OUR WORLD
SCCOG Meeting
LAS ANIMAS/HUERFANO— The South Central Council of Governments next board meeting (open to public) is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m. Contact Donna Sue at SCCOG at 719-845-1133 X223 for zoom link if you would like to join the meeting.
HUERFANO
La Veta Library fall programs
LA VETA—Fall is in the air and the adult programming series for the LaVeta library will be resuming soon. As always we have some special movies on tap up for our movie matinee dates and some great programs lined up for the upcoming months. Our usual times are Thursdays at 2 p.m. but that varies occasionally. Always check out the Journal for the latest updates. Also, if there is a topic that you would like us to explore, a movie that you would like to share or a program that you would like to present, we would be delighted! Please contact Mitzi at 719-742-3572 or mitzivlpl@gmail.com to talk about your idea and book a date. Thank you for your support and interest and we’ll look forward to seeing you soon.
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 by the railroad tracks.
Sassy Stitchers at SPLD
WALSENBURG— Experienced and novice stitchers alike are invited. Come join this fun-loving and creative bunch of Sassy Stitchers every Thursday, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg.
SPLD Presents Storytime with Mrs. Flamingo
WALSENBURG— Join Mrs. Flamingo on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Each kid who attends will receive a free book from the Flamingo Book Club. There will be books read, songs sung, story boards, crafts, prizes and much more!
Coal Camps, Cow Camps
WALSENBURG— Sandy Dolak with be at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg every Friday in Sept. 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 at the county community center in Walsenburg. If you would prefer another time (or I would be willing to come to you) call or text 719-251-1271.
Spanish Peaks Harp Retreat
WALSENBURG— The 2023 Spanish Peaks Harp Retreat happens this weekend, Sept. 21 – 24. You are apt to see harps and harpers coming and going in Walsenburg, including world class instructors Lynn Soirse from Ireland and Rachael Hair from Scotland!
Attendees range from beginners to professionals and will work with the instructors for a total of 14 hours, as well as private lessons and special workshops like a presentation on ‘Manx Music’, storytelling with harp and more.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. the harp participants work with the Spanish Peaks Piping class, and it is a wonderful thing to hear! This event is free and open to the public. So if you’d like to hear the wonderful tones of pipes and harps playing together, join us at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg.
For more info: http://spanishpeaksharpretreat.com/
Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival
HUERFANO— Thursday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 24. The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (SPICMF) is that, a Celtic music festival, but really so much more. We are more accurately a four day ‘destination-retreat’ where internationally respected artists and scholars not only perform in concert, but share their musical talent and knowledge in a full range of upwards of fifty plus workshops, demonstration talks, and ope (free) singing, dancing and playing sessions for all. In addition we provide musical and cultural education at no charge to the schools in our county. Go to celticmusicfest.com/the-festival for more information.
Badito Ranch on the River – Community Meeting
HUERFANO— Join the Huerfano County BOCC at Badito Ranch on the Huerfano River to see the master plan and give your input at community meeting and tour on Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. We’ll be meeting at Badito CR 616 and HWY 69 almost halfway between Walsenburg and Gardner.
Color Run for Gardner Valley School
WALSENBURG— Join Gardner Valley School Color Fun Run on Sunday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Fiesta Park in Walsenburg. What’s a color fun run? It’s running and doing tie dye at the same time, or close to it anyway. A guaranteed great time for the entire family. $15 for kids and $20 for adults, cash and checks will be accepted at registration on the day of the event.
SPLD Presents Gardening 101
WALSENBURG— On Sunday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. This will be our last class until February so be sure not to miss this informative class, Fall & Winter Preparations. We will cover everything from sprinklers, garden plants and wildflower seeding to tool sharpening and patio furniture storage. Hope to see you all there!
Laughing as Exercise Mondays
LA VETA— Join us to experience laughing as exercise to support mental, emotional and physical health every Monday, at 5 p.m. Taking care off ourselves so that we are healthier interacting with the world has never been so joyful! Practiced regularly, laughing can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. We may find that we are less fearful and reactive and more calm, caring, understanding and forgiving when the unexpected happens. Laughing as exercise can also support a deeper sense of wellbeing for those experiencing chronic illness. Located at the La Veta Town Park along West Ryus. For more info, please contact Laura “Joy” Bedford at (630) 864-8992 or Trusting OurInnerLight@gmail.com.
Call for singers
LA VETA— It’s not too late to join us as we rehearse for our 2023 Christmas Season Concerts. The Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble is calling all singers, young and old, experienced, or willing to become experienced, to join us weekly on Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. sharp, at the La Veta United Methodist Church in La Veta (416 S Main Street in La Veta). We love to make music and we’d love to have you join us. Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses – all are WELCOME! We have a few extra seats saved for sopranos, so don’t be shy! We’ll have the sheet music and cd’s for everyone. Be ready to have fun making a joyful noise! Call Kalima at 719-742-5333 with any questions you might have or email me at amuse@rmi.net.
SPLD presents Teen Pizza
WALSENBURG— Every Wednesday, 4 – 6 p.m. join the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg for PIZZA, provided by GubGub’s Pizza and Ice Cream! Teens are welcome to come hang with us after school every Wednesday, no catch, no demands just stop by and check out our library. We have Wii, computers, tablets, games, puzzles, music, friends, laughs and of course BOOKS!
Abuelos art class
WALSENBURG— The monthly abuelos art class will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. This class will include making and framing a retablo saint, or photo brought to class from home. The frame opening size is 2” by 3”. We will supply saint’s pictures one may choose from. Materials to decorate, and paint the frames will be supplied. Refreshments provided, class is always free. Call or text S. Johnston to reserve your spot 719 989-8438.
Movie Matinee at LVPL
LA VETA— Join La Veta Library for a Movie Matinee as we show “Judy” starring Renee Zellweger on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. “Judy” is a 2019 biographical drama film based on the life of American actress Judy Garland. Directed by Rupert Goold, it is an adaptation of the Olivier- and Tony-nominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, and Michael Gambon. Read more about this film on our Facebook Events page.
Music Bingo with La Veta Library
LA VETA— Thursday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Join La Veta Public Library at Mountain Merman Brewing Company in La Veta for “Now That’s What I Call Music Bingo: Songs of the 1970’s!”
Nolan Strong Fundraiser concert
WALSENBURG— Master of the Hammond B3 and most soulful vocalist this side of the Mississippi, Shawn Brown, will be at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Meet Baby Nolan Rinker, 18 months, a proud 5th generation native of Huerfano County who has been diagnosed with Apert Syndrome. Tickets are $15 and the money goes toward helping Nolan and his family with the medical expenses. There will be a hog auction as well as a silent auction. Please see the ad on page 17
SPLD Day of Service
WALSENBURG— The Walsenburg Woman’s Club, Spanish Peaks Library and Flamingo Book Club are teaming up for a day of service. They will be giving away PB&J Sandwich supplies, and childrens books on Saturday, Sep. 30. We are currently asking for donation from teh community to make this event possible. Any time of peanut butter, nut butter, jelly, jam, bread and childrens books. The donation drop off is the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg.
Community Health Fair
WALSENBURG— On Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center will be hosting a Community Health Fair at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. For $60 you get a lab panel which includes; comprehensive metabolic
panel, complete blood count, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1C. Walk-ins are welcome or you can pre-register by calling Loni at 719-738-5201.
Oktoberfest
LA VETA— Check out Main Street La Veta on Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for their annual Oktoberfest. Vendor booths, great food, kids activities and fun. Proceeds to benefit the Candy Coco Memorial Student fund and helping people throughout our community. For more information visit www.LaVetaOktoberfest.org. Check out the beer garden too, presented by Mountain Merman Brewery.
Crossroads, Change in Rural America
WALSENBURG— Smithsonian Exhibition at the Museum of Friends “Crossroads, Change in Rural America,” now through tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.
until 5 p.m. Group Tours and School-Tour Program available (k through 12) with prior reservations. The museum is located on the corner of 6th and Main in downtown Walsenburg.
LAS ANIMAS
Get Lit- 5th Annual Literary Festival
TRINIDAD— During the weekend of Thursday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 24, check out the 5th Annual Literary Festival sponsored by Corazon Creative District and Colorado Creative Industries and The Commons at Space to Create. This year our festival is focused on overcoming the intimidation of the blank page. Our goal is to ignite your creative fire! https://www.trinidadcreativedistrict.org/2023-get-lit-festival. Workshops will cover the genres of poetry, prose, novel writing and children’s books.
Fishers Peak Trail Race
TRINIDAD— On Saturday, Sept. 23 join the very first trail run in Fishers Peak State Park, prominently presiding at 9,633 feet. Race will feature a loop trail, starting at the Goldenrod Trail, going to the end of that trail and connecting to the Upper Lone Cub and then ending on the Lower Lone Cub. This race will be a 12K. Sign up runsignup.com/Race/CO/Trinidad/TheFishersPeakRun. Packet Pickup – Early packet pickup is from noon to 2:30 pm on Friday, September 22, at the Fishers Peak State Park Trailhead, via Exit 11, You can also pick up your packet on race morning starting at 7 a.m. at the Fishers Peak State Park Trailhead.
Fall Fest
TRINIDAD— Fall Fest 2023 at Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. the Illusions Dance Studio will perform with bingo, to follow and then The Cappelluci Brothers will take the stage at 7 p.m. There will be food, beer, wine for purchase. For more info, please call 719-845-4894.
Back to School Rally
TRINIDAD— The free back to school rally will be held Sunday, Sept. 24, 5 p.m., at First Christian Church, 200 South Walnut, Trinidad. Grades K-College are invited to attend for uplifting messages. There will be music by the FCC Praise and Worship Band, door prizes, and free food. The perfect time to celebrate back to school! Call 719-846-3843 for more information.
Purgatoire Watershed Partnership kids day
TRINIDAD— Join us for an exciting day of kids tarantula exploration and adventure on Friday Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trinidad Community Center. This free event in Trinidad kicks off a tarantula extravaganza weekend happening in Southeast Colorado and the 2nd Annual La Junta Tarantula Festival!
Tarantula experts from the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver (butterflies.org) will be coming to Trinidad to introduce us to tarantulas up close and teach us about their world, then lead us out into the eastern plains of the Purgatoire River watershed on an adventure to look for tarantulas in their natural habitat! Plus free lunch and a free tarantula stuffed animal or other non-live version of a tarantula for each child attendee to take home, as well as free Tarantula Cycles t-shirts, water bottles, and bandanas to take home!
Final Friday mountain bike meetup
TRINIDAD— Introducing Final Fridays at Fishers on the last Friday of each month. Join Tarantula for a lap (or two or three) on Poison Canyon at Fishers Peak State Park Friday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Work on your skills, chase your buddies, get after it or take it slow and session some features. However you want to ride, we hope to see you there. Please wear a helmet and parking lot hags to follow. Carpooling from Tarantula is encouraged.
The Rad Dirt Fest
TRINIDAD— Be a part of Life Time’s newest event in the remote and rugged Spanish Peaks on Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. The Rad Dirt Fest offers three different bike course options (110, 70, 40) for all types of rowdy riders. Join us in Trinidad, for an eclectic off-road adventure that is sure to keep you coming back year after year. For more information please visit www.theraddirt.com/
Fall Literacy Event
TRINIDAD— Join Children’s Services at SCDDS on Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for their fall literacy event “ Camp fire & S’mores”. There will activities, games, snacks and of course s’mores. Located in Trinidad at 415 S. Indiana Ave. For more information please call 719-680-3153.
Art Take-in for the Animals show
TRINIDAD— The Corazon Gallery is accepting entries for the “ANIMALS” art show on Saturday, Sept. 30, Sunday Oct. 1, and Monday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Corazon Gallery, 149 E. Main in Trinidad. Artwork may be in any medium, depicting any type of animal. Size limit is 30 inches x 30 inches unless approved before entering. Cash prizes will be awarded! A reception for “ANIMALS “ will be held Friday, October 6th during the First Friday Art Walk.
Tastes of Trinidad Champion Chili Contest
TRINIDAD— The Commons at Space to Create presents Tastes of Trinidad Champion Chili Contest on Saturday, Sept. 30, 3 – 7 p.m. Food, crafts, artists and of course a chili showdown! Free tastings for everyone who attends, $15 to enter either green chili or red chili. All dishes will be judged based on overall flavor, creativity and quality of ingredients. Who do you think will be crowned Chili Champion?
Pals Low Cost Dog and Cat Spay/Neuter Event
TRINIDAD— PALS, Pet Assistance League, in Trinidad, is sponsoring a huge, low cost spay and neuter clinic for cats and dogs, on October 12 through 15, in Trinidad, by the Bergen Spay & Neuter Alliance. This includes free Rabies, DAPPv/HCP and microchipping. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. To book an appointment stop by the PALS thrift store, 500 W. Main street, in Trinidad, or call 719-680-0525. Space is limited. Since June 2023 PALS has treated 290 pets in their pop-up clinics. They intend to continue these events to help the community to curtail the overpopulation of cats and dogs. For more information on PALS and their thrift store, follow them on facebook, PALS- Pet Assistance League Store, and visit them at 500 E. Main street in Trinidad, 719-680-0525.
COLFAX
Fundraiser for local cheerleaders
RATON—There will be a fundraiser Karaoke/DJ at The Gate City Craft Bar Friday, Sept. 22, 7 – 11 p.m. for Tierra and Moses. They made All American Cheerleaders and will be going to Hawaii. We will be having drawings and a 50/50. Plan on coming and support them. $5.00 cover charge.
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?
Friends of the Library Book Sale
RATON— The Friends of the Library would like to invite you to our Annual Book Sale on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library in Raton. Please be sure to ask how you can become a Friends of the Library member. All proceeds go back to the library for funding and events.
Moon Light Hike at Capulin
CAPULIN— On Saturday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. see Capulin Volcano in a new light on a ranger guided hike at Capulin Volcano under the light of the moon!
Subjects include nighttime biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. The hike will be 1 – 1.5 hours long and will be on the mile long Crater Rim Trail.
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!
Swords and Boards with ZIA Youth
RATON— Every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at ZIA Youth, join Niko, Alex, and their merry band of Ratonians who transform into Knights, Dwarves, and Swamp Witches for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Your Nerd Tribe is waiting for you to discover yourself among them! ZIA Youth is located at 207 Park Ave, Raton and is a safe place for 9-17 year olds to hang out after school.
Mental Health Night
RATON— Attention Raton Parents, join our Mental Health night on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more information and to register please visit cookcenter.info/sep27rtn
Candlelight Vigil
RATON— Please join us on Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m for our NE New Mexico Suicide Awareness Project Candlelight Vigil at Ripley Park in Raton. Remember loved ones we’ve lost, support friends and family that are grieving, support those that struggle with ideation and bring awareness to the community. Bring a 4×6 photo to attach to our memory board. For more information please contact Tina at 505-587-3825.
Angel Fire Studio Tour
ANGEL FIRE—Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1st, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Angel Fire Studio Tour, features 27 artists located across 15 different locations. This is a self-guided 2 day tour that includes amazingly skilled artists and artisans in Angel Fire, Black Lake, and Taos Canyon. Spend the weekend in Angel Fire to complete the tour and enjoy the stunning beauty of the fall foliage in the mountains. For more information please visit http://artup-nnm.org/
Sunrise on Capulin
CAPULIN— Take a hike with a ranger on the Rim Trail to view the sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 7, 5 a.m. Wear warm clothes and layers. Weather permitting. Reservations are required. Call 575.278.2201 to reserve your spot and find more information.
OUT OF OUR WORLD
Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival
PUEBLO— Check out the 29th Annual Chile and Frijoles Festival Friday, Sept. 22 – Sunday, Sept. 24th in Downtown Pueblo. The event features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and chilies, chilies, chilies! For more information and the complete list of events visit https://pueblochilefestival.com/
