Pagosa’s 4th of July Holiday is shaping up with a new parade route, a new downtown scavenger hunt, a larger Artisan Market now with a beer garden, the same great favorites such as the Red Ryder Rodeo, Freedom Float, and Community Concert… and with a little moisture having been received, the fireworks look promising.
Now to plan your weekend.
The Park to Park Artisan Market which has been an active event for over 45 years will take place from July 3 to July 6. The artisans will be in Town Park and the Athletic Field with 80 vendors this year. There will be amazing crafts spanning the market including artwork, clothing, various mediums of jewelry, woodworking, pottery, children and pet items, soaps and lotions, metal work, spices, specialty foods and so much more. Don’t miss out on the food trucks and live music every day from 11am to 5pm in the expanded entertainment tent.
The new beer, wine and beverage garden will also be open every day from 10am – 5pm. Don’t rush through the park. Even better, stroll through one park one day and come back and tackle the other park another day. Rest and listen to some music and enjoy some food and beverages.
On July 4 at 2pm, the Community Band will have their annual patriotic concert in the entertainment tent. This rousing performance certainly brings out the patriotic side of you with inspiring music.
The parade route is different this year in preparation for the upcoming years when we know with construction we will not be able to have a parade on the highway. Therefore, parade line up will be in the large parking area below Reservoir Hill and accessible by San Juan or Spring streets. The parade will come down Spring Street, head south on Hot Springs Blvd, turn west onto Apache Street and then go south on 5th street and end up past Yamaguchi Park around the new pickleball courts. There is lots of space for viewing at various locations along the route. As usual, there will be no parking on the streets of the parade route.
The parade begins at 10am and road closures should begin about 9:30am. The deadline to enter the parade was June 25. If you still feel you must be in the parade and there is still capacity, contact the Town of Pagosa Springs at (970) 264-4151.
After the parade, download the Visitor Center mobile app and complete the new downtown scavenger hunt. This hunt is not necessarily businesses, but new or improved locations throughout the downtown area. You can stop by the Artisan Market, see the new mural at 1st street, see the new lodging facility and growing domes around 5th street. Just get out there!
You do not have to do it all in one day. The hunt will be in effect from July 3 to July 7. There’s over $2,500 in prizes to be doled out! Wouldn’t you like a gift card from one of the generous businesses in town? Once you log in at visitpagosasprings.com, you can navigate to the “scavenger hunt” tab and log into the map. Look for the large sidewalk stickers. Once you have completed the tour, you will entered into the drawing for one of twenty gift cards.
What a fun way to have visiting family and friends explore our beautiful community.
The Red Ryder Rodeo will take place at the Fairgrounds on July 4 at 2pm, and July 5 and 6 at 6pm. The Chamber does not sell these rodeo tickets. You can purchase these rodeo tickets at www.pagosarodeo.com for any of the days.
If you would like to cool down on the 4th of July, participate in the annual Freedom Float starting at 1pm. Just don on your best red, white and blue outfit, decorate your floating device and put in somewhere in the downtown area and float the San Juan River. For you athletic types, while not a 4th of July activity, don’t miss the Aspen House Duathlon in Turkey Springs on Saturday, July 6. There will be a Dusty Kids fun run as well as the Dirty Sprint and the Dirty Du which is running and biking. For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/PagosaSprings/PagosaDirtyDu.
The ever-popular fireworks will be held on the 4th of July at dusk, which usually runs around 9-9:15pm. The fireworks take place behind the Pagosa Springs High School which from that parking lot or Yamaguchi Park is a great location to watch the sparklers. Please be cognizant of not parking along roadways and highways as well as not blocking private driveways!
We are grateful on so many levels for the moisture we have received including being able to hold the fireworks.
So much happening in our community. Organize the family and visiting guests and show off our community with the myriad activities going on the 4th of July Holiday.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.