Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area would secure funding through 2036 under federal reauthorization legislation introduced Wednesday by Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper.
The senators on Wednesday introduced the Colorado National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act to reauthorize Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas (NHA), ensuring they continue to receive National Park Service (NPS) funding through 2036. The National Heritage Area designations for Cache La Poudre, Sangre de Cristo, and South Park are set to expire in 2024.
“Visitors come to Colorado’s National Heritage Areas to learn about the rich and diverse history of our state,” said Bennet. “Our legislation will preserve the history and culture of the Coloradans who came before us and ensure future generations can visit these areas and learn from the past.”
“Colorado’s National Heritage Areas are unparalleled,” said Hickenlooper, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources which will consider the bill. “Reauthorizing these National Heritage Areas will continue to protect and preserve their rich history, scenic landscapes, and cultural significance.”
Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas were first authorized in 2009 following years of grassroots organizing from stakeholders in their regions. NHAs leverage federal NPS funds for historic and cultural preservation projects with the support of counties, tourism, and historic preservation organizations. Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas have all completed notable projects since they were authorized in 2009. At the South Park NHA, NPS funds have helped to restore the endangered Paris Mill near Alma. Within the Sangre de Cristo NHA, funds have helped to share the story of the first desegregation case in the nation, Mestas v. Shone. At the Cache La Poudre NHA, they leveraged NPS funds to develop a water education curriculum at the Poudre River that can be accessed across the West.
Visit Alamosa launches
First Fridays monthly celebration
ALAMOSA – Beginning Friday, March 4, Visit Alamosa is launching a monthly celebration it calls First Fridays that will feature art and entertainment to help highlight the restaurants and shops along Main Street and attract residents and visitors downtown.
This week’s event will feature 12 downtown businesses: The Shop Tattoos & Comics, Big Valley Hobbytown, Narrow Gauge Book
Coop, Square Peg Brewerks, SLV Brewing Co, San Luis Valley Museum, St. Ives & Club 17, Altitude Appliance, Wild Roses, Your Boutique Kloset, Dress Code by Evans, and No Limit Arcade.
First Friday Headquarters is at 627 Main Street in the Market Space. Check in there with Visit Alamosa to get the details and enter to win door prizes starting at 5 pm on March 4.
The series takes place on the First Friday of each month from 5 pm – 8 pm, March through November. For more information go here.
Alamosa Dems party caucus is March 3
ALAMOSA – Alamosa Democrats will hold an all-precincts party caucus on Thursday, March 3, at the Manzanilla Barn on Highway 17. The caucus meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Local Democrats will hear from primary election candidates and discuss their party platform.
The Alamosa County Democratic Party Assembly will be held on Saturday, March 19. It will begin at 10 a.m.
Adult basketball rec leagues
in Monte Vista gear up
MONTE VISTA – Monte Vista Parks and Recreation is looking for sign-ups to its Adult Basketball Recreation League for men and women. The league is open to players 15 and older, and runs from March to May. Team fees are $350 and player fees are $35.
If you got game, sign up and play. Follow this link and hit the “Sports” tab.
Youth basketball camp in Monte Vista
A youth basketball camp for boys and girls in grades 7 through 12 will be held Aug. 2-4 at Monte Vista High School. Monte Vista Parks and Recreation is offering a 20 percent Early Bird discount through April 17. The shooting and ball handling camp is put on by Breakthrough Basketball. You can get more information on the camp here.