There are lots of activities and deadlines happening in November and the beginning of December. Businesses, nonprofit agencies and individuals need to make some decisions and mark your calendars.
A deadline is for residents and businesses to enter the 2021 Lighting Contest is upon us. To obtain an application, call the Chamber at 970-264-2360. Residential winners will be awarded $1,000, $500 or $250 for their entries. Business winners will be awarded the same denominations in advertising credits thanks to the co-sponsoring of the event by The Pagosa Springs SUN. Applications are due tomorrow, November 17.
All those entering the contest are asked to have their houses or businesses lit from November 26 to December 31 so that residents and visitors alike can view the lights throughout our beautiful community during the busy holiday season. There are always some beautifully decorated establishments. Why not try and recoup some of your investment by entering the 2021 Lighting Contest?
The Pagosa Turkey Trot is a fun 5K run/walk that will begin at 9am at Yamaguchi Park on S. 5th St. on Thanksgiving Day, November 25. Registration for the event can be found at www.pagosafun.com.
Entry fee for the event is $25 with online registration up to November 24 and $35 the day of the event. Packets include a souvenir gift and may be picked up starting at 8am the day of the race. Participants are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to local food banks during the holiday season.
The annual Festival of Trees will be occurring on December 2 and 3. This is a wonderful opportunity for our nonprofit agencies to describe their organization through their creativeness in decorating a tree. Gather supports, family and friends and attend one of the days the trees will be displayed. The trees will be open for public viewing on December 2 from noon until 6pm. Santa will be there along with hot drinks and voting for your favorite tree. The ticketed event will be held on Friday, December 3 with doors opening at 5:30pm. A cash bar and appetizers will also be included. Mark this date down on your calendar for an evening of fun and community support.
Nonprofits can also start preparing for the annual Penguin Plunge to be held during WinterFest. The dates set for WinterFest 2022 are January 21-23 with the Penguin Plunge taking place on Saturday, January 22. Pledge forms are already available on the Chamber’s website under the WinterFest information.
Print out your forms now, let us know that you will be participating so that we can help promote your organization. Start collecting pledges now as some people may want a tax break for 2021! For more information, contact Mary Jo at the Chamber at (970) 264-2360.
People should also be planning their creative vehicle for the Sledz on Rez race also on Saturday, January 22. Racers will fly down Reservoir Hill encountering some moguls along the way creating a challenging course. Hosted by the Build Pagosa Career and Technical school, forms can also be found on the Chamber’s website under the WinterFest information.
Once more reminder is regarding the “Old Fashioned Christmas” walk that will be occurring on December 18 along the River Walk. Businesses, families, nonprofit agencies or even individuals can adopt a section of the Riverwalk and promote a family-friendly parade route. Hand out hot-chocolate or other non-alcoholic beverage, provide some acoustic music or other entertainment, have a festively lighted booth and welcome people as they walk the River Walk.
There are NO commercial booths at this event; however, you can promote your business or organization through some beautiful decorations and engage in the community spirit. Perhaps your business would like to participate as a team-building event. Contact Jennie Green at sales@bisitpagosasprings.com if you are interested. There may still be space available. But for the general public, mark your calendars for this event on December 18 in the evening.
There is so much to engage in as a spectator or participant in Pagosa Springs. Be a part of the community spirit, especially at this time of year.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.