Publications

Contact Us

Upcoming Events for September 23, 2021

throughout our world

USDA Forest Service waives fees for National Public Lands Day & 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 for two more days this year. Fees will be waived on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 25th.  Fees will also be waived 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.

Donate to help build Animal Shelter

OUR WORLD  —  Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association has been collaborating with the City of Trinidad in opening a brand new, modern animal shelter. In order to get this done, they are running a $25,000 matching challenge until September 24th, so you can double your impact and help finish the new shelter.
To see a video about the shelter and to donate, visit www.coloradogives.org/25k35daysmatch.

Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial Symposium – Volunteers Needed!

OUR WORLD  —  The Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial is a commemoration of a living part of the American Experience.  The Trail remains crucial to American history in all its many forms:  connecting people in commerce, conflict, and culture.  The Bicentennial creates opportunities for education, awareness, and exploration of the countless facets of the American Experience past, present, and future.
There will be numerous events relating to the Santa Fe Trail taking place in La Junta, Colorado from Wednesday Sept. 22nd – Sunday Sept. 26th.
Find out more at 2021sfts.com

HUERFANO

El Fandango performing Friday and Saturday in Pueblo, 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, October 2 at 1:30 pm .
Please come and show your support.

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 meetings

HUERFANO COUNTY — 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.

New Library Director at SPLD

WALSENBURG – The Spanish Peaks Library board of trustees is excited and pleased to announce the appointment of  Andrew Schroeder to the position of library director.  Schroeder comes to us with both a bachelors and masters degree, experience in both the private sector and academia.  He brings a wealth of experience, contacts in many fields, and enthusiasm for his community.  Please help us welcome Schroeder to his new position.  The library is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 4 p.m. if you would like to stop by and meet him.

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, September 24, Animal yoga
Friday, October 1, Fall

Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore at La Veta Mercantile

LA VETA — On Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7p.m., Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore will be performing at La Veta Mercantile. At home in nearly any genre of music, Mollie O’Brien moves effortlessly between folk, blues and R&B. She has released a number of Americana albums with her brother, Grammy-winner Tim O’Brien. She is currently based in Denver, and regularly tours and performs with her husband, guitarist Rich Moore, as a duo. Together they have released one studio album, Saints and Sinners and a live CD, 900 Baseline. She has regularly appeared on shows such as A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, and contributed vocals to the Grammy-winning album True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. Tickets are $18 advance or  $22 day of show.

Water Day & Water Conservancy District 50th Anniversary

HUERFANO COUNTY — In July, Lake Powell reached its lowest point in 50 years; Lake Mead is holding only about 30% of capacity. The West has been water challenged for a long time, and people in the big cities that rely on that water are starting to notice. What is the water situation and outlook locally for Huerfano County? Find out during Huerfano Water Day, which will be combined with the observance of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District 50 th Anniversary.
The free, all-day event will be held Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Gardner Community Center, Gardner, CO. A ribbon cutting and tour of the new Sheep Mountain Augmentation Facility will be included. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts, will include lunch, and will feature speakers on water issues and updates for Huerfano County. See www.hcwcd.net for the full program. To reserve your spot and help with an accurate meal count, please RSVP by email with number of people attending to: hcwcdistrict@gmail.com. As an alternative, you may leave a message at (719) 742-5581.

Ribbon Cutting for Angie’s Express Liquor

WALSENBURG – Spanish Peaks Business Alliance and Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce are happy to announce a ribbon cutting for Angie’s Express Liquor (700 Walsen Ave. Walsenburg CO, 81089) to celebrate their grand opening, on September 25th at 2:30 p.m.
Angie’s Express Liquor is the only liquor store drive-in in the greater southwestern part of Colorado offering convenience, social distancing and fast, and friendly service. We have a great selection of wines with over 200 varieties to choose from. All your favorite beers are kept ice cold and the price of our spirits can’t be beat.
Angie’s Liquor Express Grand opening celebration will be from 2-6pm and offer live music, free BBQ and drinks, giveaways and prizes as well as some great sales on beer and wine. Join us at 2:30 for the ribbon cutting and stay for the party!

Kinetic Sculpture Class  at LVSA

LA VETA — On Saturday and Sunday Sept. 25 – 26, learn how natural forces such as wind, gravity, and hand movement are used in the creation of art.   You will create your own kinetic sculptures by identifying and capitalizing on these natural forces.  Must have some familiarity with hand and power tools.  This class is taught by Kenny Schneider  who created the wonderful locomotive engine wind sculpture on Main St. in La Veta.
Class costs $150 with a lab fee of $40.  Call 719-742-3421 or e-mail LVArtSchool@yahoo.com for more information or to register.

Ridgway Old West Fest

LA VETA — Ridgway’s Old West Fest closes out the summer September 24th-26th with a weekend jam-packed with fun and educational events for all ages. This year, Ridgway Old West features Colorado’s Carin Mari in concert.
Singer-songwriter Carin Mari will perform at 7p.m. Saturday September 25th.  Her concert has been recently moved to the Ouray County 4-H Events Center barn for an outdoor atmosphere.
Carin has toured for nine years with her brothers’ band as well as played lead guitar for Michael Martin Murphey’s Rio Grande Band.  She has released five albums and has won eight Colorado country music awards.
Admittance to her concert is included in the cost of the Festival Pass to the Ridgway Old West Fest.
A complete listing of all West Fest events can be found on the festival website, www.ridgwayoldwestfest.org.  Tickets are available on line at a discount when ordered in advance.  You can preview Carin at her website, carinmarimusic.com.

Gardening 101 at SPLD

WALSENBURG – The Spanish Peaks Library will be holding it’s monthly program, Gardening 101, on Sunday. Sept 26 at 1p.m. in the library meeting room.
This month’s topic is seed saving, preserving, canning, freezing and pickling.  It’s that time of year to harvest the fruits of your labor and keep them to enjoy through the winter, and seed saving can give you a head start on next year’s gardens as well as saving you money.
So, please be sure to join us!  There will be no class for October or November, so you won’t want to miss this one!

Call for singers!

LA VETA — The Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble, Southern Colorado’s premier Community Choir, will begin rehearsal for this year’s Christmas Cantata Concert on Tuesday, September 28, and if you love to sing, we would LOVE for you to join us.  Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 6:15p.m., at the La Veta United Methodist Church, 416 S. Main Street, in La Veta.  We’ll have sheet music and part-dominant cd’s for your ease of learning. In times like these, we all need to fill our cups to the brim with something happy-making.  We invite you to come fill your cup with us as we sing for joy! Please call 719-742-5333 with any questions or to let us know you’ll be there on the 28th!

Spanish Peaks Business Alliance Annual Membership Meeting and Board Elections

LA VETA — Join us at Second Street Bar & Grill (1399 CR 502 Walsenburg) September 29th at 5:30p.m. for the Spanish Peaks Business Alliance annual meeting and board elections! Food provided by Second Street and drinks available for purchase. We will network, present on the year’s accomplishments, and talk about how we can all grow together!

Artists Invited to Enter the Fall Show at SPACe

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 our Facebook Page: Sangre de Cristo Center for Youth or call us at 738-1573. Pick up on Friday, October 1st between 2p.m. and 6p.m. at 513 Main St in Walsenburg.

John Mall Homecoming Weekend

WALSENBURG – This year, Homecoming in Walsenburg is scheduled for the first weekend in October. The festivities will kick off on Friday, October 1st at 3p.m. with the Homecoming Parade, followed by the football game against the Sargent Farmers at the John Mall Sports Complex at 7p.m. The Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday October 2nd at 7p.m.

La Veta Oktoberfest

LA VETA —Save the date Oct. 2 from 10 to 6, for La Veta’s most beloved celebration, Oktoberfest. The music  will be provided by the The Allen Polivka Band and the fabulous Rifters.  As always the event will be held on Main Street in La Veta and is free to the public.  There will be a Biergarten, vendors, food, a special tribute to our veterans and La Veta Royalty plus the Two Peaks Rodder’s car show and a jeep expo. Fun times for the entire family!

Eagles Breakfast/Brunch

WALSENBURG – Lady’s auxiliary 1187 will host community brunch on Sunday October 3rd, 2021 from 11a.m. – 1p.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.

La Veta Library Programs

LA VETA — Time to start reading!!  The La Veta Public Library is coll  Collaborating with the Mt.Rose Health Center’s Mindful Aging Program and will be presenting a 3 part program exploring the movie, the book and the issues presented in John Nichols story about the “Milagro Beanfield War”. The issues around water rights and gentrification are as relevant now as they were 50 years ago when the book was published. The book has been called funny, irreverent and wondrously fresh and alive.  The La Veta Library has copies available for you to check out and partake in this fun community read. Upcoming events at 2pm in the LVPL meeting room are:
October 7- we will show the Milagro Beanfield War movie directed by Robert Redford.
October 14 – we will have a guided discussion 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 – we will have a guest speaker form San Luis who is a modern day bean farmer committed to farming in the old ways.

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  

It’s this Sunday: Open House at Temple Aaron of Trinidad

TRINIDAD  — All are welcome to come visit Temple Aaron at our Open House Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 am – 1 pm.  This is an informal, casual gathering to welcome the community and share the beauty of the Temple with anyone interested in visiting or learning more about its rich history and current evolution. This event is held in conjunction with Club 190’s weekend of events, Trails to Trinidad, but is open to the entire community.
Please stop by between 10 am – 1 pm for bagels & lox, a tour with Rabbi Lennick, conversation with board members, and the opportunity to take in the beauty and history that makes Temple Aaron so special.
Location: 407 S. Maple St, Trinidad CO.

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

Chamber seeks Board Members

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY  — The Board of Directors of the Trinidad-Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce is calling for board members for 2022.
If you want to play a bigger role in improving the business climate in our region and in helping our local business succeed, please get connected with us.
For more information, contact the chamber at chamber@tlacchamber.org, or call (719) 846-9285.

“Murder on Main Street” opens at Main Street Live

TRINIDAD  — “Murder on Main Street” opened Friday Sept 17 at 7p.m. and runs two weekends on Fridays & Saturdays only at 7.p.m.
It’s a cold case murder mystery from 1947 that you will solve with clues, autopsy reports, interviews, and testimony.  You’ll have a blast! $10 admission  Tickets online at mainstreetlive.org   General seating.

National Book Festival Events

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY  — The Library of Congress is hosting the annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., from September 17th through 26th. This year, they are taking special pains to reach out to local libraries to help them present programming from the festival. Trinidad Public Library is excited to present six interviews with featured authors recorded at the festival. We’ve chosen authors from a variety of genres, including children’s, young adult and adult literature. Here’s a brief schedule:
On Friday, Sept. 24th at 3p.m. at the Freudenthal Library, room 312, there will be a viewing of the interview with Guy Raz & Mindy Thomas, authors of the Wow in the World series.
On Saturday, Sept. 25th at 1p.m., there will be a remote Zoom viewing of the interview with Kazuo Ishiguro, author of adult fiction books like The Remains of the Day.
If you have any questions, contact Tom Potter by emailing tom.potter@trinidad.co.gov or call 719-846-6841

“Trails to Trinidad” Benefit

TRINIDAD  — Help support Trinidad’s historic 1908 Fox West Theatre and Fishers Peak State Park by taking part in Trails to Trinidad, a day long festival that takes place virtually and in-person on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
You can start the day with a tour of a historic synagogue built in 1889 from 10a.m. – 1p.m. Bagels, lox and conversation can be enjoyed for just $10 at Temple Aaron which is located at 407 S. Maple Street and is known as the most historic synagogue in the Mountain West.
A free public gathering will launch Trails to Trinidad at the Miner’s Museum Courtyard from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy food carts, merchandise from local vendors, live music, Trinidad’s own Art Cars and activities for the kids.
From 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., a Telethon will be broadcast from the Fox West Theatre and Upswing Gallery that will feature musical acts and entertainment. Jay Gillespie, host of Trinidad’s Cougar Nights, will emcee the event which will be live streamed across multiple media platforms including the Fox West Theatre’s Facebook page and YouTube channel bringing together audiences from across the country.
Watch parties are planned at the TriniDAD Lounge and in private homes up and down the Front Range and across the country. Participants are encouraged to post photos and use the hashtag #TrailsToTrinidad.
Learn more at www.foxwesttheatre.com

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.

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

Cement plant concerns

Building inspector suggests a negotiated move out of Northlands to site near prison WALSENBURG — The Walsenburg City Council convened a special meeting Friday, March

Read More »