This weekend — September 16-18 — is ColorFest weekend in Pagosa Springs. The weather is gorgeous; however, should Mother Nature decide to cool down or rain, the events in the park will continue under the “big tent.” Be aware that the hot air balloon launches, including the balloon glow on Saturday night, are all contingent upon the weather.
Let’s start with tonight and the Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival. At this time, the event is sold out for Friday night. A number of Pagosa restaurants will be showing off their delicious food fares and vying for individual category and People’s Choice awards.
The Bands and Brews Festival on Saturday, September 17, is wide open. You can still purchase your tickets online or purchase them at the gate. Enjoy the live music of the Jackson Mountain Ramblers and returning artist Felix y Los Gatos as well as specialty quaffs from more than 12 regional brewers. Food trucks and other entertainment will be on site. The event begins at 4pm.
Weather permitting, we hope to have a balloon glow in the field starting at about 7pm. You can view this event from various locations overlooking the park or coming down Hermosa Street.
On Saturday morning, enjoy Breakfast with Balloons at the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership site. Get a great seat to the balloon launch while enjoying breakfast, mimosas and live entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at www.pagosagreen.org or at the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
ColorFest brings around 30 hot air balloons to the community. The balloons will launch from the Hot Springs Boulevard area on Saturday morning and from the west side of town on Sunday morning. All launches will kick off between 7:30 and 8am.
The vacant lot adjacent to The Springs Resort will not be available for parking. This area is restricted to pilots and crew. Parking is avail- able in other places around the downtown area, including just a short walk from the parking area behind the post office on the way up to Reservoir Hill. Please, do not park on Hot Springs Boulevard.
On Sunday, the balloons will launch from various areas on the west side of town, including Park Avenue and around the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) clubhouse/admin offices. Parking at the PLPOA Recreation Center is restricted and available only for those using the Rec Center. However, the balloons are more spread out in this area and there is a good amount of viewing room. Note that drones are prohibited due to the Federal Aviation Administration status of the hot air balloons and possible danger to any balloons.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.