» July 1-4
The Pagosa Springs area is one of the busiest places in the Southwest during the Fourth of July holiday, and Pagosa will be in full swing again this year. The following is a description of some of the traditional activities that will be taking place.
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Park 2 Park Artisan Market will kick into gear for a four-day show on Wednesday, July 3, and will run until Saturday, July 6. There will be more than 70 vendors in multiple parks at the festival. You’ll find artwork, jewelry, woodcarving, pottery, glasswork, clothing, weaving, sculptures, candles, soaps, specialty foods and much more. There will be a food court and a beer garden in one of the parks. Take a break while enjoying the day in the park and try out some tasty food, flavorful beer and live music under the shade tent. The location is conducive to shopping as you stroll through the parks and along the Riverwalk enjoying the crafts and tasty food items. The festival opens every day at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. except for Saturday, July 6, when the market closes at 4 p.m. While downtown, don’t miss out on the unique, local shops located in the downtown area.
The “biggest small-town parade” in the country, hosted by the Town of Pagosa Springs and Rotary Club, is scheduled to be held July 4 beginning at 10 a.m. Everyone loves a parade and, Pagosa’s is one of the very best. Due to possible construction on U.S. 160, the parade route is subject to change. Please check www.visitpagosasprings.com or The Pagosa Springs SUN for the latest information.
The Fourth of July fireworks will be held Thursday night, July 4. The fireworks festivities will take place on the fields adjacent to Pagosa Springs High School, on South 8th Street in the downtown area. To best view the fireworks, you can enjoy seating at Pagosa Springs High School or at Yamaguchi Park, located on South 5th Street. Gather family and friends, bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the stellar display. The fireworks display typically begins at dark — around 9:15 p.m. This event is subject to fire restrictions and weather.
The 74th annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, a legendary Fourth of July festivity, will be held three consecutive days starting July 4 and running through July 6. The rough-and-tumble rodeo, with regional cowboys and cowgirls and all western rodeo events, will have its first performance July 4 at 2 p.m. and evening performances at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6. The Western Heritage Event Center arena is just south of the intersection of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84. Cowpokes under 6 years old can register for mutton bustin’ in advance. Visit www.PagosaRodeo.com for details.
There is still time between all these activities to enjoy a barbecue, a hike or a bike ride away from the bustle of town — or to partake in any of the other fun experiences available in the area.
For more information, schedules or maps, stop by the Visitor Center at 105 Hot Springs Blvd. or contact them at (970) 585-1200, or check the website www.visitpagosa.com.