The biggest event of the weekend is the Cortez Veterans Day Parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Montezuma Avenue. Organizer Rick Torres said more than 20 organizations have signed up to participate, including newcomers like Cub Scout Pack 225 and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s mounted patrol, along with regular participants like the Montezuma-Cortez High School band, Blue Star Mothers, the Ute Mountain Color Guard and several veterans groups.
Torres said he expects a good turnout.
“There are a lot of patriotic people in our community,” he said.
The procession will begin at the intersection of North Chestnut Street and West Montezuma Avenue and go east to the Harrison Street intersection.
Anyone who wishes to join the parade can sign up by calling Torres at 970-564-2779 or posting a message on the Montezuma County Veteran Services Facebook page.
But the parade won’t be the only celebration this weekend.
Montezuma CountySeveral local businesses are offering discounts to veterans over the weekend.
Cortez Dental, at 43 W. Montezuma Ave., will offer one hour of free service to veterans on Friday. For more information, call 970-565-9569. D&L Automotive Services, at 26050 County Road L, Cortez, will give oil changes without labor costs and a free safety inspection to veterans on Friday. The Ute Mountain Casino restaurant, at 3 Weeminuche Drive in Towaoc, will offer a free roast beef sandwich to those with military identification from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Entrance to Mesa Verde National Park will be free on Saturday and Sunday.CortezSouthwest Memorial Hospital, 1311 N. Mildred Road, will offer free breakfast and lunch to veterans and their families in the cafeteria on Friday and Saturday. Visitors are asked to enter the hospital through the west side of the campus because of construction.The Cortez American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St., will offer free breakfast to veterans on Saturday starting about 7 a.m. For more information, call 970-565-8151.Lunch will be served at the Cortez Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The meal will be free for all active and retired service members and their significant others. Other family members and friends can join for a fee.DoloresDolores Schools will have their annual Veterans Day program on Friday, Nov. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. in the auxiliary gym. The program is open to the public and will feature readings and speeches by students, music performed by school bands and choir, and open mic time for veterans willing to speak. The entire student body will be in attendance. A private reception and brunch for veterans will be held at 8 a.m. in the music room, Building C.