VALLEY — The San Luis Valley winds up summer events with activities from one end of the Valley to the other this Labor Day weekend.

In ALAMOSA

Alamosa will once again host the Early Iron Festival, which celebrates its 37th year. Approximately 600 vehicles are expected, and the public is invited to view them free of charge in Cole Park in Alamosa all day on Saturday. An added bonus is the popular slow cruise through downtown Alamosa Saturday night. See www.earlyironclub.com/

Also in Alamosa during the Early Iron Fest, the Alamosa Senior Citizens on Saturday, September 2nd will host an Early Iron Breakfast at the center, 92 Colorado Ave., Alamosa, from 7-10 a.m. Breakfast will consist of biscuits and savory sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, coffee, tea, milk and juice. The cost is $7 and $4 for children 12 and under. “Straight Outta Alamosa” t-shirts will also be on sale for $10 apiece while supplies last.

In addition near the park in Alamosa, at Spines warehouse just behind the Alamosa Post Office, Friends of the Library will host a giant sale of used books, music CDs and DVDs on Friday, Sept. 1 from 10 to 5, and Saturday Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the. Especially featured will be music CDs at $1 each. Contact Allyn Lewis at 719-588-9410 or Rhonda Borders at 719-580-2010.

In ANTONITO

Antonito will hold a day-long festival on Saturday, Sept. 2, with events including:

• 7-9 a.m., pancake breakfast;

• 10 a.m. parade

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. car show

• 1-6 p.m. live performances including Trio Cancioneros del Valle; Spanish Colonial Dancers; Bassman’s Psychedelic Noise; Chris Collins; Bad Attitude; Teddy Lobato’s One Man Show; and Crushed Rock

7-11 p.m. Indian Nickel will perform for the street dance

In CREEDE

On the other end of the day, Creede will host several events this weekend, including:

• The Annual Balloon Festival will be held each morning for three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) for participants and those just interested in watching the beautiful sight. Tailgate parties and evening “balloon glow” events round out the festival.

• The Creede Mountain Run will be held Saturday morning and is open to all age groups! This event offers participants the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking San Juan Mountains for 2, 12, or 22 miles. The race begins within the town of Creede, follows Willow Creek out of town and up towards the Black Pitch, and for the 22-milers includes a climb to the top of the Continental Divide, before making their return into Creede and the finish line. Pre-Register or sign up at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Race starts at 9 a.m. Visit www.creedemountainrun.com

• Spicing up the Labor Day weekend, Creede hosts the annual Salsa Fiesta with 15-plus stations throughout the downtown area where local chefs and businesses try their hands at creating original salsa concoctions that fall into four categories: Red, Green, Fruit and Freestyle. There is also live music on Main Street or in Basham Park. Purchase tasting tickets at the Visitor Center. Salsa Fiesta is Saturday only.

• The Gravity Derby, an annual free-style soapbox derby down Main Street, will be held Sunday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. There are three categories– ages 6-10, 11-16 and adults 17 and older. The entry fee for each vehicle in each age level is $10. Trophies will be awarded in each category. Registration must be completed by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce Office. 

• ATV Rodeo, open to ATVs, OHVs, and UTVs in events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and flags, takes place at the Mineral County Fairgrounds/Upper Rio Grande Events Complex on Monday, Sept. 4. Registration begins at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome to ride. Competition begins at noon.

• Also enjoy plays at Creede Repertory Theatre throughout the weekend: 7 p.m. Friday, Tally’s Folly, CRT’s Ruth Theatre; 1 p.m. Saturday, General Store, CRT Main Stage; 7 p.m. Saturday, Tally’s Folly, CRT’s Ruth Theatre; 10 p.m. Saturday, Boomtown!, CRT Ruth Theatre; 1 p.m. Sunday, General Store, CRT’s Main Stage