Memorial Day services and summer events in SLV

What Memorial Day is all about— honoring those who have served in the Arm Forces. Flags mark the graves of servicemen and women buried in the Homelake cemetery.

VALLEY — From memorial services to train rides and theatre to museum openings, the San Luis Valley offers a multitude of activities this Memorial Day weekend.

Stay in the San Luis Valley and enjoy pleasant weather, great events and socializing with friends. The weekend temperatures are predicted to be in the 60’s all weekend long with sunny skies.

In addition to the events below, many Valley schools are hosting graduation ceremonies this weekend.

Following are many of the events occurring throughout the Valley this year from Fort Garland to Creede and Antonito to Saguache:

Alamosa service

ALAMOSA — The American Legion will host a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Alamosa Cemetery, followed by services at the Spanish Cemetery.

Homelake service

MONTE VISTA — The Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake will host a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista, with Honor and Color Guards, USS General Patrick Bell Tolling, wreath presentations, Ft. Garland Memorial Regiment and keynote speaker Patricia Robertson.

Saguache museum opens

SAGUACHE — The Saguache County Museum opens daily beginning Monday May 27 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 10.

Admission is $7 for adults and $1 for children under age 12. See the new exhibit featuring an authentically restored sheep wagon by Barbara Maat and the memorial case honoring the sheep industry. Also, check out Trish Gilbert’s display of wildlife photos at the Hazard House.

CRT opens

CREEDE — Creede Repertory Theatre will open its 2019 season on Friday, May 31. This year’s line-up includes:

Peter and the Starcatcher —A curious and intelligent girl from a magical family, a nameless orphan boy, two ships full of sailors ‘n pirates, and adventure at every turn! This family friendly musical uses the magic of theatre to create its stunning world, as twelve actors portray over 100 characters. If you loved 2018’s The Wizard of Oz, you’ll want to batten down the hatches and head up to the poop deck to experience two new friends on their quest to save the world, and witness one of literature’s most beloved characters come to life. A joyous adventure for all ages!

Ripcord — Cantankerous assisted living resident Abby learns she’s been assigned a room

mate after years of willful solitude. Enter Marilyn: an energetic and positive force who charms everyone around her…except Abby, of course. The two women make a seemingly harmless bet, that quickly intensifies into a cutthroat competition. Don’t miss Christy Brandt and Annie Butler in this uproarious and exhilarating “odd couple” comedy.

Little Shop of Horrors— It’s a familiar story: Boy meets Girl. Girl is dating a sadistic dentist. Boy meets mysterious, blood-thirsty plant. In an effort to win over Girl, Boy makes a pact with Plant to allow his wildest dreams to come true. Plant makes plans to take over the world! Since its Off-Broadway debut in 1982, Little Shop quickly became one of the most popular shows in the world. You won’t want to miss this deliciously outrageous sci-fi hit musical.

Pride and Prejudice — You’ve never seen Jane Austen quite like this! With the heart of this masterful love story still very much intact, Kate Hamill’s farcical take on this time-honored staple of English literature has never been more captivating. Austen’s Mr. Darcy, Lizzy Bennet, and all the red-coated officers are still the classic characters you remember, but with a fresh energy and zest that’s both stunning and unexpected.

Hazardous Materials — One apartment. Two different eras. Each creating unlikely friendships. In 1955, two widows explore a blossoming connection against all odds. In 2015, two reluctant co-workers sift through the belongings of an elderly and mysterious Jane Doe. Each pair discovers that in order to connect they must be willing to sort through, and learn from, the past. Hazardous Materials was a highlight of 2018’s Headwaters New Play Festival. We are thrilled to be able to bring this American play to our CRT audience for the first time.

BOOMTOWN! — Sound the alarm! There’s a teenager in the house and you know what that means? Boomtown Improv is THIRTEEN. Crazy hormones, selective hearing, stomping through the hallway, little regard for human cleanliness, consumption of only frozen foods, video game seclusion, and so much dirty laundry! We are Boomtown, and we do what we want! Except drive…because….we don’t have our license for, like, another 3 years. So not cool!

The KID Show — Derring-Do — Now in its 17th season, The KID Show is a nationally recognized program that encourages young artists to access their voices and explore their unique talents, while producing an original show! This year, innovative playwright Diana Grisanti is working directly with the students to create a thrilling, death-defying, and outrageous production at the Circus. Come and witness the creativity!

For more information, tickets, and show times, visit creederep.org or call (719) 658-2540.

Taste of Creede

CREEDE — The 31th Annual Taste of Creede Event will be held May 24-27.

Taste of Creede Festival showcases local art and cuisine on Main Street all weekend long, Friday night kick off the event with Creede Repertory Theatre Poster Unveiling and live music, Saturday brings live music craft vendors, food tastings, artist on Main Street Children’s activities, museum tours, sidewalk sales and more! Sunday focuses on Art with the Artists’ Quick Draw on Mainstreet, followed by a Live Art Auction and Music.

This Annual event is in its 31st year and offers an abundance of food, Fine Arts, Dining, & Culinary Contests, and entertainment all on Creede’s Historic Main Street

Contact the Creede Chamber at 719-658-2374 or see www.creede.com/taste-of-creede

Memorial Day Encampment at Fort Garland Museum

Fort Garland Museum will hold its annual living history military encampment on Memorial Day weekend; all day Saturday, May 26. Activities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Flag Raising Ceremony. Throughout the weekend the Fort Garland Memorial Regiment and the Artillery Company of New Mexico will present activities and displays that depict 19th-century garrison life at Fort Garland. On Saturday at 2 p.m. the Ladies of the Garrison will host an Afternoon Tea. Saturday night the public is invited to the Regimental Ball with music provided by the New Mexico Territorial Band. Period dress is encouraged but not mandatory. Sunday morning, 9 a.m. the Flag Raising Ceremony followed by a non-denominational service in the Soldiers Theatre. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $5, Seniors $4.50, kids 16 & under $3.50, free kids 6 and under. free, all SLV residence, active military, and Friends of the Fort.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will begin its 49th season on May 25, with authentic, coal-fired steam locomotives departing daily from both Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. The authentic and historic steam railroad, owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, will operate until October 20.

The train follows 64-miles of tracks first laid down in 1880 that cross the border of the two states 11 times, skirting along canyon walls through Toltec Gorge, burrowing through two tunnels, steaming over Cascade Trestle (137-feet above a roaring river), and climbing to the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America.

The season will kick off with Opening Day festivities and ceremonies at both the Antonito and Chama Depots on May 25. Opening Day features the added thrill of not one, but two special double-headed trains, one departing from each station. Trains pulled by two steam engines are extremely rare in the 21st century. Passengers will have the rare thrill of witnessing four steaming locomotives together at the scenic Osier Station lunch stop, half way between both starting points.

Antonito Depot Opening Day Ceremonies — Beginning at 8 a.m., there will be live music, coffee and donuts at the Antonito Depot. At 9 a.m., C&TSRR’s Assistant General Manager Stathi Pappas will open the event which will feature blessings from Clyde Vicenti, a spiritual leader from the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Father Sergio Robles, priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Antonito, flag raising from the U.S. Marines, traditional colonial dancers and remarks and introductions of state and local dignitaries, including Regional Director Cathy Garcia representing Sen. Cory Gardner. Antonito’s first train of the season will depart at 10 a.m. sharp.

Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. The authentic and historic steam railroad, owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, will operate until October 20.

The train follows 64-miles of tracks first laid down in 1880 that cross the border of the two states 11 times, skirting along canyon walls through Toltec Gorge, burrowing through two tunnels, steaming over Cascade Trestle (137-feet above a roaring river), and climbing to the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America.

The season will kick off with Opening Day festivities and ceremonies at both the Antonito and Chama Depots on May 25. Opening Day features the added thrill of not one, but two special double-headed trains, one departing from each station. Trains pulled by two steam engines are extremely rare in the 21st century. Passengers will have the rare thrill of witnessing four steaming locomotives together at the scenic Osier Station lunch stop, half way between both starting points.

Antonito Depot Opening Day Ceremonies — Beginning at 8 a.m., there will be live music, coffee and donuts at the Antonito Depot. At 9 a.m., C&TSRR’s Assistant General Manager Stathi Pappas will open the event which will feature blessings from Clyde Vicenti, a spiritual leader from the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Father Sergio Robles, priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Antonito, flag raising from the U.S. Marines, traditional colonial dancers and remarks and introductions of state and local dignitaries, including Regional Director Cathy Garcia representing Sen. Cory Gardner. Antonito’s first train of the season will depart at 10 a.m. sharp.

Chama Depot Opening Day Ceremonies — Beginning at 8 a.m., there will be patriotic and festive music, coffee and donuts at the Antonito Depot. At 9 a.m., C&TSRR’s President/General Manager John Bush will open the event, which will feature blessings from Spiritual Leader Harry Sandoval Jr., of the Navajo Nation and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque and Rev. Dr. Colin Kelly, Vicar of St. Jerome Episcopal Church in Chama, flag raising from the Chama and Pagosa Springs boy scout troop, group songs led by Chris Collins, and remarks and introductions of state and local dignitaries, including Sen. Tom Udall. Chama’s first train of the season will depart at 10 a.m. sharp.

Sangre De Cristo Museum opens

SAN LUIS — The Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center, San Luis, will open on Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m. to begin its summer hours. The museum’s summer schedule is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  A donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children is suggested for admission. The museum can accommodate special group tours. Appointments may be made by calling 719-672-0999.

Mini Music Festival at Wildwood

DEL NORTE — Wildwood Sounds, 850 Grande Ave., Del Norte, presents Mini Music Festival IX 2018, a fundraiser, on Saturday, May 25. Doors open at 11 a.m. and music starts at 12 noon. Tickets are $25. Call 657-4757 or see wildwoodsounds.com.

Swimming pools

ALAMOSA — Splashland, just north of Alamosa on Highway 17, opens this weekend. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday. The pool is closed Sunday.

HOOPER — The Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & RV Park, just north of Hooper about 20 miles north of Alamosa off Highway 17, is operating under its summer hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Thursdays when the pool is closed for cleaning.


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