The Sugar Pine Ranch Rally usually signals the start of our fall season. There are beautiful sunny days for riding, late-afternoon thunder showers and cooler temperatures. We say farewell to the motorcycles and wish them all safe journeys home.
We remain in our quiet little valley and diligently watch our vegetable gardens and hope that our tomatoes ripen while we anticipate our next series of community events.
The Mancos Public Library is next up with its Harvest Heritage Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Boyle Park in Mancos.
The festival celebrates the harvest season, featuring foods of the harvest and related demonstrations, activities, arts and crafts.
If you want more information, contact Lee Hallberg at the library, lhallberg@mancoslibrary.org or 533-7600.
The Mancos Valley/Mesa Verde Country Balloon and Arts Festival begins on Friday, Sept. 27.
The Arts Fest is sponsored by the Mancos Valley Arts Council (MVAC). Artists and craftsmen are invited to participate. MVAC invites performing artists (musicians, mimes, jugglers, etc) to participate.
Performers are not charged a booth fee. But they are invited to register to participate. Come join the Mancos Valley community for the colorful days of September.
Vendor applications are available at the Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer, or you can call 533-7434 or send an e-mail to chamber@mancosvalley.com.
Mesa Verde National Park is encouraging everyone to enjoy this special time of year at the National Park.
Mesa Verde National Park is offering backcountry experiences.
These ranger-guided hikes include a four-hour hike into Upper Navajo Canyon, a four-hour hike on Wetherill Mesa, and an eight-hour hike to Spring House. Basics of each hike are listed with detailed information online.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at www.recreation.gov or at (877) 444-6777.
My husband and I went to the Anasazi Heritage Center (AHC) to see the Stanton Englehart art exhibit. You do not want to miss this. His work will remain at the AHC until the end of October.
Englehart was born in Lewis. He founded the art department at Fort Lewis College and eventually retired from there.
He painted grand, expansive landscapes that capture the essence of the southwest experience.
For detailed information, contact the AHC at 882-5600.
Enjoy the month of September.
The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has moved its monthly meeting date to the second Thursday of each month. The next board meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave.
Marianne Griffin is executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave., www.mancosvalley.com. Contact her at 533-7434 or chamber@mancosvalley.com.
