We are full-blown into the holiday spirit, including decorating those Christmas trees.
Whether you are able to get out and cut your own or purchase one from several of the stores that have them for sale, unless it was a live tree that you will be replanting, you will be looking to take it out of the house and dispose of it.
Please think of recycling your tree for the annual WinterFest Bonfire to be held on Jan. 17, 2025.
The recycling point for the trees will be held again at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds at 344 U.S. 84, just south of the U.S. 160 and U.S. 84 intersection.
The entrance to drop off your trees will be the entrance off U.S. 84. If you pull into the fairgrounds, just drive about 10 yards and you will see the depository and signage just south of the entrance on your right. Just create a large pile; however, be cognizant not to block the drive that goes back to the grouping of historic buildings.
We ask that you remove ornaments from the trees and do not recycle fake trees. Only real trees will be accepted.
We would love to see a large number of trees as the WinterFest bonfire event is expected to grow in popularity this year.
The bonfire will kick off the WinterFest activities, which will take place from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2025.
Included this year will be the Bonfire on the 17th; the hot air balloon mass ascensions on Jan. 18 and 19, 2025, from the west side of town; the Penguin Plunge, Sledz on Rez and the Barkus Parade on Jan. 18, 2025; and Skijoring and Nordic Club events on Jan. 18 and 19, 2025, with a dance hosted by SkiJor Pagosa the night of Jan. 18, 2025. There will also be a March for Equality held on Jan. 18, 2025.
It’s shaping up to be a very busy WinterFest weekend. If your organization is interested in “taking the plunge,” Penguin Plunge applications are already available online at www.pagosachamber.com.
Scroll down on the homepage to “More in the News” and click on the WinterFest graphic. This link will take you to the WinterFest site where all the events are listed and the forms available for some of the events.
This is a great and fun — albeit cold — time for your organization to make some money by jumping into the frigid San Juan River.
Registration is $30 per plunger and you must raise a minimum of $50 for the valid nonprofit agency.
Families and organizations may also want to get involved in the Sledz on Rez event. Registration forms for this activity will be on the Chamber website soon.
Contribute to the blaze that will be happening on Jan. 17, 2025. Come out for hot drinks, live music, food and lots of winter fun.
For more information, contact the Chamber at (970) 264-2360.
Holiday activities
Mark your calendars for the Old Fashioned Christmas occurring on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.
A variety of community organizations and businesses will be along the Riverwalk creating the ambiance of community spirit.
The Chamber will be on hand again in the Visitor Center handing out free hot chocolate. Live music, a BB gun drawing, free ornaments and other activities will be taking place that evening.
Bundle up and head out for a walk downtown for the Old Fashioned Christmas.
Download the Visit Pagosa Springs app and tour the area for the annual Parade of Lights.
Residents, businesses and storefronts are competing for cash and cash-equivalent prizes. When you download the app, you can also vote online while you are out and about. Bundle the family into the car and drive around looking at some of the gorgeous displays all around the community.
Go to www.visitpagosasprings.com, download the app, go to the “tour” section of the website and have fun.
