The summer is flying by, and Fall will be right around the corner. That means that planning for ColorFest activities, September 20-22 is in full swing. There will be three days of events, including the Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension on September 21 and 22, the Passport to Pagosa Wine & Food Festival on Friday, September 20 and the Bands and Brews Festival on Saturday, September 21. Plans are for the balloons to still launch from the downtown area on Saturday, September 21 and from the west side of town on Sunday, September 22. Viewing is free and spectators are in for a treat of stunning photographic opportunities.
The Passport to Pagosa Wine & Food Festival features domestic and international wines paired with food from some of Pagosa’s best restaurants, food vendors and specialty food establishments. This year will be no exception to the quality of the food that will be offered at this event. Restaurants and food vendors are already committing to be present with some fabulous fare! Tickets are on sale for this event. There is a little change to the ticketing this year. All tickets are the same price, $100. This ticket will then allow you seating at the event, additional food and drink tickets than have been issued in the past, and a VIP gift for all. Maxwell Miller will provide the evening’s entertainment and we anticipate a wonderful live musical performance as in years past. Attendees may also reserve a table for 8. (If you have fewer than 8 people, you cannot reserve a table; however, you can request to be seated together when making your reservation. You can also call the Chamber of Commerce and speak to one of the staff so that we can note your request.)
On Saturday, September 21 the Bands and Brews Festival will take place. Securing breweries has been the priority for this year’s event and we are having great success. Breweries, hard ciders and even mocktail beverages will be on hand. Tickets are $35 for beer tasting and $10 for general admission. Wine by the glass for sale will also be available in case you don’t drink beer. Just purchase a general admission ticket and you may take advantage of the wine by the glass offering. Youth 14 and under are free. There will also be food vendors at the event to feed the masses. Entertainment is being finalized; however, CW Ayon will be one of the performers at the event. Weather permitting, there will be a balloon glow at dusk. This glow is one of the highlights of the weekend.
The ColorFest season is shaping up to be spectacular. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we work to improve logistics such as parking, ticketing and balloon viewing. Tickets may be secured by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.pagosachamber.com. We appreciate everyone’s support and involvement for this community-wide event.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.