The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce expresses its deepest gratitude to all our sponsors, participants, volunteers and attendees who made the 2026 WinterFest a success.
This annual celebration showcased the best of what Pagosa Springs has to offer — from Battle of the Soups to the Penguin Plunge — and none of it would have been possible without your amazing support.
We had an amazing turn out of soup participants and soup tasters. Thank you for bringing out your best soup recipes. This was our inaugural event, and thanks to everyone it was a huge success.
Congratulations again to our Battle Of The Soup winners:
• Best Homemade Soup: Andrea Weisbrod, Chicken Enchilada Soup.
• Best Restaurant Soup: Natalee Sargent, Marry Me Tortellini Chicken Soup.
• People’s Choice Soup: Sargent, Marry Me Tortellini Chicken Soup.
To the many volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm ensured every detail ran smoothly, we want to say “thank you.” Your time and energy made this event and the inaugural Battle of the Soups a grand and fun time.
A special thanks also goes to the Penguin Plunge participants, who once again demonstrated remarkable courage in braving the icy San Juan River for our local charities.
Your efforts embody the true heart of this community: generosity, spirit and good humor in all conditions. The Penguin Plunge raised more than $20,000 for nine different charities.
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs raised $5,103 and was the big winner for the 2026 Penguin Plunge Challenge.
Finally, to attendees and supporters from near and far, thank you for joining us in celebrating Winterfest in Pagosa Springs. Your participation is everything.
The Chamber looks forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 WinterFest, and our second annual Battle of The Soups.
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