Free Family Events, Fundraisers, and Fire Training

December 6, 2023

The Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores is holding its annual Christmas celebration this Saturday, December 9. This weekend is your last opportunity to participate in Community Connections’ Festival of Wreaths and scavenger hunt as it is coming to a close on Sunday, December 10th. Tickets to Sunflower Troupe’s holiday comedy, Miracle on South Division Street, are now on sale, with performances running December 8 through 17. Mancos Public Library will host two upcoming holiday events: a holiday book sale and Christmas crafting. At the Cortez Public Library, join Fire Chief Roy W. for basic fire training on December 14. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Choice Building Supply

Learn More...

Galloping Goose Historical Society - https://www.gallopinggoose5.org/

Community Connections - https://www.communityconnectionsco.org/festival-of-trees.html

Sunflower Theatre at KSJD - https://sunflowertheatre.org/

Sunflower Theatre Troupe: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093514090778

KSJD - https://www.ksjd.org/

Cortez Public Library - https://www.cortezco.gov/761/Library

Cortez Fire Protection District - https://www.cortezfire.com/

Mancos Public Library - https://mancoslibrary.org/

FASTSIGNS – https://www.fastsigns.com/560-durango-co

Choice Building Supply - https://www.acehardware.com/store-details/06453

Read the Full Transcript

Montezuma County is preparing for Christmas with free family activities, fundraisers, and fire training. You're watching the "Local NEWS Roundup," brought to you by Fastsigns Durango and Choice Building Supply. I'm Connor Shreve. The Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores is holding its annual Christmas Celebration this Saturday, December 9th from 4:00 to 7:00. This free event includes riding Goose No. 4, a visit with Santa, caroling, hot cocoa, and more. Community Connections' Festival of Wreaths is coming to a close this weekend on Sunday, December 10th. This year, the festival features over 50 wreaths, decorating businesses in Downtown Cortez and Montezuma County, and also includes a scavenger hunt with prizes. Last year, the Festival of Trees & Wreaths raised nearly $70,000 for Community Connections, a nonprofit serving children and adults with disabilities. Tickets are on sale for Sunflower Troupe's production of "Miracle on South Division Street." Described as a hilarious and heartfelt holiday comedy, the show runs weekends at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, starting Friday, December 8th through Sunday, December 17th. Holiday events are also on the calendar at your local libraries. The Mancos Public Library is hosting a holiday book sale on Friday, December 8th and Saturday December 9th, followed by Christmas crafting on December 15th. At the Cortez Public Library, you are invited to join Chief Roy W. of the Cortez Fire Protection District for hands-on basic fire training. The training will be held on Thursday, December 14th from 5:30 to 7:00, and we'll cover how to use a live fire extinguisher. helping ensure a safe holiday season. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the "Local NEWS Roundup." I'm Connor Shreve.

Christmas Trees for Conservation

San Juan Mountains Association is holding its Christmas Trees for Conservation fundraiser. Come pick up your Christmas tree and support stewardship and conservation education on Southwest Colorado’s public land. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Winter Arts and Crafts

Looking for a good cozy winter activity? Get your copy of the Historic Cortez Coloring Book, featuring artwork from over 20 local artists. The book, released earlier this year, has multiple designs inspired by Southwest Colorado and Montezuma County and is perfect for coloring enthusiasts and beginners alike. The Town of Dolores has put out a call to artists of all ages for a new logo design. With three age categories available, there’s a chance for everyone to show off their design skills. Submit your design by the end of December, and the winning logo will be announced Jan. 31, 2025. The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual community holiday gathering Thursday, Dec. 12 at Moondog Cafe and Bakery. Celebrate the holidays with the awards ceremony for the Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Cowboy/Cowgirl of the Year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.

Join the Parade! Entry Forms Due by Nov. 30

Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Olde Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The City of Cortez is establishing new office hours to give staff an early start to their weekend starting Monday, Dec. 2. The Shield 616 Angel Armor Vest presentation is coming up on Monday, Dec. 2nd. The Four Corners Board of Realtors 34th Annual Parade of Lights is accepting entries for parade participants through Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. The parade will be held on Main Street in Cortez on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Local Food & Farms Investment

The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Festival of Wreaths and Mancos Valley Annual Awards

Tour more than 50 wreaths downtown Cortez during Community Connections’ 5th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The festival will be held Monday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 8. Dolores’ annual Turkey Trot is happening at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Vitalant is conducting a blood drive for the Dolores community on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Nominations for Mancos Valley Annual Awards are due on Thursday, Dec. 5 with winners announced at the Mancos Chamber Community Holiday Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 12. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

Carute Roma Brings Gypsy Tunes to the Sunflower Theatre this Saturday

The Sunflower Theatre is celebrating two decades of music with local band Carute Roma on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m. Mancos Public Library is holding an evening of land education titled, “Our Common Ground: Why You Cannot Fence the Forest” on November 20th featuring author and professor Dr. Andrew Gulliford. The Mancos Art Market will be held on Sunday, December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at several locations around Mancos. Zu Gallery’s monthly Four Corners Writers Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Esoterra Ciderworks expands into Winemaking

Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

Four Corners Writers Anthology Inaugural Event on Nov. 13

The Four Corners Writers Anthology is having its inaugural event on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. Mancos FoodShare’s annual winter coat drive has begun and will run through Dec. 16. Clean, gently-used coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cortez Public Library will be closed through Monday, Nov. 11, in order to replace the HVAC system. A recent survey from LotteryTexts shows that Coloradans would support the preservation of Mesa Verde National Park if they were to suddenly become wealthy. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company.

Election Week Rally with Adam Frisch

There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and FLC Center for Innovation.