During a regular meeting held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the BoCC unanimously voted to host an Independence Day parade in Pagosa Springs in 2026.
Interim County Manager Mike Torres explained that the Town of Pagosa Springs has historically hosted the event.
The town ultimately decided not to put on a traditional parade in downtown Pagosa Springs this past summer due to disruptions caused by the reconstruction of U.S. 160.
Torres mentioned that through recent talks with the town, “they don’t look like they’re going to be doing that in 2026,” while explaining that Commissioner Veronica Medina has been involved in those discussions.
“I know it would be a great event for us to pick up,” Torres added.
Commissioner Warren Brown commented that it’d be “appropriate” for the county to pick up slack wherever it can.
“I personally would like to see it downtown,” he said, noting that it could help businesses struggling from the disruptions caused by the reconstruction of U.S. 160.
Commissioner John Ranson expressed support for hosting the parade, commenting that he echoed much of Brown’s perspective.
Medina explained that the theme of the parade will involve celebrating the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state and the 250th anniversary of the nation.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is celebrating the anniversaries of the state and nation as the “Sesquisemiquincentennial,” or the “250-150 for short.”
“So, we can celebrate, not only our state, but our country,” she said.
Medina motioned for the county to host the parade in 2026, which was unanimously approved by the BoCC.
For more information on the state’s 250-150 commemoration, visit https://ag.colorado.gov/home/about-us/america-250-colorado-150-commemoration.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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