We have not even completed 2024 and the Chamber already has its sights set on 2025 and the activities that kick off the new year. We are hoping for a little more snow for WinterFest activities, which will take place January 17-19. Many of these events are weather contingent, so, either way, we hope Mother Nature cooperates.
Here is a rundown of the activities throughout the weekend.
Beginning on January 17, there will be the WinterFest Bonfire held at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. Don’t forget to recycle your real Christmas trees at the Fairgrounds. Signage is in place just east of the U.S. 84 entrance. The more trees the merrier. There will be live music, hot beverages, food vendors and fun. Registration will also be held there for the hot air balloon pilots and the Skijoring contestants. Festivities begin at 5pm and run until 8pm.
On January 18, get ready for a packed day. We will kick off with a hot air balloon rally on the west side of town starting at about 8am. Then we will venture downtown later that morning for a plethora of events. The Pagosa Nordic Club will host the BBGun Biathlon at Yamaguchi Park. You can register and find out more about Nordic Club events at www. pagosanordic.com.
In the downtown area beginning at 11am, the Barkus parade will take off from Town Park and parade along the Riverwalk with a menagerie of pets. Often there are costumed pets vying for the award for best costume. Registration begins at 10:30am.
While not a part of WinterFest activities, there will also be a March for Equality coinciding with the national People’s March in Washington, D.C. This parade will also kick off in Town Park at 11am and follow the sidewalk routes from Hot Springs Boulevard to 8th Street and back. All are welcome to this peaceful gathering.
Then, grab a great seat along the Riverwalk as the Penguin Plunge begins at 1pm. Registration begins at noon. Hearty souls swim in the frigid San Juan River raising money for their favorite nonprofit. Registration forms can be found on the Chamber website on the event page, https://pagosachamber.com/winterfest.html. In the past, more than $10,000 has been raised for local nonprofit agencies. If you can’t plunge, then pledge for a Penguin Plunger.
Following the Penguin Plunge, walk over to Reservoir Hill and enjoy the Sledz on Rez activity hosted by Build Pagosa. Every year there are more creative sleds and more fun. You will be able to obtain the registration form soon; however, plan now on a theme and sled design with your family, friends or organization.
All day long you can watch the fast pace, skillful racing of horse riders and skiers in Skijoring, hosted by Skis and Saddles. The festivities will be held at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. You can purchase two-day passes or single-day passes and then come and go to watch other events occurring around the community. On Saturday evening, Skis and Saddles will also host a dance at the Fairgrounds. More information and tickets are forthcoming.
On Sunday, the day again kicks off with the hot air balloon rally on the west side of town at about 8am. Please remember that all hot air balloon activities are weather contingent.
If you have wanted to learn how to cross-country ski, now is your opportunity. The Nordic Club on Sunday will offer a “Learn How to Cross Country Ski” clinic for free. This clinic typically is full, so, while free, register early for a space in your ability category. We will be watching how the snow flies before we announce where the clinic will be held.
If you were too busy participating or spectating the downtown activities on Saturday, head out to the Fairgrounds for another full day of skijoring.
WinterFest will occur over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, so, with visitors taking advantage of a three-day weekend, our town should be very busy.
More information about WinterFest will be coming out in the upcoming weeks; however, we want to get these activities on your calendar.
If you have any questions, please visit the event page at https://pagosachamber.com/winterfest.html or call the Chamber at (970) 264-2360.