Pike Ice Derby

Calling all ice fishermen/women!  Take part in the First Annual Pike Ice Derby on Saturday, February 11th.  This event is sponsored by the Bait Box-N-More, 318 Cedar Avenue, Crawford.  Register now ($20/person).  The larger the pot, the larger the payout - 75% of pot to champion (most weight for two fish) and 15% for largest catch.  So spend your day enjoying the fresh mountain air, the camaraderie of fellow fisherpersons, and, finally, a delicious fish dinner.  For details call the Bait Box at 970-921-5219.

The Not-So-Newlywed Game

The “Not-So-Newlywed Game” will be presented by the Paonia Players, directed by Merrily Talbott, on January 28th, 8:00 p.m. at the Paradise Theater.  Nine not-so-newlywed local couples, including the town mayor and his wife, will compete in this “reality theatre” event, which will be co-hosted by Paonia’s “Makin’ Bacon” couple, Bob Doobanks and Vanna Auf-Whyte (a.k.a. Shawn Larson and Chelsea Bookout).  Music will be provided by Honey Don’t (Bill Powers and Shelley Gray).  A 60s/70s Dance Party will follow the show so come dressed in fashionable styles of the era and cheer for your favorite couple. 

Advance tickets are available for $12 at the Paradise Theater and KVNF radio station. Tickets purchased the day of the show will be $15. For more information, email paoniaplayers@gmail.com.

Paonia Hosts Major Music Groups

Yes, Paonia ranks with the big cities when it comes to hosting major musical groups.  As an example, let's talk about three groups that will play at the Paradise Theater within the next six weeks. 

On Saturday, January 21st the March 4th Marching Band will perform at 8:00 p.m.  They not only have great music, but put on a fantastic show.  It's not to be missed.  Last summer they performed for the free concert series in the Paonia Park.  This performance will help raise money so that the performances in the park can continue in 2012.   And, you are welcome to come to those outdoor concerts each Thursday evening in August.  I'll keep you posted on the schedule.

Willie Porter will follow up his tour of the big cities - Dallas, Houston, Austin, Chicago - by playing Paonia.  That concert will happen Thursday, February 9th.  Y'all come to Paonia for his toe-tapping rhythms and be sure to wear your dancing shoes.

Then change the musical genre again.  The Western Slope Chamber Music Series will offer an evening of trios for violin, cello, and piano February 18th.

Paonia may be a small town, but it has a huge musical tradition.  We invite you to enjoy the music with us.  For more information on these concerts go to: paradiseofpaonia.com.

Get in the Mood

Are you psyched for the holidays?  You can get into the spirit of the season in Paonia.  There's lots of spirit to share during December.  On the 2nd and 3rd you can do your Christmas shopping at the Holiday Art Fair sponsored by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts.  There you'll find gifts ranging from hand-blown glass to live wreaths, beeswax candles, pottery and clothing items.  Then, after dinner at one of Paonia's fine restaurants, you can cross the street to the Paradise Theater and enjoy the Paonia Players' musical revue "Home for the Holidays".
Can't make it to Paonia the first weekend of the month?  Try the next weekend.  On Dec. 10th , noon to 5:00 p.m. you can attend the first annual Gingerbread Festival at the Blue Sage.  And, you can take in the free movie, Cars II, sponsored by the Paradise Theater and the Chamber of Commerce at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m.  Spend the night at a B&B, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and let Handel put you in the Christmas mood Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11th.  The North Fork Community Chorus will present the Messiah at the the North Fork Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m.
For more information on these activities check the following websites.
paoniabedandbreakfast.com              bluesage.org                            paradiseofpaonia.com

Winter Vacation at the Bross

This year I'm taking a winter vacation.  The Bross Hotel is closed until April 1, 2012.  But I encourage you to call and make your reservations for 2012.  I'll be happy to get you scheduled.  Remember, Paonia is in a "banana belt" and April is a great time to visit.  (We don't have a "mud" season.)  April is when the orchards and spring flowers are in bloom.  So come enjoy a taste of spring.  Late May and early June is the time to see the peonies and iris in bloom.  Then, by late June, the first cherries are ripe and the farm markets and wineries open.  July, August, September and October offer fruits, vegetables and wine to delight any gourmet. 

Agriculture is but one gift of the North Fork Valley.  Come enjoy the recreational opportunities, too - biking, hiking, fishing, scenic drives, etc.  And, the music and art.  There's something here for all interests and tastes.  So call now to make your 2012 reservations  -- 970-527-6776.

If you are looking for winter accommodations, I encourage you to try one of Paonia's other B&Bs.  You'll find them listed at www.paoniabedandbreakfast.com.

I look forward to seeing you again when warm weather returns and making your reservations in the meantime.  Just call me at 970-527-6776.

Slower, but Definitely Not Dead

Wintertime has arrived.  The activity level in Paonia may have slowed, but it's definitely not dead.  There are lots of reasons to spend time in the North Fork Valley.  Let me tell you about a few things happening at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts.

     1.  Druha Trava Concert - The popular Czech bluegrass band returns for its fifth (?) concert in the past decade.  Nov. 5, 8 pm.          

     2.  Holiday Art Fair -  An opportunity to shop for unique artistic gifts.  Dec. 2 (3-8 pm) and Dec. 3 (9am-5pm)

     3.  Gingerbread Festival - Enter your decorated gingerbread house in the competition.  Need some tips on decorating?  Attend a workshop with award-winning Jennifer Dunn on Nov. 12th and 19th.  (Call the Blue Sage for particulars- 970-527-7243)  Then enter your creation in the Dec. 10th competition.

And, that's just a few things happening at the Blue Sage.  My next blog will highlight some other activities in the valley.

Gorgeous Gold

It's that golden time of year.  The aspens are in full color and they are magnificent.  So come to the western slope for a couple days and enjoy not only the gold, but the beautiful reds and russets of the scrub oak.  My favorite golden venue is the Kebler Pass road on the West Elk Scenic Loop.  But McClure Pass is gorgeous, too.  And, don't forget the Grand Mesa.  All these areas are easily accessed from Paonia and the Bross Hotel.  We are located in the center of beauty.  So come for a few days and enjoy nature's splendor before winter sets in.  Come for a five-day mini-vacation and the fifth day is free -- a 20% discount.  Stay with us for two consecutive nights Sunday through Thursday and get a 15% discount.  Call today for your reservation -- 970-527-6776.  And, remember that the valley is in color after the trees in the high country have dropped their golden leaves.