Southwest Republican Women will host Mark Aspiri, international economist and businessman at a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio.

Lunch is $16 for members and $20 for guests. Reservations are needed by Sept. 10. Men are welcome.

For more information or reservations, email [email protected] or call 749-8546.

Fall is festival time in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs will host several fall festivals, including:

Four Corners Folk Festival will take place from Friday to Sunday at Reservoir Hill Park. The event will feature free arts and crafts, pickin’ circles, and local vendors providing microbrews, food and crafts for purchase.

ColorFest Weekend, featuring a gathering of hot-air balloon pilots, will take place from Sept. 18 to 20. A mass hot-air balloon ascension will take place at 8 a.m. Sept. 19. near Hot Springs Boulevard. The ColorFest 5K Color Run will take place at 8:15 a.m. Sept. 19 departing from Town Park. This is an untimed, noncompetitive event. Proceeds will support the Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program, a local nonprofit serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. A mass hot-air balloon ascension will take place at 8 a.m. Sept. 20 near Piñon Lake.

The Passport to Pagosa Food & Wine Festival will take place 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 in Town Park and will feature live music, entertainment, regional wine and food.

Music & Microbrew Festival will take place from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Everyone 21 and older is invited to participate, and a food court and activities will be available for those who are underage. A wide selection of wines also will be available at a cash bar.

Mountain Chile Cha Cha will take place Sept. 26 in Town Park. The day will include a morning trail race for all ages and abilities, a green chile cook-off and tasting, margarita tasting and free concert in Town Park.

The day will kick off with a 5K, 10K or half marathon. This annual race is a Giving Every Child Knowledge of the Outdoors event, and all proceeds will fund scholarships that help teens get outside to connect with nature.

The green chiles start roasting by noon, and all are invited to stop by Town Park and taste a variety of award-winning recipes at the Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic.

For more information, visit www. VisitPagosaSprings.com.

Herald Staff