We enjoyed rain that helped cool things off. I was impressed by how little trash there is lying around. Everyone must have done a pretty good job of cleaning up after themselves. I'm sure the town of Mancos lined up its crews and volunteers to get after it and put things in good shape for Monday.
There is one other major event for which to prepare in Mancos. The Mancos Valley Balloon and ArtsFest and Street Fair set for the end of September. The balloon festival is looking for volunteers to help. If you'd like to volunteer, call Dee Lynn Ford at 970-560-0259. There are many opportunities. Balloon pilots need crews to help them launch and chase balloons to their landing. If you would like to crew, there is a signup sheet at the post office, or you can call Dee Lynn. You might also consider volunteering to coordinate the crews for the pilots. A silent auction is part of the excitement, and if you'd like to donate, call Lynne Howarth from Medicine Horse Riding Center at 970-533-7403 or Terri Wheeler at 970-565-3831.
Mancos Valley Arts Council is preparing for the Balloon Festival and its annual ArtsFest and Street Fair set for Saturday, Sept. 27. It's a one-day event that has been expanded into a street fair with music, vendors, art demonstrations and hands on art projects for kids and grown up too.
This is a call to all artists, craftsmen and vendors of handcrafts, art, clothing and home goods. We're looking for street performers: jugglers, mimes, as well as dance and music performers. Come join in the fun on Grand Avenue for a beautiful fall day with balloons launching in the morning and merriment on the streets in Mancos.
Call the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce for details or to register at 970-533-7434. An e-mail works too:chamber@mancosvalley.com. Booths (10 feet by 10 feet) are only $45. Let's fill the streets with laughter and fun. Put us on your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 27. It's part of the 10th Annual Mancos Valley Balloon Festival.
If you want information about the Balloon and ArtsFest, call the Chamber at 970-533-7434. You can pick up a vendor application at the Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer in Mancos. Remember that we are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Marianne Griffin is the director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or contact her at 533-7434. You can also visit chamber@mancosvalley.com..