Communities in the Pine River Valley – from Vallecito to Ignacio – have a host of happenings this month, including a junior rodeo, events around Women’s History Month and several food-centric options.
Individuals and organizations can list their events on The Durango Herald’s community calendar at durangoherald.com/calendar. Here are some of the highlights for the month of March:
It’s time for junior competitors to break out the ropes. The True West Junior Rodeo is coming to Sky Ute Fairgrounds from 2 to 5 p.m. March 14.
The event includes nearly every competition, including calf roping, a flag race, and bull and steer riding. A $5 entry fee puts competitors one step closer to rodeo glory.
Pine River Valley residents will explore food from around the world then take a deep dive into what makes flavor delicious in March.
The Pine River Library in Bayfield is launching its new World Foods Tour program by taking a tour of Ireland just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
The potluck-style program features different regional foods each month. The first meeting, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 16, will take place at the Billy Goat Saloon so attendees can enjoy Irish libations with their international cuisine.
Then residents can travel to Durango to break down what exactly makes flavor delicious.
Fat, salt and sugar might taste good, but it takes a “few subtle additions” to take flavor to the next level, according to the Colorado State University La Plata County Extension.
The Extension is hosting the Food from Scratch event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 24. The $10 admission fee pays for a meal and future enjoyment of delicious meals.
Women’s History Month, established in 1981 by Congress, commemorates the role of women in American history. The Ignacio Community Library is bringing an author to town to celebrate the month and the upcoming 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage.
Margaret Kirk, author of “They Persisted,” will share stories of little-known women who affected history at the library from 11 a.m. to noon March 28. She will talk with attendees about what inspired her during the writing process and sign copies of the book.
March 5, 6-7 p.m.: Health Eating Pattern with the Colorado State University Extension. The free event is at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango.
March 6, 7, 12 and 13, 7 p.m.: Bright Star, a performance presented by Bayfield High School at Bayfield Performing Arts Center. $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors.
March 12 and 26, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.: Great Decisions at the Pine River Library. The free public event features discussions about different international topics. March 12: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. March 26: U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle.
March 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Youth Mental Health First Aid training at the SunUte Community Center in Ignacio. The training is free for community members 18 and older.
March 16, 6-9 p.m.: Safe Sister self-defense course at ELHI Community Center in Ignacio. This is the first of three classes, and advance registration is required.
March 21, 4-7 p.m.: Spring Sip and Swap at the Billy Goat Saloon. Bring unused or gently used women’s clothes, shoes and jewelry to swap.
March 25-29: Four Corners Wildland Fire Academy at Los Pinos Fire Station 2 in Oxford. The program is taught by Southern Ute Tribe fire crew members and meets entry level wildland firefighter training requirements.
smullane@durangoherald.com
