Tourist traffic at the Visitor Center (VC) has definitely been picking up. We have seen international travelers from South Africa, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

We are also seeing folks from South Carolina, New York, Florida and Oklahoma as well as neighbors from California and Arizona. I am looking forward to a very busy summer for the Mancos Valley.

Community activity at the VC is also increasing. This week at the VC, 101 E. Bauer, Wednesday, May 22, the Mancos Valley Arts Council will hold its artist gathering in preparation for the Great Mancos Arts Roundup, artist open studio tour - Mancos style.

This year, the Mancos Valley Arts Council is taking over the "Open Studio Tour" event once sponsored by the Arts Perspective Magazine. All artists who exhibit or create in the Mancos Valley are invited to attend the "artist gathering" and join in on the planning fun where refreshments and enthusiasm will be in abundant supply. Artists can register to participate during the gathering. The early registration is $60. The Great Mancos Arts Roundup is scheduled for Saturday, June 22. It is important that artists register now to get on the artist tour map that will be given to people interested in visiting with local artists on the tour.

On Thursday, May 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., the VC will also be the location for the opening of the "Car Show." Local artists have come together to create work that features their love and appreciation for the automobile. Live music will be provided by Marilyn Kroeker and refreshments will be served. Let's get together and remember great road trips.

The VC also has something brand new, a free app that is available through the Apple App Store. Cody Edwards, a resident of the Mancos Valley, has donated time and energy to create the "Mancos Valley Travel Guide" that you can pick up on-line.

The app showcases the Mancos Valley with things to do and events to attend. There are beautiful photographs of the area too. You can grab the app by stopping by the VC and getting the "qr" code that is posted on the front door. Or, you can go to the Apple app store and pick it up. This is new to us too. Therefore, if you have any feedback please, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Remember the "Mancos Cash Mob" will be at the Columbine Bar, 123 Grand Avenue, Wednesday, May 29 at 5 p.m.