This is the week that we begin seeing hot air balloons drifting across Mancos Valley skies. You will need to rise early these mornings to catch a glimpse as they float overhead. Balloons inflate at 6:45 a.m. and launch from Boyle Park on Friday, Sept. 27; Saturday, Sept. 28; and Sunday, Sept. 29. There is still time to volunteer if you would like to help launch balloons or set up special events during the week. You can call Bobbi Black, coordinator, at 970-560-0203.
The Mancos Valley Arts Council sponsors the annual "ArtFest" on Saturday, Sept. 28. Artists and craftsmen have been sending in the applications to participate. If you would like to be vendor at the "ArtFest," you can call the Visitor Center at 907-533-7434 to reserve a spot and get an application. You can also send an email to chamber@mancosvalley.com. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy this very colorful event.
Remember there are lots of other special activities associated with the Mancos Valley/Mesa Verde Country Balloon and Arts Festival. On the evening of Friday, Sept. 27, there is "Grand Summer Nights" with gallery walk, carriage rides, and lives music. Join your friends downtown and browse the galleries. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the "ArtFest" happens on Grand Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The "Flags and Flights" dinner is set to begin at 6 p.m., enjoy good food with music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 per person, and you can pick them up at the Visitor Center. Don't forget that if you are a landowner and would like to have a balloon land on your property, you can register to win a free balloon ride in the Landowners Lottery. You can stop by the Visitor Center at 101 E. Bauer Ave. to sign up for your chance to win a balloon ride. The drawing will be held at the "Flights and Flags" dinner.
Sunday evening is the balloon glow in Boyle Park at 7:15 p.m. Before the glow you can grab dinner at Chavolo's Mexican Restaurant where they will be serving up a fajita buffet starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, and you pick them up at the Visitor Center (970-533-7434) or at the Bauer House (970-560-0203). We look forward to seeing everyone downtown this weekend. Come join the fun and festivities.
Marianne Griffin 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 chamber@mancosvalley.com for more information.