Christmas in Cortez may not be sunny and warm, but there’s plenty of warmth and good cheer to go around.
The 27th annual Community Christmas Dinner is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s free and open to the public, and meals are served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex building.
In the past, more than 500 area residents have attended the dinner, which includes turkey, dressing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls, pie and coffee. At a cost of about $2,000, the dinner is completely funded via donations.
“In all the places I’ve lived, I’ve never seen such outpouring from a rural community like Cortez,” organizer Mitchell Toms said.
For those unable to attend the dinner, volunteers also deliver meals upon request. leftovers are donated to the Bridge Emergency Shelter.
For additional information, to volunteer or to donate, call (970) 565-1151.
Are you looking for a way to burn off those Christmas calories? The Cortez Christmas Bird Count is Saturday. If you want to attend, meet in front of the Cultural Center at 8 a.m. Contact Jason St. Pierre for more information at 248-245-3081 or mrjstpierre@gmail.com. And check the birding hotline for any last-minute updates, at 565-1151 ext. 14.
Looking to get outside? The National Weather Service forecasts a Christmas high near 30 degrees, and an overnight low of 8. And there’s a 40 percent chance of snow.