Parents and students have been gathering at Mancos schools to register for classes. School begins Aug. 20.

With the beginning of school, the visitor center begins to see a change in the type of visitor passing through our community. We begin to see many more retirees, and they are not always in RVs or pulling trailers.

I begin to see lots of folks cruising through town on bicycles as they make a journey across country. Motorcycles are also on the increase. Our scenic highways and byways are a definite attraction for the adventuresome souls on motorcycles. When they come through town, they are always interested in why Mancos calls itself "historic."

There are five structures listed on the State Historic Register.

Four of these buildings are also on the National Historic Register, and include the Bauer Bank Building, corner of Main and Grand; the Opera House, above the VFW on Grand; the Wrightsman House, corner of Bauer and Mesa; and Mancos High School, on Grand. The Bauer House on the corner of Main and Bauer is on the State Register only.

The people of Mancos take a great deal of pride in their historic buildings. Few people are aware of the months and years of dedication it takes to seek historic designation and the amount of financial commitment it takes to restore and maintain these beautiful, old buildings. The Opera House remains a work in progress to this day. There are numerous other buildings in Mancos that possess historic importance in the town but have not sought historic designation.

For a list of the historic structures in Mancos and a map with information about each building, come by the Visitor Center and pick up a copy of the "Tour Historic Downtown Mancos" brochure.

Remember to shop at our local Farmers Market on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in Boyle Park. With the rain, we have had recently, produce should be coming in strong.

Marianne Griffin is executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave., www.mancosvalley.com. Contact her at 533-7434 or chamber@mancosvalley.com.