Join us for the 22nd annual Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta this Saturday, July 27, sponsored by Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) and the Spanish Fiesta committee.
This year we celebrate “La cultura cura!” — a transformative health and healing philosophy that recognizes the importance of cultural values, traditions and Indigenous practices on the path to healthy development, restoration and lifelong well-being.
Enjoy the 22nd annual Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta, where Spanish, Mexican, Native American and Anglo cultural traditions intertwine to create the strong heritage we have today here in Southwest Colorado. Food, music, dancing, libations, vendors, color and good company provide the ingredients of a party to delight all the senses and to make memories for a lifetime.
Kickoff the day’s activities by joining the Town of Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Springs Arts Council and ASI’s Spanish Fiesta committee as we celebrate artist Chad Haspels’ creation of a bronze sculpture of a sheep herder Saturday, July 27, at 9 a.m, adjacent to the multiuse trail near Walmart, on the northeast corner.
Hear a brief presentation on the history and culture of the Hispanic community and sheep herding in Archuleta County by Spanish Fiesta committee members. Parking will be available at Walmart or Pagosa Peak Open School.
Haspels crafted this bronze cast to capture the meaningful and authentic history and culture of Pagosa Country, representing a story often overlooked.
Then, join us at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds starting at 2 p.m. Come early to catch acknowledgment of the eight youth and elders who received a $1,000 Spanish Fiesta BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) scholarship from funds raised from the 2023 fiesta and generous donations from local organizations and private donors.
A very special feature of this year’s fiesta is the revival of the Spanish Fiesta Royalty youth program. Hear from these youth about the leadership and community service opportunities they have been involved in as they have worked to promote this year’s fiesta.
Next up will be two sets of folklorico dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Durango throughout the afternoon and evening along with music by the talented Tejano singer and band Candace Vargas and NortherN 505. The evening will close with musical performances by Darren Cordova Y Calor, New Mexico Hispano Music Band of the Year 2024.
Our kids corner is newly expanded and will feature multiple pinatas, face painting, cornhole, giant Jenga and more.
This year, nine food/drink vendors with a diverse selection of tasty treats and 16 artisan craft vendors and community organization booths will be available for you to support and peruse.
Proceeds from the 22nd annual Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta will support older adults of Archuleta County through the services of ASI and a Spanish Fiesta BIPOC youth and elder scholarship fund.
Admission is for an afternoon and evening from 2 to 10 p.m. filled with fun for all ages.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate of the event between 2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on July 27.
Handicap parking will be available and a shuttle will be provided for the mobility impaired. Only service animals will be allowed into the event; no pets allowed. No alcoholic beverages or coolers will be allowed to be brought into the event. Backpacks are subject to be searched at entry to the event.
Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors for helping to revive and celebrate the rich, diverse heritage of Archuleta County.
The Spanish Fiesta committee is still looking for a few more volunteers, so if you are interested and available, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CABAD28ABFBC61-49963208-22nd#/ or call (970) 264-2167 or email rosa@psseniors.org.
Spanish Fiesta schedule of activities
Following is the schedule of activities for the 22nd annual Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta on Saturday, July 27.
All events will take place at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds, 344 U.S. 84 unless otherwise noted.
• 9-9:45 a.m., multiuse trail near Walmart and 3133 Cornerstone Drive: Sheepherder bronze sculpture ribbon cutting, artist celebration and brief history and culture discussion with Spanish Fiesta committee.
• 2 p.m.: Welcome, fiesta grounds open, vendors open and food/drinks available for purchase.
Presentation of Spanish Fiesta youth scholarship recipients and Archuleta County fair royalty.
• 2:30-3 p.m.: Presentation and speeches by Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta youth royalty.
• 3 p.m.: Folklorico dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Durango.
• 3:45 p.m.: Recognition of sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
• 4-6 p.m.: Candace Vargas and NortherN 505 musical performance.
• 6 p.m.: Recognition of veterans, sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
• 6:15 p.m. Folklorico dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Durango.
• 7-10 p.m.: Darren Cordova Y Calor musical performance.
End-of-evening thank yous and housekeeping.
Fresh conversations to focus on vitamin D
A sunny day is a good day, right? Did you know there is a connection between your mood and vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin?
Join us for Fresh Conversations to learn more about this connection and how to get more vitamin D into your diet.
Fresh Conversations is a monthly discussion about relevant health information for adults 60 years and older. You will get a newsletter with resources and tips to take with you, as well as a tasting of some delicious, nutritious food.
Please join us Wednesday morning, July 31, at 10 a.m. at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall to learn more and gather with community members. This is a free seminar.
Emotional Freedom Technique sessions
Join Judith Newman at the Pagosa Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd.) the second Wednesday of each month — Aug. 14, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9 — to learn and/or refresh your Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as tapping skills, to support yourself with self-care, relief from anxiety and community support.
All classes start at 10 a.m. and last 45 minutes to an hour. Please bring a friend or come alone. All are welcome.
Healthy aging and yoga therapy classes Series
The healthy aging yoga series continues to be offered in person at the Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series will include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center; some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We are requesting that individuals who are new to joining the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ Connors directly by emailing ajconnorslove@gmail.com.
Bingo
The Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Bingo will be on July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.
Participation is free, and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required; just show up. All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn.
He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns.
The meeting will be held in the Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.
Farmers market vouchers
If you love to shop at the Pagosa Farmers Market, are 60 or older, or if you are 200 percent of poverty, please call Deb Herera of the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging at (970) 403-2164 to put your name on the list for $50 in vouchers to redeem for local foods.
Then, visit the Pagosa Farmers Market any Saturday during the growing season (starting July 6 and running through the end of September) to redeem your vouchers.
The Pagosa Farmers Market will be located at the Tennyson Sculpture Garden on Lewis Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Pagosa Springs Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week, including Fridays.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage. Some popular menu items include Frito chili pie, pork tenderloin with harvest chutney, Singaporean pork ribs, vegetarian lasagna, Hawaiian shrimp with coconut rice and always a beautiful green salad. Many of our items are locally sourced and organic.
Our chef works with a team of local food professionals to hand-prepare your meal for dine-in service in our cozy dining room (with an amazing view of the San Juans) or for takeout (via our convenient drive-through). Our menu changes daily.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, July 25 — Crispy codfish with tartar sauce, green beans, garden salad, pistachio fruit salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, July 26 — Korean beef with basmati rice, broccoli, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Monday, July 29 — Pork ragu over creamy polenta, sauteed zucchini, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, July 30 — Perfect 10 codfish, broccoli with hollandaise, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, orange blossom muffin and milk.
Wednesday, July 31 — Beef Frito pie, green beans, cornbread, garden salad, fruit,vanilla pudding and milk.
Thursday, Aug. 1 — Greek chicken wrap, cucumber salad, spanakopitas, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, Aug. 2 — Eggplant lasagna, garlic toast, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Texting services are available for dine-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
COVID-19 test kits available
Stop by the Senior Center to pick up a pack of six free COVID-19 tests kits for your personal use. These kits are available to anyone in the public who needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.
Medicare call by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Supporting ASI
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.
You may mail your donation to P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or please visit our website, http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button). Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors Inc. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about Archuleta Seniors Inc., please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
