Drawing, Oktoberfest Royalty announced
1:45 p.m. Twin Peaks Car Show Awards, 50/50 drawing
1:55 p.m. Prize Drawing
2 p.m. Music by the Rifters begins
3 p.m. Prize Drawing
4 p.m. Grand Prize Drawing
6 p.m. Bier Garten Closes
JW Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Petting Zoo
LA VETA — The JW Ranch will be hosting a Pumpkin Patch and Petting Zoo the weekend of Oktoberfest in La Veta. Come and join us for a cup of hot apple cider and fall festivities!
The patch will be open between September 30th and October 4th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The ranch is located just south of La Veta off HWY 12 at 1769 Co Rd 430, La Veta, CO 81055.
Francisco Fort’s last weekend of the season
LA VETA — The Fort will be open for its last weekend of the season during Octoberfest. A free T-shirt or hat for as long as supplies last on Saturday, October 2nd for all paid guests! Thanks, La Veta and Huerfano County for a great season!
The La Veta Mercantile will be carrying select items from the Fort through the Fall and Winter seasons. Support the Fort! And see you all next year.
Eagles Breakfast/Brunch
WALSENBURG – Lady’s auxiliary 1187 will host community brunch on Sunday Oct. 3rd, 2021 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Come join us for a delicious brunch! The cost is $5 per adult and $2.50 per child. We will be serving something different this month. A yummy golden biscuit covered with creamy sausage gravy, eggs, and a sausage patty. Includes coffee or juice. Hope to see you there. We will continue to strive to support our community with the proceeds we receive from these brunch events.
Friends of the Library sale
WALSENBURG – The Friends of the Library are hosting a Book Sale on Thursday and Friday Oct. 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. FOL could use your help in setting up books and sorting and closing up on Friday. Hope to see you there!
Poetry at La Veta Library
LA VETA — An Afternoon of Poetry in honor of The Unknown will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, 3- 5p.m. at The La Veta Public Library. Bring poems to read (your own or other favorites!). For more information: Tom (743-3776) Robin(742-3398). Mask required.
New, beginning T’ai Chi classes at LVSA
LA VETA — Often referred to as “the gentle art of yielding”, the ancient, slow moving Chinese practice of T’ai Chi Chuan is also healing in many ways. New, beginning classes will be held beginning Saturday, Oct. 9, at 9 a.m. at The La Veta School of the Arts – 105 W Ryus – across from the town park. Classes will be held Saturday mornings from 9-10 The cost is $5 per class or $20 for a month of classes as a donation. For more information, call Peggy Zehring 719-742-5193, or e-mail Peggy.Zehring@gmail.com or LVArtSchool@yahoo.com
SPACe October show
LA VETA — Innder Idea Artists are dedicating their Oct show at SPACe to Rena Kaplowitz and to her speedy recovery. Opening celebration will be on Saturday, Oct. 9th from 5-7p.m. everyone is invited.
New Hope Community Church Young People Rally
LA VETA — A rally for young people of faith ages 12-18 will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 17th at New Hope Community Church of Walsenburg, 801 Pennsylvania from 5 to 7 p.m.
Peer support is vital for young people living out their faith in an increasingly faithless world. This event is designed to encourage young people to persist in fellowship with other like-minded teenagers. The Encourager Rally will begin with food and fun activities. Music will be provided by the Majestic Praise Band of Pueblo, with a brief program to follow. Local attendees will be joined by youth from area churches. Adults are welcome to attend as well. For more information call Pastor Shults at 719-937-1989 or at pastor@hopeofwalsenburg.com.
LVPL Milagro Beanfield War Trifecta
LA VETA — A 3-part series exploring the Milagro Beanfield War will be presented at the La Veta Library on October 7th, 14th, and 21st. Those are all Thursdays and the programs will begin at 2pm in the upstairs meeting room.
In 1974 John Nichol published a novel titled the Milagro Beanfield War, a comical yet heartfelt tale of one town’s resistance against a big business with political backing. Now almost 50 years, the story still has relevance with the gentrification and scarcity of water being topics that have yet to be resolved.14 years later, Director Robert Redford turned the novel into a movie. Filmed in Truchas, New Mexico, the film is set in the fictional town of Milagro population 426 and tells one man’s struggle as he defends his small beanfield against big business and pressure from the state.
October 7- we will show the Milagro Beanfield War movie directed by Robert Redford.
October 14 – we will have a discussion guided by Bob Heffenhauser comparing the book and the movie. You will enjoy this exchange of ideas even if you have not read the book or seen the movie.
October 21 – Eugene Jacques from San Luis will be our guest speaker. Eugene is the ” mayordomono” (steward) for the ditches with historical water rights as well as bean farmer raising his great grandmother’s heritage beans. His story is both modern and ancient and not to be missed! Join us for any or all of the components for discussion and education.
Little Shop of Horrors Audition at FCPA
LA VETA — Tuesday, October 19; 5:00-8:00 pm; at the Francisco Center for Performing Arts at 127 W. Francisco Street, La Veta. Open to ages 14 and up, male and female. Come join the most exciting and talented community theatre around! If auditioning for the musical, please come with a prepared acapella vocal solo (max 2 minutes).
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring written information of past experiences in theatre, dance and/or voice. Sign-up for an audition time slot by texting only 719-989-1531 or 719-298-8701. Due to space limitations, please do not show up more than 5 minutes before your time slot.
Francisco Center for the Performing Arts Show Choir
LA VETA — Francisco Center for the Performing Arts is excited to once again offer a community singing experience.
Our first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. to talk about what our 2021-2022 season and rehearsal schedule will look like and determine what our “voicing” will be. THIS IS A NON-AUDITIONED CHOIR. Rehearsals will start in November. We are excited to see you all!
La Veta Library Scary Story Contest
LA VETA — Do you enjoy all things spooky, creepy, and just plain frightening? La Veta Library is holding its 12th annual Scary Story Contest! This year middle school, high school students and adults can enter in any or all of three categories with original entries: Short story and poetry; image and sculpture; and film and music. $50 first prize will be awarded in each category! Submissions are due October 25. For more information, contact the library or email Stephanie at stephanie@lvpl.org. Let your dark inner artist shine through!
LAS ANIMAS
Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial Celebration Weekend Schedule
TRINIDAD — This weekend between Friday October 1st and Sunday October 3rd, there will be a ton of events taking place in and around Trinidad in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail. Below is a schedule of some of those activities.
Friday, October 1st
Period Dress and Window Decorating ~ weeklong ~ Participating Area Businesses
Daughters of the American Revolution Presentation ~ 11a.m. to 12p.m. ~ Kit Carson Park
Event Kickoff, Welcome, and Santa Fe Trail History ~ 4:30p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Rex Rideout / Mark Gardner ~ 5p.m. to 5:45 p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Trinidad First Friday Art Walk ~ 5p.m. to 8p.m. ~ Downtown Trinidad
Sponsor Recognition and Thank you to volunteers/supporting staff/community members ~ 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Rex Rideout / Mark Gardner ~ 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Main Street Stage
Main Street Live Performance ~ 7p.m. to 9 p.m. ~ Main Street Live!
Street Strollers (Bill Williamson as Bat Masterson and David Lamb as Kit Carson) ~ 5p.m. to 7p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field to Main Street
Marketplace Gallery Art Opening ~ 5p.m. to 7p.m. ~ Marketplace Gallery on Main Street
Saturday, October 2nd
Lifetime Fitness RAD Ride START ~ 7a.m. ~ Main Street
Rotary Club Flapjack Breakfast ~ 8a.m. ~ Miner’s Memorial Parking Lot
Chamber Lunch and Beer Garden ~ 11a.m. – 6p.m. ~ Miner’s Memorial Parking Lot
Buffalo Soldiers ~ 10a.m. – 11a.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Blacksmithing (Mike Kerner) ~ 11a.m. to 4p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Santa Fe Trail Stick Horse Race (ages 5-9) ~ 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
NPS Traders Trunk Youth Program ~ 11a.m. to 3p.m. ~ Bloom House Gardens
Gold Canyon Gunfighters and downtown mingle ~ 11a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ~ Main Street
Adobe Maker (Bents Fort) ~ 11a.m. to 5p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Flintknapping (Levi Montoya) ~ 11a.m. to 5p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Mariachis Performance ~11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ~ Main Street
Sweetwater Plains Indians Dancers ~ 12p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
El Grupo Baile Folklorico de El Fandango ~ 1:30 p.m. ~ Main Street
Aztlan Native American Performance ~ 2:30 p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Benny Tahmahkera – Quanah Parker descendent ~ 4p.m – 4:30 p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Colorado Springs Conservatory ~ 5p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Main Street LIVE Performance ~ 7p.m. ~ 131 W. Main Street
Non-profit/Sponsor booths ~ 9a.m. to 7p.m. ~ Miner’s Memorial Park and Main Street
Street Strollers (Wild Bill Williamson as Bat Masterson and David Lamb as Kit Carson) ~ 5p.m. to 7p.m. ~ Main Street and Los Ninos Field
Sunday, October 3rd
Lifetime Fitness Run START ~ 7a.m. ~ Main and Commercial Streets
Rotary Club Flapjack Breakfast ~ 8a.m. ~ Miner’s Memorial Parking Lot
Talk by local Historian Levi Montoya ~ 9a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Sister Blandina Gardens ~ 10a.m. ~ 225 N. Commercial Street
Chamber Lunch ~ 11a.m. to 3p.m. ~ Miner’s Memorial Parking Lot
Buffalo Soldiers ~ 12 p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
Gold Canyon Gunfighters and downtown mingle ~ 11a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ~ Main Street
Street Strollers ~ 10a.m. to 2p.m. ~ Main Street and Los Ninos Field
Colorado Springs Conservatory ~ 1p.m. ~ Main Street Stage
Santa Fe Trail Water Race (Youth Activity) ~ 3p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ~ Los Ninos Field
The RAD Dirt Fest
TRINIDAD — The Rad Dirt Fest is taking place this weekend, October 2-3 in and around Trinidad. Keep your eyes peeled for additional bikers and runners, and give ‘em your support!
The ‘Rad Dirt Fest is a new off-road cycle and trail run event based in Trinidad, Colo. The ‘Rad marks the newest event conceptualized by the Life Time Events team, which owns and produces the famed UNBOUND Gravel, the storied Leadville Race Series and the new to-the-lineup Bentonville-based Big Sugar NWA Gravel. The ‘Rad Dirt Fest features impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, small town charm and miles of smooth gravel and trails.
The inaugural event, which will take place Oct. 2-3, 2021 will offer three distance options for athletes on fast, fun and clean gravel: a short 38-mile loop with 2,720 feet of elevation gain, a 90-mile course with 5,000 feet of climbing and a 162-mile grind with 10,800 feet of elevation gain. In its inaugural year, the trail run will take athletes on two scenic routes on the outskirts of Trinidad: an approachable half marathon option with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a 50k route with 3,200 feet of climbing. As the town evolves and grows its trail network, the running courses will also evolve, allowing The ‘Rad to grow alongside the town of Trinidad.
Trinidad Housing Survey
TRINIDAD — As Trinidad grows, we are faced with the challenge of creating new housing and facilitating the increase in economic activity that comes along with growth. Where that growth will take place and how will it change the character of existing neighborhoods is a question of great importance and one that is shaped by how the city regulates land use.
Now we are trying to allow for new growth that allows for aging in place and promotes economic
development and vibrancy, so we have launched a survey to guide our actions and align that growth with the community’s current values. Some changes may be popular city-wide, while others may only be popular and appropriate in certain neighborhoods or parts of town. The goal is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but to ensure that new development is attractive and serves the community’s current and future needs.
Please follow this link to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Trinidad
Bar NI Ranch Community Fund grant applications due soon
TRINIDAD — This is a reminder that the Bar NI Ranch Community Fund grant applications are due September 30th.
Established in 2004 by the Cabot Family and the Bar NI Ranch, the Bar NI Ranch Community Service Fund (BNI CSF) makes grant awards in the Purgatoire Valley area to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations or organizations partnering with a 501(c)(3) organizations in education and youth development, environment and conservation, health and human services, and civic and public benefit. The BNI CSF Local Advisory Committee recommends grant awards to the fund trustees in areas that represent the most fitting community needs and best match the focus of our mission statement. Grants to programs sponsored by religious organizations may be funded if the program or activity is clearly distinguished from religious activities and if the program or activity is available to all denominations.
For more information and to receive an application, email tomandlindaperry@gmail.com.
Senior Day at Books & More
TRINIDAD — Friday and Saturday, October 1-2, 2021, are Senior Days at Books & More bookstore 132 N. Commercial St., Trinidad, CO. Most items 50% off. Store hours 11-4:30 Friday and 10-4 Saturday. Phone 846-8522.
COLFAX
Colexico Experience: Spaghetti & Western Film Festival
RATON — On October 15th and 16th, We’re bringing Colorado and New Mexico together (Colexico) by locomotive and teleporting some lucky festival goers to the “Rocky Mountain Land Of Enchantment” for a weekend of scenic train rides, western films and pasta-paloozas.
You are invited to participate in one of three experiences; The Trinidad Experience, in which all festival activities take place in Trinidad, Colorado, The Raton Experience, in which all festival activities take place in Raton, New Mexico, and The Colexico Experience, in which festival goers will utilize Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Train to spend their nights in Trinidad and the day in Raton, experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes found on both sides of the border.
No matter what package you choose, the weekend will feature a pasta dinner provided by local eateries, your choice of classic or new western film viewing, comedy, and dancing.
Colexico Experience Passes are going fast and all train seats must be reserved by October 1, 2021. Learn more and get your tickets while they last at spaghettiandwesterns.nightout.com