The Mancos Valley Visitor Center will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. Unlike my predecessor, I will not be going to Mexico for the holidays, and the visitor center will be open during the month of January.
Once the Christmas and New Year's celebrations quiet down, there's no need to hibernate - there will be lots to keep you busy in the new year and active outdoors. A new business set to open on Grand Avenue in February, will help you stay in shape or get back in shape if that is a New Year's resolution.
Snow has finally arrived, and more is expected to fall on Christmas day. For you outdoor enthusiasts, there is cross-country skiing and snowmobiling nearby. Mesa Verde National Park is open all winter and offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and viewing wildlife. They have snowshoes waiting for you at the Park.
The Mancos Valley Distillery is presenting live music. On Jan. 16, La La Bones' bluegrass starts at 7 p.m. and on Jan. 31, Big Money and the Corporate Citizen are scheduled.
The Mancos Valley Arts Council will host a new art showing titled "Fifty-year celebration of Civil Rights" presenting a photography exhibit from the collection of Betsy Harrison with the opening scheduled for Jan. 19.
Our next Cash Mob will be scheduled for the Mancos Brewing Co. on Jan. 21. Even if you don't drink beer, the master brewer also makes Crème Soda and Ginger Ale to enjoy.
The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year Award will be presented at our annual social, Feb. 5.
Save the dates March 5-7 for the Mancos Melt celebration, which will continue with the flare of past years. It will begin with the Costume Wine Tasting at Olio to benefit "Mancos School of the West." On March 6, there will be western play with Skits at the Opera House to benefit the "Historical Society," and March 7 will have the annual bed races and golf tournament.
We are excited to announce the opening of the new Mancos School of the West in the spring. From pottery and painting to cooking and equestrian arts, this will be a unique opportunity for workshop participants. Classes will be held in town and through the Mancos Valley. For more information, find them on Facebook: Mancos School of the West or Email at: info@schoolof thewest.org
Ben Hahn from the Mancos Project, a running club and runners training program, is organizing the (now) annual Cowboy half-marathon event for Saturday, May 16. He is looking for volunteers to help him organize the event again this year. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the website at www.cowboyhalfmarathon.com. You can contact Ben Hahn at 814-558-9519 or e-mail [email protected].
This will get you through the first couple of months of the new year. Stay safe and have a Happy Holiday season and we will see you in 2015.
Marie Chiarizia is the executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or contact her at 533-7434. You can also visit [email protected] for more information.
