Get your calendars out, because even if there is no Pagosa Springs parade this year, there are many things still to do, including many of the usual 4th of July activities.
The Chamber of Commerce is preparing for our annual Park to Park Artisan Market that is always held over the 4th of July holiday. This year, it will be a 4-day event from Thursday, July 3-Sunday, July 6. There are over 100 vendors this year. Therefore, it may take you several days to see all the vendors. And that should be an incentive as every day in the park there will be a beer garden and live music from 11am – 5pm. You can shop, sip, listen to music under the entertainment tent, and enjoy a variety of artists including Michael Silberhorn, Maxwell Miller, Carl Mori, Elwood, Emily Tholberg and more! The final musical schedule will be out soon.
The Market is open every day from 10am to 5pm except July 6 when the Market closes at 4pm. We have a lot of new artists this year with beautiful items, fun items and useful items for people and pets. Join us in Town Park and the Athletic Field for this traditional show.
Let’s kick the 4th of July holiday back just a little and start it with the production of “Matilda the Musical” which will be held at the Pagosa Springs High School with performances will be at 7pm. tonight, June 27, and tomorrow, June 28 and a 2pm matinee performance on Sunday, June 28. Tickets are available online at www.curtainsuppagosa.org or at the door.
Another multi-day event is the fast-paced, exciting Red Ryder Rodeo. The rodeo will take place July 3 at 6pm, July 4 at 2pm and July 5 at 6pm and will be held at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. This will be the rodeo’s 75th anniversary, so you know there will be extra excitement built into the event! Tickets for this event can be purchased at www.pagosarodeo.com. (The Chamber does NOT sell tickets to this rodeo, but we sell tickets to the Thursday Night Rodeo Series.)
While there will not be a traditional parade on the 4th of July, please don’t forget that there will be a walking parade, the Stars & Stripes Stroll at Yamaguchi Park at 3pm. This parade honors our veterans and first responders; therefore, if you have family members, are a retired first responder or veteran, please join in the “stroll”.
The Community Band will perform at The Springs Resort at 2pm on July 4. You can hear the concert from The Springs or from Centennial Park. Enjoy this patriotic musical tribute – an annual favorite.
Hopefully we will get a little moisture before the holiday to put some water in the river and wet down the area. Water in the river would be great for the Freedom Float happening at 1p.m. Don on your best red, white and blue and float the river. This is just a fun way to cool off from the activities of the day! Water would also be great so that our traditional fireworks display could happen.
At this time, the fireworks are still scheduled. However, it is all weather and fire-restriction contingent. The fireworks will take place around 9:15pm and be held at the High School/Yamaguchi Park area. This is a great location as hopefully, you can also attend the Independence Day Music Fest. This free concert will be held at Yamaguchi Park from 5pm until the fireworks at dusk. Food trucks and a beer garden will be available.
There will also be other activities happening around town during the holiday. Check out VisitPagosaSprings.com for a full list of events.
You, family and friends will have lots to keep you busy this season. Don’t miss out on the fun, many of the free admission opportunities, and all the traditional activities. Also, please utilize the parking lots next to the Springs Resort, at the base of Reservoir Hill, and to the west of the library for the easiest access to town activities. Don’t let a little construction scare you away from what is happening downtown. Visit our downtown shops and restaurants and plan to spend some time supporting our businesses. Don’t drive around looking for parking. Just go straight to these larger parking lots which will accommodate a good amount of cars.
Plan now for a fun 4th of July holiday weekend and spend some time participating in our annual events.