Pumpkin Fest returns to Montezuma Park in Cortez

10/27/2022

From trick or treating to seasonal cuisine to games and prizes, the Piñon Project’s Pumpkin Fest has it all. Holiday food drives are right around the corner. An upcoming home buyers education class can help prospective home buyers with the process. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Big O Tires

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From trick or treating to seasonal cuisine to games and prizes, the Pinon Project's Pumpkin Fest has it all. A buyer's education class for prospective home buyers will be in Cortez on October 29th. And help a community pantry stock up for the holidays through a food drive. You're watching the local news roundup brought to you by the LOR Foundation and Big O Tires. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Pumpkin Fest returns to Montezuma Park in Cortez on Saturday, October 29th. The party starts at 9 a.m. with the zombie run and cake walk. Other events include a costume contest and a trick-or-treat loop on Main Street. The carnival runs from 12:30 to 3:00, and $5 buys unlimited games. For more information or to register for the 5k zombie run, go to pinonproject.org. With November right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about helping those in need with their Thanksgiving meal. The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is hosting its first holiday food drive on Saturday, November 12th. Organizers are asking residents to help stuff the bus with donations of nonperishable food. Suggested donations include canned, bagged and boxed goods in original packaging. Anything with packaging that's already been open will not be accepted. The drive is taking place at Safeway on East Main Street, beginning at 8 a.m. on the 12th. Donations will benefit the Good Samaritan Center Food Pantry in Cortez. Prospective homebuyers in Cortez can learn the ins and outs of homebuying and the possible pitfalls at a home buyers education class on Saturday, October 29th. The class will cover topics like budgeting, real estate, lending, insurance and inspections. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center. Organizers ask that attendees not bring kids. Registration is $15. Email info@homesfund.org to sign up. That's it for this week's local news roundup. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

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Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

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Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

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Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.