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Upcoming Events for August 29, 2023

OUR WORLD

The Purgatory 4 Adventure Relay
COLFAX/LAS ANIMAS— The Purgatory 4 Adventure Relay, Saturday, Sept. 9 challenges competitors across the country to go halfway to hell and back.  Run through the rugged terrain of Sugarite Canyon State Park in Northeastern New Mexico, paddle a course on Lake Maloya at 7,500 feet, bike up to 8,500 feet over San Fransisco Pass and into Southern Colorado, and prove your prowess on a challenging shotgun shooting course at Trinidad State College’s Prator Gun Range. Registration deadline is Sunday, Sept. 3. For more information please contact the City of Trinidad Office of Outdoor Recreation 719-680-4078, Jared.Chatterley@trinidad.co.gov

HUERFANO

SCCY Peach Pickup
WALSENBURG— If you ordered peaches from SCCY, and they are PAID for, you can pick up your peaches at 505 Main Street, Walsenburg, Colorado on Sunday, Aug. 27, 1 -3. If you wish to pay for your peaches the day of distribution, you need to pay for them with a check made out to SCCY or the correct money denomination, as there will be no cash at the office. Thank you all for your continued support of SCCY and the youth of Huerfano County.

Casting Call for Francisco Center for the Performing Arts
LA VETA— Have you been interested in getting on the stage or making a return but have been concerned about your time availability? This show is the perfect opportunity to perform and work rehearsals around your schedule! Show dates are October 21 and 22. If you are interested in joining, please contact vandagriffashley@gmail.com

Ballad of Gopher Gap
LA VETA— The Francisco Center for the Performing Arts in La Veta will put on our melodrama for the summer season, Ballad of Gopher Gap.  For more information and a full list of performances please visit https://www.lavetatheaterweb.org/

Art of the Abuelos Class
WALSENBURG— Come get your sunflowers on!  Our monthly Art of the Abuelos Class, happening Thursday, Aug. 24, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Jenn Dunn will be leading this fun painting class featuring mountains and sunflowers that are typical in August. The class is free, all materials provided refreshments included, please RSVP to Sandy J. at 719 989-8438, so we can get a canvas count.

Basic drawing
WALSENBURG— On Thursday Aug. 24, at 2 p.m. Museum of Friends is inviting all interested in drawing for a free, small intimate class in basic drawing with Harold Vargas, no age requirements. Harold will provide basic materials.

Huerfano Farmers Markets
HUERFANO— Our local farmers markets are going strong! Don’t forget to stop by one or all of these for the best local goodies around.
La Veta Farmers Market, every Thursday, 3 – 5 p.m. next to the library on Main Street.
Cuchara Farmers Market, every Friday, 4 – 6 p.m. at the Cuchara Mountain Mercantile at the base of the mountain park.
Gardner Farmers Market, every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. under the pavilion next to the Methodist church.
Walsenburg Farmers Market, Every Sunday 12 -2 p.m. at Heritage Park on Main Street and the railroad tracks.

Nothing’s For Free at Fox Theatre
WALSENBURG— Thursday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Nothing’s For Free- The History of Freeride Mountain Biking at the Fox Theatre in Walsenburg. Every sport has its Dog Town and Z Boys or Riding Giants. Nothing’s For Free is the real story of the birth and legacy of freeride mountain biking. Chronicling the blue-collar story and rise of a cult sport to a global phenomenon that put the race-driven sport of mountain biking on the map in the world of action sports and the mainstream.

‘Crossroads: Changes in Rural America’
WALSENBURG— In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution’s upcoming  “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America” show to be hosted by the Museum of Friends, a series of public programs and facilitated conversations is planned.
All are free events, with donations welcome.
Planned events include a Volunteer and Docent Training sessions on how to lead tours through this exhibit on  Friday, Aug. 25, 3 p.m., and a School-Tour program available for youth K through 12 from Aug. 29, through Oct. 8. Additionally on Saturday, Sept. 16, Museum of Friends will host Story Share with CU Boulder Drama Department’s Professor Jim Walker and Improvisation Troupe. Culminating conversations will be held in the fall to explore the impact that the exhibit had on opening dialogue within the community. The opening of this exhibit is on Saturday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m. at MoF.

Weekend activities at Lathrop
WALSENBURG— Friday Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Victoria Miller, Curator at the Steelworks Center of the West, in Pueblo will speak on the social lives of workers in CF&I’s Southern Colorado Mining Communities. This will be held inside the Visitor’s Center.
Saturday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center, make a Friendship Bracelet with raffia and beads.
Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Musician Stan Pollmann will play at Lathrop State Park Amphitheater
Tuesday, Aug. 29,6 p.m. Want to spend quality time with your dog and share good company? Bring your dogs and walk with Trisha – one of our awesome, local volunteers – along the Hogback Ridge Trail. Remember to bring a water bottle, Hat/Sunscreen, and bug spray, meet at the Amphitheater
As always park passes are required for all vehicles.

Creative Booster painting workshop
LA VETA— A Creative Booster is a painting workshop sponsored by the Spanish Peaks Arts Council for people who want to let loose and have fun with watercolors. The class will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 9:30 a.m.  – 4:30 p.m. with an hour lunch break. Cherine Marie, instructor, will provide the supplies for a total of $75. Students keep the papers provided & little w/c holders.  A Colorado native, Cherine Marie-Kuster, creates free flowing color and imaginative, sometimes humorous, works depicting people and animals in a variety of mediums. Register at SPACe Gallery, 132 W. Ryus, La Veta or call 719 742-3074.

Spanish Peaks Ranch Rodeo
LA VETA— Saturday, Aug. 26, 12 p.m. Open Ranch Rodeo, Youth Ranch Rodeo, and Muttin Bustin’ to Kick off the event! Gates open at 12:00PM, rodeo starts at 1 p.m. All teams must be entered by August 19th. This is a fun event for the entire family, don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. For rodeo entries and questions contact Joette Schalla at (719) 469-8374. Located at the Huerfano County Fairgrounds, Moore Ave & Valley Rd, La Veta, Colorado.

Fish Fry Fundraiser
LA VETA— On Saturday, Aug. 26, 1 – 4 p.m. the La Veta Village Auxiliary will host their 2nd annual Fish Fry Fundraiser. We will be serving fish, potato salad, coleslaw, hush puppies, and beans.  Dessert includes cupcakes and cookies $15 per person. For more information please visit the La Veta Village Facebook page.

History of edible, medicinal, useful, and dangerous wild plants
LA VETA— Attention history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and landowners. Local interpretive naturalist Bob Kennemer is presenting a 90 minute program on The history of edible, medicinal, useful, and dangerous wild plants of Spanish Peaks Country on Saturday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. Indigenous peoples, early Spanish, and European settlers relied on these plants. Huerfano County and south/central Colorado are home to hundreds of important and useful wild plants. This program will teach you about many of them, along with tips on how to ID plants, tools, and equipment needed and ethical foraging methods. Sponsored by Francisco Fort Museum, this event will be held at the La Veta Public Library at 310 S Main Street.

My Little Show
WALSENBURG— Join Jann Vail on Saturday, Aug. 26, 5 – 8 p.m. for My Little Show- Tiny Treasures in Recycled Boxes. The show will be held at La Plaza, 160 w. 6th St. Walsenburg.

Wine Pairings with Harmonizing Hors D’oevres
LA VETA— Friends of La Veta Library, Ed Donovan , and Alys’s Restaurant come together Sunday, Aug. 27, 3 to 6 p.m. to launch this inaugural benefit event for the
Book Nook Renovation Project. Enjoy the La Veta Mercantile venue with Andy Hackbarth creating a musical backdrop. Sip wine and sample harmonizing canapés by Go Ask Alys Catering while Ed Donovan introduces the wine to us. Tickets $50 per person available at Artisans on Main or the Book Nook. A neighborly way to spend a Sunday!

Albert Anderson Clymer at The Parkside

LA VETA— on Sunday, Aug. 27, 4 – 7 p.m. at The Parkside Gallery, La Veta artist Albert Anderson Clymer will talk about his Artwork inspired by the historic Wounded Knee Massacre of December 29 1890. Many of his paintings refer to this tragedy. Clymer himself is of Native American descent, mainly Choctaw, which contributed to his inspiration. A raffle will be held with a couple of Clymers’ paintings as prizes. The proceeds will be donated to a charity that supports kids of the Pine Ridge Lakota Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Michael Steward will play the piano at this event; free wine and snacks will be served.
There will be a preceding online silent auction of Clymers’ Wounded Knee inspired paintings from August 15-26 (goto 32auctions.com/127); this is THE chance to acquire one of his beautiful paintings at a reduced price! Don’t miss this unique event!

Maui On My Mind benefit

CUCHARA— Come to the Cuchara Mountain Mercantile on Sunday, Aug. 27 starting at 5 p.m. for a silent auction, luau style dinner, and entertainment fundraiser, with all proceeds to benefit the fire c=victims in Maui.  For tickets, call the Capture Colorado office at 719-742-6000.  $50 for adults and $25 per child. You may also RSVP to Jacky@CaptureColorado.com.
To donate online, go to CucharaChristian.com with memo “Maui”.  Checks may also be mailed to CCF, 18721 Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO 81055.

Water Conservancy District Meeting

WALSENBURG— The monthly board meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will be held at the Walsenburg Housing Authority activity room, 220 Russell St, Walsenburg, on Monday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. The draft agenda for the meeting will be available on the district’s website: www.hcwcd.net

La Veta Library Trivia Night

LA VETA— On Monday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. join La Veta Public Library at Mountain Merman Brewing Company for a night of Sitcoms Trivia (Pt. 2)! 6 rounds, up to FIVE (5) people on a team. No electronic devices allowed-this will result in immediate team disqualification. There is no charge to participate in trivia. Great prizes donated by Mountain Merman Brewery! A great time guaranteed! Want to host a library event at your business? We want to hear from you! info@lvpl.org

Meeting of Water Conservancy District Board

WALSENBURG— The Huerfano County Water Conservancy District board members will be meeting with the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the Walsenburg Community Center, 928 Russell Street, Walsenburg, CO. Discussion will involve the Thorne Ranch. The meeting is open to the public, but public comments will not be taken.

Camp Plushie at the library

WALSENBURG— On Thursday, Aug. 31, at 5 p.m. bring your whole family and your child’s favorite plushie friend to Camp Plushie at Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg!  We’ll have children’s camping activities, a sing-along, creepy camp stories, hotdogs, drinks, chips, and s’mores.  Plushies are invited to spend the weekend, and when picked up on Sunday the 3rd, a photo album with your plushie’s weekend adventures will come home with them!  This is a free event you won’t want to miss!

Wheelhouse Grand Opening

WALSENBURG—Join us for the grand opening of the Wheelhouse Community Makerspace, a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration! This exciting event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 31, 5- 6:30 p.m. at 609 Main Street, Walsenburg. Take a tour of the space and equipment to see what it has to offer while envisioning what the space can become! See equipment in action along with product prototyping and promotional material examples. After, design the future makerspace of Huerfano County’s dreams.

Coal Camps, Cow Camps

WALSENBURG— Sandy Dolak with be at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg every Friday in September from 1 – 3 p.m. to collect pictures and stories of the miners, ranchers and cowboys that shaped the legacy of Huerfano County. I can scan the pictures and hand them right back to you. This is such an important story to be told and will be presented to the community on November 4 th at the Walsenburg Community Center. If you would prefer another time (or I would be willing to come to you) call or text 719-251-1271.

First Friday Art Walk

LA VETA— Friday, Sept. 1, 4:30 – 7 p.m. It’s that time again for art, food and fun. La Veta’s First Friday Art Gather friends, family and youth that love pondering inspiring art, or enjoy a solo excursion exploring shops and galleries. Meet local, national and internationally recognized artists. Dine at nearby restaurants and breweries. Sponsored by the La Veta Creative District and Colorado Creative Industries. For more information, Info@LaVetaCreativeDistrict.org & LaVetaCreativeDistrict.org

Fox Theatre outdoor movie

WALSENBURG— On Saturday, Sept. 2, sunset, join the Fox Theatre crew at Fiesta Park in Walsenburg for the Outdoor Movie showing “Hardball”. Bring a blanket and some bug spray and enjoy another movie under the stars.

Experimental Drawing and Painting at LVSA

LA VETA— The La Veta School of the Arts presents Peggy Zehring’s fun, abstract, experimental drawing and painting one week or two week class which will be happening at The La Veta School of the Arts in La Veta, CO from Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Saturday, Sept.9, and Monday, Sept. 11, through Friday, September 15, 2023  Draw with charcoal and then use the images you created spontaneously to unfold abstract paintings. You’ll also learn color mixing, recognizing and capitalizing on your own marks, compositional excellence and much more. All levels of experience are welcome.  Cost is $375.00 a week.  For more information or to register call 719-742-3421, or e-mail LVArtSchool@yahoo.com or register online at www.theLVSA.org.

9/11 Flag Presentation

WALSENBURG— Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aries and Aux 1187 is inviting the public to attend a flag presentation put on by the American Legion, on Monday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Eagles Hall in Walsenburg. we hope that you can come and attend this special event to honor the fallen of 9/11.

LAS ANIMAS

Pizza & Play reading

TRINIDAD— Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m. Join us at Main Street Live in Trinidad for pizza and play readings. The Director’s Forum is a group of theatre artists who work primarily as directors for the productions of Main Street LIVE, but also serve as actors and designers. Pizza and Play Reading Series will engage the community in reading plays with us. This will expand our knowledge of shows and the theatre itself, and it will bring our community together. We will start by reading works that are within the public domain, or works for which we have multiple copies.

Low-cost spay and neuter clinic

TRINIDAD— PALS, Pet Assistance League, in Trinidad, is sponsoring a two day, low-cost spay and neuter clinic for male and female cats on Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26.  Vaccination (DAPP/FVCRP) and rabies are included.  Pre-registration and pre-payment of a $50 fee is required.  There is limited space available.  To register go to PALS Thrift Store, 500 W. Main street, in Trinidad, or call 719-680-0525 for more information. This clinic is by San Luis Valley Spay and Neuter Alliance and sponsored by the Pet Assistance League of Trinidad.  For information on upcoming events & store specials, follow them on facebook, PALS- Pet Assistance League Store, or visit them at 500 W. Main street in Trinidad, 719-680-0525.

Final Friday Mountain Bike meet-up

TRINIDAD— On Friday, Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. Join the Final Friday Mountain Bike Meet-up at Fisher’s Peak State Park. Join Tarantula for a lap (or two or three) on Poison Canyon. 1 lap is about 5 miles and 500 ft. elevation change. We highly encourage carpooling from the shop! Helmets required (duh!)

Geology of the Spanish Peaks Region at TLSP

TRINIDAD— On Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. at the Trinidad Lake State Park Amphitheater join Sydney Waller as she shares her extensive knowledge of the geological formations in and around the park. From Fishers and the Spanish Peaks to the Colbria Range of the Sangre De Christos the volcano fields to the south and the Kt Boundary. Her presentation will leave you wanting to further explore the rich geology of the region.

Brick City Roller Derby Tailgate fundraiser

TRINIDAD— On Sunday, Aug. 27, 12 – 5 p.m. the Brick City Roller Derby team and Sexy Pizza are teaming up to raise money for Noah’s Arc and Brick City Roller Derby. Bring your yard sale items and join the tailgate sale! There will also have a dog wash for the furry friends. Please bring aluminum cans for Noah’s Ark “Cans for Critters”. The Tailgate and dog wash will be at Sexy Pizza, 516 E. Elm St, Trinidad.

Moonlight Kayaking

TRINIDAD— Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.  Kayak by moonlight on this Blue Moon at Trinidad Lake State Park South Shore, We’ll kayak and then get back together at the boat ramp for smores and refreshments. The event is FREE or $5 donation, you will need to have a parks pass.

Trinidad Round Up Rodeo weekend events

LAS ANIMAS— Saturday, Sept. 2, 5 p.m. is beauties, beasts, beer and bands!  open barrel racing, open bull riding and free style bull fighting! After the arena action we are turning the dirt ground into a dance floor and the band WestRock will keep the party going for hours to come!
Sunday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.  the park will be packed with kids activities, food and excitement for all ages! Rodeo kicks off in the afternoon with an OPEN Rodeo. Enjoy all your favorite rodeo events including junior bulls, mini bronc and the ever popular mutton busting! We are keeping the tradition of the Nickel Scramble, Stick Horse Race and adding this year A Calf Scramble for the kids!!
Monday, Sept. 4, we are keeping with tradition and hosting the Labor Day Parade in downtown Trinidad!  Kicking off as soon as the Labor Day Parade is over we will have the park packed once again full of kids activities, food and fun! All the must have Ranch Rodeo events including Wild Horse Racing, Ranch Broncs, Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, Team Sorting, Team Doctoring, Trailer Loading, and Junior Team Sorting, Mutton Busting!

Mind the Gap –  Intergenerational Theatre Program

TRINIDAD— An intergenerational theatre program created by New York Theatre Workshop, connecting young people and elders through the power of storytelling. This free workshop matches Trinidadians age 60 and up with teens ages 14 to 19. Participants interview each other over the course of 12 sessions, learning about their intergenerational partner’s lives and dreams.They write short plays inspired by their partner’s personal stories, and in a culminating evening of sharings, hear their scripts read aloud by local actors. The program starts on Thursday, Sept. 7 and applications are due on Friday, Aug. 25. For more information or to apply please visit Main Street Live or goto forms.gle/pcon3fo43YwKLyNf7

First Friday Art Walk

TRINIDAD— Hang out in downtown Trinidad Friday, Sept. 1, 5 – 8 p.m. for the monthly First Friday Art Walk. All along Main and Commercial Streets gallerys will stay open late to give you the opportunity to enjoy art, music, food and special vendors.

Caveman Music Festival

WESTON— Head to the mountains for three days of awesome music and mayhem at Monument Lake Resort in Weston, Colorado on the Scenic Highway of Legends. Camping, fishing, hiking, vendors and more! Caveman Music Festival is Friday, Sept. 1 – Sunday, Sept. 3. For more information visit cavemanmusicfestival.com/

COLFAX
 
Toy Land Character Contest
 
RATON— The Raton Lions Club is having a Toy Land Character Contest.  We invite contestants to use their talent to create new characters that will be displayed on Apache Avenue on the way to City of Bethlehem. Everyone is welcome to participate in this contest; individuals, groups, businesses, clubs, etc.
Judging of the characters will be on November 4 at 2pm at Climax Canyon.  All characters made and donated will be accepted and displayed during the Christmas holiday.  We ask that you put your name and date on the back of the character.
Please call 575-447-1242 if you have any questions and to register your name and character.
Cool Summer Nights Concert Series

ANGEL FIRE— Every Friday night, 5 p.m. through Sept. 9th the Cool Summer Nights Concert Series in Frontier Park will offer free live music from national and regional acts. Grab a lawn chair and bring your friends for a fun filled night of music.

Cottage Market

RATON— Check out local goodies at the Raton Cottage Market held every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Old Community Garden Site, 108 S 1st St. Local food, crafts and gifts, what more could you ask for?

The Pride Kickoff

RATON— Rainbow Alliance and Raton Community Services present the Pride Kickoff on Friday, Aug. 25, 5 – 7 :30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Service led by Jill Cline at 5 p.m. with a potluck and social to follow. For more information please contact Jill Cline, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 575-770-1327 or Niko Ibanez, Raton Pride Committee President at 719-453-7820.

Kitchen Sale

CIMARRON— We are streamlining our kitchen at Cimarron Community Church in anticipation of a commercial kitchen certification. We have found we have too many of certain items. We are offering these items for sale at bargain prices. Check out the sale on Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Located at the corner of Highway 64 and Collison Ave, please enter on the east side.

Raton Pride Festival

RATON— Join the fun at Heritage Park in Raton on Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Heritage Park is located between Clark and Rio Grande Ave. There will be local artists, live music, games and activities for the entire family. Art raffles and costume contests as well with a Karaoke after party to follow!

Moonlight Hike

CAPULIN— On Saturday, Aug. 26, come and experience the top of Capulin Volcano in a new light! Take a ranger guided hike at Capulin Volcano under the light of the moon!  Subjects include nighttime biology, lunar geography and mythology, astronomy, and the park after dark.   Wear warm clothing and layers as the weather may be chilly. Meet at the visitor center before heading up the volcano. Reservations are required; call 575-278-2201 with the number of people attending to reserve a spot!

Gate City Music Festival

RATON— The 8th Annual Gate City Music Festival will be held Labor Day weekend in Raton. On Saturday, Sept. 2 Historic First Street will be having a variety of music from 10 a.m. – Midnight. On Sunday, Sept. 3, 12 – 5 p.m. Gonzalo will be at Historic First Street and later in the evening The Shuler Theatre will have music starting at 7 p.m.

Supercross

RATON— Check out Raton Supercross on Saturday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m. at the Colfax County Event Center and Rodeo Grounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. and there will be races of all ages. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.RatonSuperCross.com

Night Sky Viewing

CAPULIN— Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Telescopes are provided to view the dark northeastern New Mexico skies. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes. Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed. Dark Sky programs may be changed or cancelled due to weather. Capulin Volcano National Monument is located at 46 Volcano Hwy.

Huerfano Fire in tumult

Flurry of resignations, including chief and two board members, follow April’s apparently contentious meeting of the board WALSENBURG — The recent tumult at the Huerfano

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