101 Things 2021 for Yumpu

Summer in the San Luis Valley 2021 Page 29
89 RIO GRANDE COUNTY MUSEUM AND CULTURAL
CENTER — Featuring displays about Indian rock art, Hispanic
settlers, fur trappers, and other history of the San Luis Valley,
the Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center is located
in Del Norte at 508 Oak Street. Call 657-2847.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, where
the pros accumulate points towards competing in the National
Pro Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev.
However, this four-day event is not only a rodeo. There are
several other fun, big events to participate in. There are parades
on Friday and Saturday, with Saturday being the largest day, a
chuck wagon dinner on Thursday night right before the concert
which features A-list country western recording artists, dances,
concerts and a carnival at Ski Hi Park. New for 2021, the event
will be celebrating their first year in a brand-new facility after
the Friends of Ski-Hi spent 2019 and 2020 brainstorming, fundraising
and planning to replace the dated event center. Info:
www.skihistampede.com
90 TRANSPORTATION OF THE WEST MUSEUM — A
“different museum” the Transportation of the West Museum
features early modes of travel in the San Luis Valley, including
a century-old buggy. The museum is located at 961 First Ave.
in Monte Vista and is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m. through Labor Day. The Monte Vista History Center,
110 Jefferson Street, is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. through Labor Day. No admission, handicap
accessible. Contact for both: 719-849-9320.
91 MONTE VISTA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
—Habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other birds, this
14,084-acre artificially created wetland is intensively managed
for the benefit of wildlife. The refuge is located south of Monte
Vista on Colorado 15. Information: 719-589-4021.
92 PENITENTE CANYON — Penitente Canyon offers
world-class rock climbing, as well as challenging mountain
bike trails. A short hike to the rim of the canyon is rewarded
with an incredible of the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de
Cristo mountain range.
87 POTATO FESTIVAL, SEPT. 11 — Celebrating
one of the most
important crops
to the region the
San Luis Valley
Potato Festival
celebrates the
potato and kicks
off the harvest
season. The day is
filled with fun for
the entire family.
Held in Monte
Vista’s scenic
Chapman Park
the festival boasts
exciting activities
including a 5k
Tator Trot race,
craft and food
vendors, guided agricultural tours, chef demonstrations, narrated
train tours, a truck and semi show, the famous mashed
potato dunk tank and much more! Info: 719-852-3322, www.
coloradopotato.org
88 MUSHROOM FORAY — Enter the woods in search of
edible wild mushrooms during the South Fork Mushroom Foray
TBA in August. Call 719-873-5512 for reservations.