In September of 2016, the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership (GGP) held its first Breakfast with Balloons, and thus began a yearly fall tradition with the exception of a two-year hiatus (2023-2024) for construction across the river.
This year we continue our cherished tradition as once again balloons will rise from downtown as part of the September Colorfest event.
Again our nonprofit invites the community to join us along the San Juan River in Centennial Park for a delicious, locally sourced breakfast with bubbly mimosas and live music as we watch the event unfold with bright colorful balloons against the early morning sky. It will be early Saturday, Sept. 19; join us from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the amphitheater on the GGP site. Participants might consider bringing a chair and a blanket for added comfort.
Tickets are available now online at pagosagreen.org. Early-bird tickets are available until Sept. 10 at $50 each, and after that date will be $55. Seating is limited and tickets will go fast.
Sponsorship of the event is also available, offering local businesses and individuals the opportunity to provide an extra boost. We offer a choice of levels, each with its own increasing benefits: Ground Crew Support at $100; Lift-Off Partners Support at $250; and High Flyer Support at $500. Details regarding the different levels are at pagosagreen.org.
The year 2016 marked another important event, the groundbreaking for our first dome, followed in the next two years by domes two and three.
This past year, the first two domes required a serious maintenance effort after enduring all those years of Colorado extreme weather. A crew replaced screws, fans, motors, insulation, panels that have suffered hail damage and the aircraft tape that seals the polycarbonate sections. The site was marked by cones and yellow tape for a good bit of time.
The three domes embody our core focus area — educating on sustainable growing practices, using renewable energy in year-round production and engaging the community in our efforts — and are a huge draw for our community and our natural resource.
Locals stop to see what’s new and to purchase garden fresh organic produce; tourists stop by, ask question and take information back to their communities; and even the national media are drawn to feature our project. Last year The Washington Post ran an article, “Geothermal Greenhouse Growing tomatoes through cold winters.” The recent RMPBS news video “Turning heat into vegetables: the geothermal gardens of Pagosa Springs” is currently on our website. Take a look.
But, it takes people to operate this enterprise and so the GGP invites the community to get involved in any one of several ways.
Individuals who are hands-on will find opportunity to garden and grow food. Others more interested in teaching can do just that, working with the youngsters who come to the domes to learn. Those interested in directing the operation will find the board and its committees interesting. Simply express your interest via the email address or phone number listed below. There is fun and satisfaction to be had.
Breakfast with Balloons is a critical fundraiser for the GGP, and the income from ticket sales and sponsorship will help support the critical maintenance work. The event is an opportunity for the community to contribute to a thriving, all-volunteer endeavor that speaks well of Pagosa Springs.
For more information, see our website, pagosagreen.org, email info@pagosaspringsggp.org or call (719) 641-0255.
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