Whew! August is already gone, yet it was full of exciting events, wonderful guests and even a bear sighting or two!
Radney Foster at the Bitter Creek Guest Ranch
The first event was the Buckaroo Ball. People donned their outfits, hats and boots to dance the night away, while supporting some of our local organizations like the Community House, Red River Charter School etc.
The Chili Cook-Off was a big hit as usual. You could get some good ol’ chili” or try chili with interesting ingredients. I’m not sure, but I think, maybe some hats flew off from some of the people tasting the spicy and extra spicy samples. The music this year was great as well with new artists like Radney Foster and Deryl Dodd alongside some of the regular favorites like Dave Perez and the Tejas Brothers, Larry Joe Taylor, and Michael Hearne and South by Southwest.
If you were here during the Blue Grass Festival, you were blessed with some wonderful music performed by several bands, groups, and individuals. The town of Red River and Faith Mountain Fellowship Church also hosted the 26th annual Mile High Camp for brain-injured adults. In addition to meals and services the campers were also treated to a day of fishing and shopping, a talent show, and a night of music and dancing featuring Faith Mountain’s Worship Team and local artists. With all the events and 
music in town this August, it was a toe-tapping time to be sure.
We had a special visitor a couple of times this month. A bear, who I lovingly named Little Amos, came for a visit to our pond. He wasn’t here to bother anyone, but to take a nice dip in the pond on one of our warmer days, grab a little bite of trout to eat, and sun himself while other guests videoed and photographed him. He caused no problems and was a delight for everyone. Fun fact: a bear needs to put on at least 300 pounds in the last few months to carry them through the hibernation season as a healthy bear.
Labor Day weekend was a blur of people and ROV’s. The town was full of guests wanting that last summer weekend of fun and what better place than the cool mountains of Red River to escape the triple digit heat in our neighboring states.
It wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend without the Benefit Bar-B-Que lunch/auction on Sunday to help our own Wheeler Peak Fire Department. With several delicious meats that melted in your mouth, it was standing room only. The auction brought in some wonderful donations as well, for some much needed equipment and supplies; the weather was very cooperative as well.
Mountain lion at Eagle Nest Lake
Many of you saw and read on Facebook about our recent fishing trip at Eagle Nest lake. It was a really fun trip, we caught some fish and listened to Gary’s (our Guide) stories about the lake and surrounding area. The highlight of our trip was watching a mountain lion chase a deer into the lake. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We usually don’t have the opportunity to see the wildlife we have been fortunate to see this year, especially during the day. I guess we’ve managed to be in the right place at the right time and are happy we can share some of those moments with you.
As we said goodbye to our Labor Day guests, others are just arriving to enjoy our quieter time of year. However, Red River is not through with great activities! Wags and Wine is offered September 14th and is a great way to enjoy your furry friends and wine at the same time. This event is to help benefit our dog park on the east end of town. The Enchanted Circle Century bike tour will be happening September 8th. Bikes from all over join to ride the Enchanted Circle just in time to see the leaves beginning to change!
The Fall Season will wind down with our last two events Aspencade and Oktoberfest. September 19-22 will be Aspencade Weekend. It is scheduled around the time of beautiful fall foliage in and around Red River. Aspencade also hosts the Folk Festival and many arts and crafts in Brandenburg Park. It’s definitely worth checking out!
Oktoberfest is scheduled for October 11-13 and features great food and beer, arts and craft vendors, competitions like Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest, stein holding and more. I was driving around recently and I noticed a few trees starting to get their fall colors. Aspencade and Oktoberfest is going to hit just about right for the beautiful colors of our mountains to show off their beauty. The park will come alive with vendors and artists of all types, and a drive into the upper valley will have you saying “oohs” and “ahhhs” as the trees shimmer and sway in the wind, donning their reds, yellows, oranges and browns on a backdrop of pine trees. Make sure to see nature’s paintings with us. Have you made your reservations yet? September is the perfect time to come stay with us at the Rio Colorado in Red River! See you soon! 