The city of Cortez has announced the inaugural celebration of the first Summer Send-off, which will be held at 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the Parque de Vida Amphitheater, 425 Roger Smith Ave. in Cortez. The event is free to the public.
The event is designed to bring families, neighbors and visitors together for music, dancing and food, according to the city. It will coincide with the Cortez Balloon Rendezvous Rally’s Balloon Glow and a drone show finale. The theme of the first Summer Send-Off is “The Tri-Anniversary” in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Colorado’s 150th anniversary and Cortez’s 140th anniversary.
“Summer Send‑Off is a nod to the nearing of the end of summer, giving visitors and residents a chance to have a fun, festive, memorable evening in Cortez’s vibrant Parque de Vida,” Asialynn Hager, events and marketing specialist for Cortez Parks and Recreation, said.
The Balloon Glow will take place in its new location on the South Field near the amphitheater. The Balloon Glow will officially start at 9 p.m., but tethered balloon rides will be held at 6 p.m., with rides costing $5. Prior to the start of the Balloon Glow, attendees can visit the balloons, talk to the pilots and collect pilot cards.
At the start of the Summer Send-Off, an official proclamation and activities for kids will take place. Children will find bubbles and yard games to keep them entertained while DJ music plays and food trucks open for hungry customers.
At 6 p.m., local artists Moe and Tomoe from Goathead and The Moetones will perform their winning song from the Songs of Cortez competition, followed by community square dancing at 7 p.m. with Zen Cowboy, who the city described as a “crowd favorite square dance caller” who will bring “fun, humor and Western charm to the amphitheater.”
A custom-designed drone show will be held at 9:15 p.m., right after the Balloon Glow, in a performance produced by Bright Day Drone Shows.
At the event, volunteer recruiters will be present at Our Own Lives to talk with attendees about becoming chase crew volunteers for the hot air balloons. Chase crews follow their assigned balloon following takeoff and help the balloon pilots when they land.
“Chase crew members play a vital role in ballooning and receive hands‑on experience supporting pilots and balloon teams,” the city said.
The morning launches of the balloons will take place early morning on Saturday and Sunday. The community is invited to watch the balloons launch from Parque de Vida.
The city is also seeking historical and cultural exhibitors, like historians, cultural organizations, artists, educators and community groups that are interested in sharing Cortez’s heritage and stories, to participate in the Summer Send-Off.
Those interested should contact Hager at ahager@cortezco.gov.
bduran@the-journal.com
