As of this week, our aspen are in full dress with springtime green that is so refreshing. No more grey up there in them thar hills for sure.
We have no official statistics to back up our thinking, but feel that we came out okay this winter after all those days of flurries and rainy and slushy precipitation. The Dolores river runoff has been threatening to breach its banks and we will check out that situation when we head down valley.
It is not too early to give you all the weekend schedule of the 4th of July celebration, so here goes:
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 24 Rico Womens Club Craft Faire at the elementary school from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a sneak preview on Friday from 68:30 p.m. with fancy snacks.
Saturday, July 2 Yard sale at the Burley Building on Main Street beginning at 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 3 Womens Club Bake Sale at the Fire House at 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 3 After the bake sale, the Old Timers Reunion and Picnic, sponsored by the Fire Department, begins at 11 a.m. down at the old ball park with their great BBQ, plus all the dishes everyone brings to share. The Old Timers Raffle is at 1 p.m. and the super softball games take place right there in the meadow. We are the best!
Monday, July 4 The best funky parade in the country begins at 11 a.m. Participants must be at church corner by 10 a.m. or 10:15 at the latest.
11:30 a.m. or so The Yellowmans Navajo Taco Luncheon at the fire house. Dont miss it! Also, I believe that the Four Corners Community Band will present a concert right in front of the fire house to entertain, and they are excellent.
1 p.m. Rubber Ducky Race The ducks will be deposited into the river around 1 p.m. and it takes a half hour or so for them to reach the West Rico bridge where well all be waiting breathlessly! Tickets will still be on sale all over town and there is also a raffle called the 50-50 that will have tickets for sale over the weekend.
Cannot forget Kiddie Karnival is planned from 122 p.m., if all goes well!
Finally Fireworks begin at dusk at the north end of town (as you all know).
I need to mention one more thing. The town of Rico has become something of a heyday for those who buy illegal fireworks and proceed to set off round upon round of the super dazzlers way up in the sky. Two problems: First, it is illegal. Second, the sparks and cinders are floating around and landing on roofs of homes, on dry grass and all that stands in its way. There will be extra sheriff deputies on duty and there will be tickets issued to those who insist on continuing this activity. That is the word that I received and just thought that we should pass it on to you all.
Well, the Lesems of Tucson, Ariz. and Rico are back for the summer yay! Fred Hernandez showed up with a load of stuff and then returned back home to load up and bring lovely wife Barbara this time. They are finally retired.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Womens Club and Rico Historical Society.