The Ski-Hi Stampede will return to Monte Vista from July 9–12, 2026, marking its 104th year as Colorado’s oldest professional rodeo.

Tickets for both the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and the popular Thursday night concert are now on sale online, offering locals and visitors a chance to secure seats ahead of traditional sales.

This iconic event celebrates more than a century of Western heritage, having endured both wartime and pandemic interruptions while remaining a symbol of Valley resilience.

The rodeo promises thrilling events like bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping, while this year’s concert will spotlight Chase Rice and Joe Nichols.

Beyond the arena, attendees can enjoy a lively parade, local food, family-friendly activities, and the beloved Wright’s Amusement Carnival.

This summer’s Stampede is set to unite the community and celebrate enduring traditions.

Small Business Spotlight

Worth the Drive Bakery

Construction at the Cobblestone Hotel site is reaching a new stage as the exterior façade begins to take shape.

Scaffolding now lines the building while crews install stone veneer and tackle the finishing details outside.

With the structure entirely enclosed, both exterior and interior work are moving forward, signaling the project’s shift into its final construction phase.

The simultaneous progress inside and out keeps hopes high for a summer opening, bringing new hospitality options closer to reality for the local community.

Wild & Scenic Film Night (Fundraiser)
Date: March 25, 2026 | Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Location: Society Hall, Alamosa, CO | Admission: $15–$20

This film night fundraiser features environmental films focused on conservation, water, and land stewardship. Guests can enjoy refreshments, raffle prizes, and a strong community atmosphere.

Adams State Scholarship Gala (Spring Reception)
Date: March 26, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Location: Richardson Hall, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO | Admission: $40

This semi-formal reception supports student scholarships and includes hors d’oeuvres, student speakers, and opportunities to connect with donors and community leaders.

Immigrant Resource Center Benefit Night
Date: March 27, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Location: Square Peg Brewerks, Alamosa, CO | Admission: $25 suggested donation

This community fundraiser features live music, guest speakers, and storytelling, supporting legal aid, advocacy, and education programs for local immigrant families.

Spring Fling Dinner & Auction
Date: March 29, 2026 | Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Location: Ski-Hi Complex, Monte Vista, CO | Admission: $35–$50

This lively evening includes a catered dinner, silent auction, and entertainment, with proceeds supporting youth programs and community services in the San Luis Valley.

La Jara, Colorado

La Jara, Colorado sits in the southern portion of the San Luis Valley, within Conejos County. Located along U.S. Highway 285, the town lies just south of Alamosa and north of Antonito, making it a familiar stop for travelers heading through the Valley toward the New Mexico border.

La Jara was established in the late 19th century as settlement expanded across the fertile lands of the San Luis Valley. The name “La Jara” comes from Spanish, referring to a type of wild shrub that once grew commonly in the area. The town officially incorporated in 1911, becoming one of the agricultural service communities supporting farms and ranches throughout Conejos County.

Agriculture has long been central to life in and around La Jara. Farmers in the surrounding Valley produce crops such as potatoes, barley, alfalfa, and vegetables, made possible by irrigation systems that bring water from mountain snowmelt into the Valley’s fields. Like many San Luis Valley towns, La Jara developed as a hub where farmers could access supplies, services, and transportation routes for their crops.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, whose twin towers are visible across the surrounding farmland. The church reflects the strong Hispanic cultural heritage of the region and continues to serve as an important spiritual center for the local community.

Today, La Jara remains a small but active town with a population of just over 800 residents. Schools, local businesses, and community organizations help maintain the close-knit character that defines many towns in the San Luis Valley. While modest in size, La Jara remains an important part of the Valley’s agricultural landscape and cultural history.

Q: What is the population of La Jara, Colorado?

A: Approximately 800 residents.

Q: What is the main industry in La Jara, Colorado?

A: Farming and agriculture.

Q: What is the closest major city to La Jara, Colorado?

A: Alamosa, Colorado.

Residents in the San Luis Valley are receiving mysterious unsolicited seed packages in the mail, alarming local and federal agricultural officials.

Often disguised as jewelry or trinkets, these seed shipments may contain invasive species that threaten Colorado’s native plants and farming economy.

Similar incidents have surfaced nationwide, prompting the Colorado Department of Agriculture and USDA to urge caution.

Wondirad Gebru, who directs the CDA Plant Industry Division, warned that new pests or plant diseases could disrupt commercial crops and biodiversity.

Residents are advised to leave received seeds sealed, avoid planting them, and report any packages to authorities for safe handling and investigation.

Safety measures include using gloves and staying alert to strange odors or chemicals.

Officials stress never to throw unwanted seeds in the trash or compost to prevent ecological harm.

Visit the La Jara Reservoir for some fishing and boating fun!

Small Business Spotlight

Purple Pig Pizzeria & Pub

Located right on Main Street, the Purple Pig has built a strong following for its hand-crafted pizzas and calzones, all cooked in a wood-fired oven that gives the crust that perfect balance of crisp and chew.

I’ve had the chance to stop in a couple of times, and on my most recent visit I went with one of their calzones—perfectly baked with that signature wood-fired char on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you full and already thinking about the next time you’ll be back.

Some say it’s the best wood-fired pizza in the Valley—and after a couple visits, it’s easy to see why.

From classic favorites to more creative combinations, their menu offers plenty of variety, making it a great spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down with friends.

Location: 624 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101
Phone: (719) 937-2880

If you haven’t tried Purple Pig Pizzeria & Pub yet, it’s definitely worth a stop the next time you’re in town.

The San Luis Valley is home to Colorado’s largest Amish settlement, centered around Monte Vista and its rural surroundings.  

The Amish first arrived in the early 2000s and have become a vital, if quieter, part of the region’s identity.  

Many families still travel by horse-drawn buggies, and their commitment to tradition adds a distinctive rhythm to local life.  

Agriculture remains central—hay, livestock, and family gardens shape daily routines—but Amish-run businesses now also define the community’s presence.  

Bulk food shops, bakeries, and furniture stores dot the backroads near Monte Vista, earning praise for their craftsmanship and honest dealings.

For residents and visitors, these stores offer more than just goods—they embody a spirit of hard work and self-reliance deeply woven into the valley’s fabric.  

The Amish community’s quiet focus on faith and family provides a gentle reminder of tradition, enriching Monte Vista with a slower, more intentional way of life.

As the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer across the San Luis Valley, it’s about time to start cooking outside again. Over the next several weeks in our Around the Table section, we’ll be featuring recipes made for backyard grills, cast-iron skillets, and flat-top griddles —

San Luis Valley Green Chile Burgers A Thick Griddle Burger for Spring in the Valley

This recipe works well with ground beef, elk, bison, yak, or venison, making it a great way to use whatever meat you may have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground meat (beef, elk, bison, yak, or venison)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese or cheese of your choice
• 1 cup roasted green chile, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter or oil for the griddle
  
  
• Optional toppings

• sliced onion
• lettuce
• tomato
• mayonnaise or mustard
  
  

Form the Patties

Divide the meat into three or four thick patties (about ¼ to ⅓ pound each). Shape the burgers gently without packing the meat too tightly. Press a small thumb indentation in the center of each patty to help the burger cook evenly.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Preheat the Griddle

Heat your griddle to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F) and lightly oil the cooking surface.

Cook the Burgers

Place the patties on the hot griddle and cook for 4–5 minutes per side. Avoid pressing down on the burgers so they stay juicy.

When the burgers are nearly done:

1. Spoon roasted green chile on top.
2. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese or cheese of your choice.
3. Cover briefly with a melting dome or lid until the cheese melts.
   
   

Toast the Buns

Butter the buns and place them on the griddle cut side down for about 30–45 seconds until lightly toasted.

Assemble

Place the burger on the toasted bun and add your favorite toppings. Around the Valley, many people keep it simple and let the green chile and melted cheese take center stage.

Serve with:

• griddled potatoes
• grilled corn
• or a simple side of chips
  
  

Around the Table Tip

If you're using lean game meat like elk, venison, or bison, mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil or a little beef fat before forming the patties to keep the burgers juicy on the griddle.

COMMUNITY TIP LINE

Your eyes help cover the Valley.

Spot something new being built, opening, or happening?

Send a photo + location and you might be featured here.

 Message us anytime.