What's Happening - April 10-16

Thursday
April 10

SDCEA OPEN HOUSE April 10, 3-6 p.m. at Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, 29780 US Hwy 24 N. Drop by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association from 3-6:30 for an Open House. Touch a Truck for the kids, BV E-Bikes, Electric Vehicle Test Drives, a safety demonstration and more. Bring a non-perishable food item for our food drive and be eligible for a raffle. FREE!

‘AN EVENING OF MISSISSIPPI BLUES’ BENEFIT SHOW April 10, 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Chaffee County Community Foundation. Come dressed to the nines and enjoy tidbits and signature cocktails at A Church in Salida. Kent Burnside is a dynamic and soulful musical artist, carrying on the rich legacy of Mississippi blues. Born into the renowned Burnside family, with roots deeply embedded in the Hill Country Blues tradition, Kent is a torchbearer of the genre, blending tradition with his own contemporary flair. Reserve your seat at bit.ly/3E1BLhV

OPEN MIC AT THE SLAMMER 6-9 p.m. Weekly Open Mic hosted by Landon James at The Slammer, 412 E. Main St.

OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS AT THE STEAMPLANT 6:30-8:30 p.m. 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films – Live Action at Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave., features five short films from five different countries. Tickets are $10 at the box office or $12.51 at Eventbrite.com

THE WHISKEY SWEETS AT COYOTE MEZCALERIA 7 p.m. The Whiskey Sweets perform Americana/folk/country music at Coyote Mezcalería y Cervecería, 801 Front Loop, No. 1A.

VIEUX FARKA TOURE AT THE SURF HOTEL 7:30 p.m. Vieux Farka Touré, the “Hendrix of the Sahara,” blends traditional West African sound with his own influences in a concert in the Ivy Ballroom at the Surf Hotel, 1012 Front Loop. Tickets are $35 at Tickets.surfhotel.com/e/vieux-farka-toure.

KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE LARIAT 7 p.m. Karaoke Night at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Free admission. 

Friday
April 11

PEAK TO PEAK PICKLEBALL CLUB MEET-AND-GREET 6-9 p.m. Peak to Peak Pickleball Club meet and greet at Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 CR 120, welcomes anyone interested in learning to play pickleball.

CHAFFEE COUNTY PATRIOTS TOWN HALL 6:30 p.m. On Friday, April 11, 2025, the Chaffee County Patriots will host speakers from the Buena Vista Pregnancy Center and Mountains Move. Please join us at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Hall, 118 S. Gunnison Ave, Buena Vista, CO 81211. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. For additional information, contact the president of the Chaffee County Patriots at chaffeecopatriots@gmail.com. Website: chaffeecountypatriotsltd.org

HIGH COUNTRY FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS ‘THE ARISTOCATS’ 6:30 p.m. at Darren Patterson Christian Academy. $10.00 adults, $5.00 students, under 3 free. Purchase tickets at hcfaa.ludus.com

Saturday
April 12

FRIENDS OF FOURMILE CAMPSITE CLEANUP 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friends of Fourmile Campsite Cleanup in North Fourmile starts at CR 375 parking lot. Bring a hat, work gloves, sunscreen, snacks/lunch and water. RSVP at GARNA.org

STAGE & RAIL BIKE TOUR 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Alan Robinson leads a 12-mile Stage & Rail Trail Bike Tour from downtown Salida to Big Bend and back on the Salida segment of the newly opened Stage & Rail Trail. Robinson will provide history linked to the trail. Bring snacks and water. Free, but registration is required at GARNA.org

SAN LUIS VALLEY SEED EXCHANGE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 15th annual San Luis Valley Seed Exchange at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, 28640 CR 58EE, features educational speakers, local vendors including artisans, growers and producers, local foods, seed swap table, door prizes and a community sharing hour. Free admission.

COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT April 12, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drop in any time to join all-ages game days at the Community Center! These donation-only game nights feature monthly themes, games for groups of all sizes and an extensive library of games and knowledge. The events are hosted with Gary Johnson, who brings his collection of games to share. This month’s theme is Copps and Robbers, including games of deduction, solving mysteries and escape rooms. In the spirit of march Madness, there will also be games that focus on sports and special tournaments. Please feel free to bring your own snack and beverages to the event (Non-alcoholic beverages only, no alcohol allowed on site.)

HIGH COUNTRY FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS ‘THE ARISTOCATS’ 6:30 p.m. at Darren Patterson Christian Academy. $10.00 adults, $5.00 students, under 3 free. Purchase tickets at hcfaa.ludus.com

ATOMGA AT THE LARIAT 8:30 p.m. Atomga performs afrobeat music infused with elements of jazz, rock, hip-hop and funk at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Tickets are $18.85 at TheLariatBV.com/music-calendar.

Sunday
April 13

SALIDA POLE PEDAL PADDLE 10 a.m. Salida Pole Pedal Paddle is a multisport competition starting with backcountry skiing on Monarch Pass, then mountain biking to the Arkansas River and kayaking to downtown Salida. Men, women and juniors ages 12-18 can compete individually or on relay teams. Registration is $103.63 for individuals, $180.88 for teams of two with $25 additional for third person at Skireg.com/3PSalida. An after-party follows from 1-4 p.m. at High Side Bar & Grill, 300 W. Sackett Ave.

BRUNCH WITH REDBIRD AT HTE LARIAT 11:30 a.m. Brunch with Redbird at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St., features The Lariat’s brunch menu and ’70s hits, originals and classic rock with a strumming style. Free admission.

MONARCH GUNBARREL CHALLENGE 1 p.m. Gunbarrel Challenge is a closing day run to the top of Gunbarrel, then ski down. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. 

‘A LOOK BACK INTO HISTORY’ 1:30 p.m. Western Fremont Historical Society hosts “A Look Back into History” at 1:30 p.m. at the Cotopaxi-Mullins History Center at Plum Street and CR 12. Betsy Denney will present a history of local schools, followed by discussion and questions. Free admission.

COLETRAIN MUSIC ACADEMY OPEN JAM AT THE LARIAT 4 p.m. Coletrain Music Academy Open Jam at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St., is a chance for beginners to step out of their comfort zones, while advanced musicians can test new material and connect with fellow players. Led by a music academy instructor. Free and open to all ages. 

FULL MOON WATER YOGA 7-9 p.m. Full Moon Water Yoga at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Pavilion, 15870 CR 162, features water yoga at the spa and relaxation pool. Soak in the relaxation pool from 7-8 p.m., followed by yoga from 8-9 p.m. Admission is $25; no reservations required. Ages 16 and older.

Monday
April 14

MONARCH QUILTERS MEETING 9 a.m. at Poncha Springs Town Hall, 333 Burnett Avenue. Monarch Quilters will meet on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Poncha Springs Town Hall. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month and generally alternate between Salida/Poncha Springs and Buena Vista. Social time begins at 9 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9:15 a.m. Guests and new members are always welcome. For more information, contact Penny Smith-Kerker at psmithkerker@gmail.com.

ARK-VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY SPRING FEVER ADOPTION EVENT Noon-5 p.m. Ark-Valley Humane Society Spring Fever Adoption Promotion continues Monday-Saturday through April 20 at the shelter, 701 Gregg Drive. Adopters can “name their price” for the animals’ adoption fees. Apply online at Ark-valley.org/adoption-matchmaker-application before going to the shelter.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY WITH TOPS Mondays. Weigh-ins: 5:30-6 p.m., meetings: 6-7 p.m. Held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Contact: Janine at 719.395.6597.

BUENA VISTA BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING 6:30 p.m. at 113 N Court Street. Agendas and packets are available at bvschools.org

Tuesday
April 15

ARK VALLEY CHRISTIAN MISSION EASTER MARKET 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arkansas Valley Christian Mission, 122 Cottonwood Ave., hosts its annual Easter Market where families who might not have the means for a holiday meal can select all they need for an Easter feast.

THIRD WORLD AND KUMAR FYAH AT THE IVY BALLROOM 7 p.m. Third World with special guest Kumar Fyah performs “reggae-fusion” music in the Ivy Ballroom at the Surf Hotel, 1012 Front Loop. Tickets are $45 at Tickets.surfhotel.com/e/third-world.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT EDDYLINE 7 p.m. Trivia Night at the Eddyline Brewery Taproom, 102 Linderman Ave.

Wednesday
April 16

BV SCHOOLS MASTERS CLASSES April 2, 9, 16. The Buena Vista School District will be hosting a series of Masters Classes this spring. The one-hour sessions will feature District staff, members of the BV Board of Education and a professional consultant who will speak about "key aspects of building trustworthy local governance in schools.” RSVP for the sessions by emailing Brittany Tognacci at BrittanyT@bvschools.org. Visit bvschools.org for more details. 

LOOKING AHEAD

BV SCHOOLS MASTERS CLASSES April 2, 9, 16. The Buena Vista School District will be hosting a series of Masters Classes this spring. The one-hour sessions will feature District staff, members of the BV Board of Education and a professional consultant who will speak about "key aspects of building trustworthy local governance in schools.” RSVP for the sessions by emailing Brittany Tognacci at BrittanyT@bvschools.org. Visit bvschools.org for more details. 

THE ALLIANCE’S 40TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ FANTASY April 17, 5 p.m. The Alliance will host the 40th annual Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy starting at 5 p.m. April 17 at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Pavilion, 15870 CR 162 in Nathrop. Enjoy chocolate creations, appetizers, drinks and live music along with opportunities to support The Alliance’s work. Tickets for Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy are available at AllianceChaffee.org/chocolate2025.

ONE LOVE ENDURANCE’S MOST EGGCELLENT EVENT April 19, 10 a.m. The Most Eggcellent 10K, 5K, and Easter Egg Hunt occurs on Easter weekend on the Saturday immediately before Easter. The foot races travel throughout the west side of Buena Vista, offering beautiful views of Mount Princeton on both courses. The Easter Egg Hunt is for kids ages 0-5th grade, and it's a flurry of activity to see how many eggs can be collected! Egg hunt: 10 a.m. Race start: 10:30 a.m. Visit oneloveendurance.com for details and registration.

CHAFFEE COUNTY EDC PRESENTS: ‘2025 INSIGHTS SERIES: ECONOMIC UPDATE’ April 29, 3:30-6 p.m. Join us for the first Chaffee County Economic Development Corporations Insights Event of 2025. The topic will be a Chaffee County Economic Update, an event bringing together community leaders, elected officials and business leaders to gain Insights into our local, regional and national economy. This session provides a platform to understand the factors influencing our economy while exploring opportunities for economic and community vitality. The keynote speaker will be Richard Wobbekind, Associate Dean for Business & Government Relations, Senior Economist and Faculty Director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder. Register at bit.ly/4c7X9ib

BUENA VISTA LIBRARY

TECH HELP WITH DEB Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If you need more support, schedule an appointment with Deb at 719-626-1479 for free tech assistance. Learn new skills or get help with troubleshooting.

ONGOING EVENTS

COMMUNITY GAME NIGHTS Second Saturdays of the Month, noon to 9 p.m. at the BV Community Center, 715 E Main Street. Drop in and join all-ages game days at the Community Center! These donation-only game nights feature monthly themes, games for groups of all sizes and an extensive library of games and knowledge. The events are hosted with Gary Johnson, who brings his collection of games to share. Please feel free to bring your own snack and beverages to the event (Non-alcoholic beverages only, no alcohol allowed on site.) Learn more www.buenavistarec.com. All proceeds go to Gary’s time and wear and tear on his game collection. 

CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER Sundays on Zoom, 5-6:30 p.m. We welcome anyone and everyone, near and far, to discuss the issues of the day in light of our spirituality and faith journeys, in an open, welcoming and non-judgmental forum. Topics are fluid and chosen by the gathered group with the guidance of the Faith Education Team and Pastor at CUCC. Email cucc.conversations@icloud.com to learn more.

VFW WEEKLY HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT Sundays,6 p.m. at the Johnson Village VFW Post #1166. Blind draw doubles. $5 entry, 3 pits. Call 719-395-2929 for more information. 

CHAIR YOGA AT CUCC Mondays, 11 a.m. Helen Boyd hosts weekly Chair Yoga at the Congregational United Church of Christ at 217 Crossman Ave in BV. These are by donation only

BLUES JAM SESSIONS AT THE STARTDUST Mondays, 6-9 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m., and the jam starts at 7 p.m. 

BV/ARK VALLEY PFLAG GROUP Every 4th Monday, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ. For those 18 and older. Further information: bvpflag@gmail.com. 

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS First and third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m., open meeting at CUCC, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Problems with food? Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can help. Call or text 719-937-1271 for details.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MONDAYS, 6 - 8 p.m., Cornerstone Church, Buena Vista Campus, 205 S. San Juan. Questions: Lillie Jones, (719) 539-4182 www.loc8nearme.com/colorado/buena-vista/cornerstone-church-buena-vista-campus/6583425 

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY WITH TOPS Mondays. Weigh-ins: 5:30-6 p.m., meetings: 6-7 p.m. New chapter forming! Held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Contact: Janine at 719.395.6597.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Grief support group at Grace Church Parish House in Buena Vista. Six weeks beginning August 13. No charge. Peer volunteers. 

QUEER HAPPY HOUR Every 3rd Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Slammer in Buena Vista. Please come and enjoy the growing Queer and Ally community in BV. 

ARKANSAS VALLEY CHRISTIAN MISSION 122 Cottonwood Ave, Buena Vista. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: free lunch 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., food pantry and other resources 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 719-395-9321.

COMMUNITY COFFEE First Wednesday of the month, 8 - 9 a.m., Buena Vista Community Center, Aspen Room. Join local leadership for free coffee and updates on our town.

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS TODDLER GYM Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. for ages 1-5. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

YOGA AT CUCC Thursdays, 11 a.m. Helen Boyd teaches classic yoga at BV Congregational United Church of Christ at 217 Crossman Ave in BV. These are by donation only

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS OPEN GYM 3rd Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 6-18. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS MARTIAL ARTS FOR HEALTH Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.,ages 14+. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

AGE STRONG CHAFFEE’S WEEKLY FILM CLUB Wednesdays, 2-4:30 p.m. at the Stardust, 16450 County Road 306 in Buena Vista. Each week, Age Strong will screen a film, followed by a brief presentation or discussion providing helpful resources and information to help you age strong and live your best life. Dec. 18: Elf. 

AGE STRONG: CHAFFEE WALKS Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m., meeting at the Whipple Bridge in Buena Vista. This is a 45-minute walk that encourages movement, connection with the community and our beautiful Chaffee County. FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Molly Bischoff at mbischoff@chaffeecounty.org

CHAFFEE WALKS: BV Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Join us for walking and sharing with our fellow Chaffee County neighbors. Approximately 1.67-mile round trip walk. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Check Facebook for updates/weather cancelations. Meet in Buena Vista by the Whipple Bridge (near the ball fields along the Arkansas River).

AGE STRONG FILM CLUB Wednesdays, 2-4:30 p.m. Each week we will screen a movie followed by a brief presentation or discussion providing helpful resources and information to help you age strong and live your best life. Popcorn is provided, bring your own snacks and drinks. Donations welcomed. Held at the Stardust 16450 CR 306, Buena Vista.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: BUENA VISTA 4:30-6 p.m. at the BV Library. Build a support system with people who understand. Alzheimer’s Association® Support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to talk through issues and ways of coping. 

ELEVATED VOICES MEMORY CHOIR Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Elevated Voices Memory Choir empowers people living with memory loss/cognitive impairment to find fulfillment and joy in being part of a chorus. If you are someone who is experiencing dementia, you may find joining the Elevated Voices Memory Choir an enjoyable and meaningful activity. Held at the Grace Church Parish Hall, (behind the church) 203 W Main Street, Buena Vista.

AGE STRONG: YOGA FOR GROWN-UPS Wednesdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Slow down and connect your breath with your body, while completing slow mindful movements with zero expectations of results. Classes are FREE. Buena Vista Community Center, 715 E. Main St.

CUCC SHOWER MINISTRY Fridays, noon - 2 p.m., 217 Crossman Ave. Free showers. All are welcome. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels and washcloths are provided.

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM Tuesdays, noon, at the Buena Vista Community Center and on Zoom. For more information or to sign up, call 719-530-2572.

HIKING CLUB. Hikes are most Fridays and are at a different location each week. To join, become a GARNA member and indicate your interest in the club. Then reach out to info@garna.org to be put on the list for times and meeting points.

NAMI CHAFFEE COUNTY - An in-person Family Support Group meeting held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Salida United Methodist Church - 228 E. Fourth St. www.namichaffee.org for more information and registration or email info@namichaffee.org 

BRIDGE CLUB 1 - 4 p.m. every Thursday at the Community Center. Call Jim or DeDe Wiliams at 719-395-6530 or email dedeinbv@gmail.com by Tuesday night to reserve your spot in the weekly session. The registration fee is $2 per visit at the door.

BV HOPE MEETING every third Wednesday of the month, 3 p.m., in person at the public health building conference room at 112 Linderman Ave., Buena Vista; email buenavistahope@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

ELEVATED VOICES CHOIR Beginning Oct. 24, Every Thursday, 10:45-NMoon, Buena Vista Community Center. A special program for individuals living with early to mid-stage

Alzheimer’s or dementia, along with their care partners. Together we will explore the joys of music, build friendships, and share experiences in a supportive, intergenerational, and LGBTQ+ friendly environment.

CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER Sundays on Zoom, 5-6:30. We welcome anyone and everyone, near and far, to discuss the issues of the day in light of our spirituality and faith journeys, in an open, welcoming and non-judgmental forum. Topics are fluid and chosen by the gathered group with the guidance of the Faith Education Team and Pastor at CUCC. Email to cucc.conversations@icloud.com to learn more!

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SOCIAL HOUR First Thursday of every month, Main Street Tavern. 308 East Main Street