SOUTH FORK—Volunteers of all ages gathered at the South Fork Visitor Center on Saturday, Oct. 21 to help the Yuletide Committee begin the process of wrapping trees in thousands of colorful lights. The day began at 9 a.m. with 25 volunteers ready to get to work as the sun came up over the San Juan Mountain Range and began to warm the cool fall air. Committee member and Town Board Trustee Kris Steffens said the day was absolutely beautiful and the people who showed up to help were even better.
Over the course of a few weeks since the inception of the Yuletide Committee, several donations have been made by local organizations, businesses and private donors to help purchase the lights that were wrapped around trees surrounding the visitor center. The committee is working hard to create a tradition in South Fork, one that remain yearly and make for a winter wonderland of fun for seasonal guests and residents to enjoy.
“Thanks to Aaron, Christy, Lori and Roland Gillenwater, their employees Nancy Turner and Wendy Evans from Hoot Communications in Creede for bringing the bucket truck down to help us get into the highest tree tops around the visitor center. We could not have done anything without their generosity,” said Steffens. “We had a lot of fun while we worked. There was lots of laughter; everyone who came out to help had a great time.”
Other volunteers that showed up to help with the tree wrapping event include, Kari Navara from Outdoor Depot, Pam and Steve Peterson, L. Van Osdol, Bobbi Fugal with Keep It Clean Cleaning Services, Michele Cruse, Beverly Darrow, George, Amanda and TJ Hill, Ron and Jackie Jones, Sharon Spencer, Lori Golding and Tammy Worle with South Fork Community Banks of Colorado, Christian Grill from the Ute Bluff Lodge and last but not least, Dennis and Cathy Montowski. “Each and every person listed helped wrap the large pine and almost 20 trees outside of the center and we want to say thanks,” said Steffens.
“We are still looking for donations for more lights, and we really need outdoor heavy duty electrical cords if people want to loan us some or donate them, that would be wonderful. All of our donors will be recognized on the night of the event and receive a personalized thank you from the committee. There is a lot more work to do before we will be finished, but the end result will be magical,” said Steffens.
In addition to the lighted trees, the center will also become home to Santa and his elves on the night following Thanksgiving on Nov. 24. Hopes are high to have the ice skating rink open and snow on the ground for other outdoor winter activities. To donate or for questions, please contact Mark Teders at the visitor center or by calling 873-5512.
Another lighting event is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. for those wishing to participate. More information will be reported as it comes available.