By Mary Jo Coulehan
Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
There are lots of activities and deadlines happening in November and the beginning of December. Businesses, nonprofit agencies and individuals need to make some decisions and mark your calendars now.
First on the “get it done now” list is for our nonprofit agencies. The annual Festival of Trees will be occurring on Dec. 2 and 3. If your agency is interested in participating in this festive event, you need to get your application in ASAP. Applications were actually due Nov. 1, however, the Ross Aragon Community Center will accept a few more.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our nonprofit agencies to describe their organization through their creativeness in decorating a tree. You can certainly “traditionally” decorate a tree or highlight your organization through ornaments, color and accessories. Contact Jamie Carothers (970) 264-4152, ext. 521 or jcarothers@pagosasprings.co.gov for more information and to obtain an application.
Then gather supports, family and friends and attend one of the days the trees will be displayed. The trees will be open for public viewing on Dec. 2 from noon until 6 p.m. Santa will be there along with hot drinks and voting for your favorite tree. The ticketed event will be held on Dec. 3, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. A cash bar and appetizers will also be included. Mark this date down on your calendar for an evening of fun and community support.
Nonprofits can also start preparing for the annual Penguin Plunge to be held during WinterFest. The dates set for WinterFest 2022 are Jan. 21-23, 2022, with the Penguin Plunge taking place on Jan. 22, 2022. Pledge forms are already available on the Chamber’s website under Activities and Events and then under the Chamber Events tab and WinterFest. Print out your forms now, let us know that you will be participating so that we can help promote your organization. Start collecting pledges now as some people may want a tax break for 2021. For more information, contact Mary Jo Coulehan at the Chamber at (970) 264-2360.
Sadly, this year the annual Holiday Bazaar will not occur. The Chamber has been receiving calls from vendors and shoppers alike. If any organization is interested in taking over this event for future years, they can contact the Pagosa Springs Area Association of Realtors at (970) 731-4015 for more information.
The deadline for a Chamber member business owner to self-nominate for the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2022 election is Wednesday, Nov. 10. Interested individuals can obtain a nomination form from the Chamber website, www.pagosachamber.com. It is listed under the graphic under Community and Chamber News. If you would like more information about the board position, requirements or time commitments, please contact Coulehan at (970) 264-2360. This board position is a three-year term with monthly meeting attendance and other event commitments throughout the year. The Chamber looks to engage a variety of businesses since our constituency is made up of all different kinds of businesses, including individual members. We hope that you will consider joining our team of board members.
One more deadline is for residents and businesses to enter the 2021 Lighting Contest. Applications can also be found on the Chamber website, www.pagosachamber.com, on the homepage under Community and Chamber News. Click on this link to get your application. Residential winners will be awarded $1,000, $500 or $250 for their entries. Business winners will be awarded the same denominations in advertising credits in The Pagosa Springs SUN. Applications are due Nov. 17.
All those entering the contest are asked to have their houses or businesses lit from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 so that residents and visitors alike can view the lights throughout our beautiful community during the busy holiday season. There are always some beautifully decorated establishments. Why not try and recoup some of your investment by entering the 2021 Lighting Contest?
Once more reminder is regarding the “Old Fashioned Christmas” walk that will be occurring on Dec. 18 along the Riverwalk. Businesses, families, nonprofit agencies or even individuals can adopt a section of the Riverwalk and promote a family-friendly parade route. Hand out hot chocolate or other nonalcoholic beverage, provide some acoustic music or other entertainment, have a festively lighted booth and welcome people as they walk the Riverwalk. There are no commercial booths at this event; however, you can promote your business or organization through some beautiful decorations and engage in the community spirit. Perhaps your business would like to participate as a team-building event. Contact Jennie Green at sales@visitpagosasprings.com if you are interested. There may still be space available. But for the general public, mark your calendars for this event on Dec. 18 in the evening.
There is so much to engage in as a spectator or participant in Pagosa Springs. Be a part of the community spirit, especially at this time of year.
