We have snow, and it’s perfect timing for the 2024 WinterFest weekend events.
Grab the family, invite your friends and attend one of the many events as a spectator or participant.
Here is the schedule of events.
On Friday evening, Jan. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. the WinterFest Bonfire and Concert will take place at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds at 344 U.S. 84. Admission is free.
There will be food vendors, a hot and cold/alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink bar and, of course, the bonfire.
The entertainment for the evening will be the popular Jackson Mountain Ramblers. We hope to make this a recurring event as we recycle people’s Christmas trees as fuel for the bonfire. It is a family-friendly event and a great way to kick off the WinterFest weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning around 8 a.m., the hot air balloons will take to the skies — weather permitting. The balloons will launch on the west side of town on both days.
The launching takes place in various fields and parking lots around the Park Avenue and North Pagosa Boulevard areas that will accommodate the balloons.
With winter conditions, we ask the community’s indulgence as it is more difficult for the pilots to land their balloons. We hope there is minimal impact; however, balloons may land for a brief time in a roadway as they move their balloon off to the side of the road.
We ask the public not to park or stop along U.S. 160 to view or take pictures of the balloons. While we know that stretch of road offers beautiful vistas with the lakes in the foreground and the snow-capped mountains framing the balloons, it is dangerous to park along the highway. Parking creates congestion and dangerous situations with people walking along the highway. Please adhere to the no-parking signage.
Saturday’s festivities start off with the Nordic Club’s BB Gun Biathlon, to be held in Yamaguchi Park beginning at 9:15 a.m. with registration and the first class of racers taking to the field and targets at 10 a.m. There are classes for freestyle competitors, freestyle citizens and a Kids K. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Visit www.pagosanordic.com to register. Walk-ins for the race are welcome.
At 10:30 a.m., people and their pets can rendezvous in Town Park for the start of the annual Barkus Parade beginning at 11 a.m. The route takes you along the Riverwalk, over to The Lost Cajun and then back to Town Park.
Of course, costumes are encouraged and awards will be given out. For a recommended donation of $10 to Rugby’s Rescue House, participants will be treated to a delicious bowl of gumbo.
Hardy souls braving the frigid waters of the San Juan River will start to register for the Penguin Plunge at noon at the Visitor Center. Spectators can line the Riverwalk across from the Visitor Center and up to the Overlook to view the antics, which begin at 1 p.m.
Since the plungers don’t stay in the river long, the plunge lasts for only about 20 minutes. Be on time and don’t miss the fun.
Currently you can support the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs, Special Olympics/Aspen House, Chimney Rock Interpretive Association and Habitat for Humanity. You can still enter yourself or your group to plunge in the river. Pledge forms are on the Chamber’s website at www.pagosachamber.com/winterfest. Enter now or make a pledge to one of these organizations for their bravery.
Following the Plunge, stay downtown and walk up to Reservoir Hill and watch the crazy Sledz on Rez festivities. “Build It, Ride It, Win It” is this event’s motto. Homemade sleds race down the freshly groomed hill displaying their creativity and sense of adventure.
There will be numerous prizes for the sled entrants, delicious food and drink, including warm and comforting green chile, will also be available. This is a hilarious event really showing off people’s creativity and design capability. Enter as a group, family or individual. There is no cost to enter.
Sunday’s events kick off again with the hot air balloon mass ascension.
The only other event on this day will be the “Learn to Cross-Country Ski Clinic.” This very popular, free event fills up quickly, so preregistration is required. You can do so at www.pagosanordic.com. With the different ski types and abilities, it is important that the organization is prepared to give you the best clinic experience possible.
The event will take place at Cloman Park with registration at 9:45 a.m. and the clinics beginning at 10 a.m. Many of our wonderful ski rental and sporting good facilities are also offering discounted ski rentals if you mention you are participating in the clinic. This is the year to get out there and enjoy this winter wonderland.
For more information on all the events, visit www.pagosachamber.com/winterfest.
Don’t just shovel snow, get out there and enjoy the magic of winter — cold weather and all.
