WinterFest weekend — January 19-21 — is right around the corner with a bundle of activities, including hot air balloon ascensions, Penguin Plunge, bonfire and concert, Sledz on Rez, cross-country ski activities and the Barkus parade with your pets..
Bonfire
Bring your Christmas tree to the Archuleta County Fairgrounds, where we will use it as fuel for the the WinterFest Bonfire and free concert on Friday night, January 19. Consider volunteering for one of the positions available. The greatest need right now is for people to help work the beverage bar, where we will be serving hot and cold drinks. You can also be a runner, or for you pyro enthusiasts, you can help us feed and monitor the bonfire. Visit the Chamber website at pagosachamber.com/winterfest and click on the volunteer graphic to sign up for a fun volunteer activity. There will also be special perks for volunteering.
Barkus Parade
If you have a pet that likes the outdoors, plan a costume and join the Barkus Parade at 10:30, in Town Park.
You can even carry your pet or put them in a wagon and enjoy the walk along the Riverwalk and then a delicious bowl of hot gumbo at the Lost Cajun. It’s a great way to get some exercise, show off your precious pet and participate in a WinterFest activity while supporting Rugby’s Rescue House.
Penguin Plunge
Has your nonprofit group signed up to plunge into the frigid San Juan River for the Penguin Plunge on January 20? This is a wacky and fun — albeit cold — way to raise money for your organization. People are often quite generous because they think the plungers are crazy to brave the freezing water temperatures. Plus, you get fun pictures to promote your organization’s fundraising efforts and use as community collaboration. Find a few hardy souls to brave the waters for you. The volunteers can certainly add this event to their bragging book. Perks come to the volunteers who plunge in the river. Contact the Chamber so they can help promote your group now.
Sledz on Rez
Following the Plunge will be the Sledz on Rez on Reservoir Hill. Every year the sleds seem to get more elaborate and creative. However, you just need to follow the simple sled-building rules listed on the registration form also located on the WinterFest activity page on the Chamber website.
What a fun family project. This event, hosted by Build Pagosa, encourages creativity, learning some basic “putting it together” skills and teamwork. Encourage a group of kids or your family to be a part of this fun event.
Cross-country skiing
If you have wanted to learn to cross-country ski, join the Pagosa Nordic Club on Saturday at Cloman Park. We now have snow, and expert teachers are ready to share their love of cross-country skiing with you. These classes usually fill up, so you need to register now for the class. Visit www.pagosnordic.com and click on the events page and the clinics. There are different levels of experience and types of skiing; therefore, preregistration and getting your equipment requires a pre-event planning. Our winter sporting shops also offer discount rates on equipment, so be sure to mention that you will be taking this clinic.
Hot air balloons
We have more hot air balloonists registered for this year’s rally than in years past, so we expect the skies to be filled with stunning colors with the backdrop of gorgeous snow-covered mountains.
Plan some time to get out Saturday or Sunday morning, January 20 and 21, after 8am to view the balloons. Please, do not stop or park along U.S. 160 during the event as it is dangerous and creates congestion along the highway. There are plenty of locations to view the balloons.
We hope to see everyone around town enjoying the festivities in a few weeks. In the meantime — get ready.