Salida Daily Digest Friday, July 03, 2026
Ty's Take
The Aspen Acres Fire cracking into Colorado's top ten largest should sober us all up about what's coming down the valley—and it's already here. You can smell it some mornings, see it in the sky, feel it in the way the rafting companies keep running anyway because that's what keeps this town breathing through summer. But there's a difference between the fire season we've learned to live with and the one that's reshaping our mountains, and we're staring at that line right now. The evacuations overnight remind you that the Collegiate Peaks and the backcountry aren't just scenery; they're our watershed, our weather-maker, our neighbor. July Fourth fireworks getting cancelled up the valley isn't the loss—it's the mercy of having something to cancel for instead of something to evacuate from. We'll find our way to celebrate anyway, the way this town always does, but let's not pretend the fire season we're in is the one we signed up for.
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Ark Valley Voice
The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to become one of Colorado's ten largest wildfires after expanding by more than 11,000 acres overnight and prompting additional evacuations. New management took control of the fire Thursday with a fresh incident commander as firefighters battle extreme fire behavior....
Mount Princeton Hot Springs to Celebrate Fourth of July With Fireworks-Free Pool Party
Mount Princeton Hot Springs is offering families a fireworks-free Fourth of July celebration with patriotic pool parties as many local municipalities scale back traditional fireworks displays. The resort's Club Infinity After Dark event will feature hot springs swimming and other festivities...
Colorado Primaries Begin to Reveal some Midterm Election Trend Lines
Colorado's primary elections, where unaffiliated voters can choose which party's ballot to complete, may provide early clues about November's midterm results—or may signal nothing at all. Experts are watching whether broader voter participation in the primaries translates to meaningful predictions...
Applications Available for District 1 Buena Vista School Board Director Seat
Buena Vista School District is accepting applications to fill a vacant board seat after Director Brett Mitchell's unexpected resignation during a June meeting. The school board will appoint a replacement to complete the term.
Musings: America at 250 – Time for a Strong Re-dedication to Democracy
As America marks 250 years of independence, the nation faces deep political divisions reminiscent of previous eras, drawing comparisons to the Gilded Age. The editorial argues the milestone should prompt a renewed commitment to democratic values and national unity.
Arkansas River Outfitters Continue to Welcome Visitors Despite Statewide Wildfires
Despite wildfires affecting parts of Colorado, the Arkansas River Outfitters Association reports that rafting and fishing trips continue normally with all members operating safely. The announcement contrasts with closures along the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs.
With BV Fireworks Cancelled, Fourth of July Focuses on Music and Merriment
Buena Vista's Fourth of July festival this weekend will emphasize music and community celebrations rather than fireworks, which have been cancelled. The town is marking America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th anniversary with adjusted holiday programming.
Strange Craft BV Plans Full Weekend to Celebrate 4th of July
Strange Craft Beer Company in Buena Vista is celebrating its first Fourth of July in town with a full weekend of live music and limited-edition beer releases. Owners Ken and April Pishna have planned festivities for the holiday weekend.
Chaffee-Lake County 2026 Amateur Radio Field Day: A National Resource For Today and Tomorrow
More than 35 amateur radio operators set up temporary transmitting stations near Trout Creek Pass over the weekend of June 27-28 as part of a nationwide Field Day exercise. The event showcased ham radio's role in emergency communications and community service across North America.
Poncha Springs to Celebrate Fourth of July With Parade, Family Activities
Poncha Springs will host its sixth annual Independence Day celebration Saturday, featuring a parade and family activities. The event marks America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th anniversary.
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The Mountain Mail
Common Ground Grant to help fund environmental work
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Preliminary primary election results have many close races
Chaffee County voters participated at a 43% rate in the June 30 primary election, with results mostly mirroring statewide patterns except for the governor's race, where local voters favored Michael Bennet while Phil Weiser won statewide. Several competitive races remain too close to call, including...
The Rabbit Hole provides cozy space for books and tea
The Rabbit Hole, an Alice in Wonderland-themed bookshop that opened in mid-May at 130 F Street, offers customers books, tea, and gifts in a cozy reading atmosphere. Owner Oswald Heath plans to add a reading room in a historic 1890 bank vault and eventually host book clubs and author signings.
Abigail Nelson receives 2026 Beasley Memorial Scholarship
Salida High School graduate Abigail Nelson has received the $2,000 Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship from the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association. Nelson will study biological engineering at Montana State University while working this summer as a recreation ranger for Colorado Parks and...
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More photos from around FIBArk
FIBArk brought carnival games and entertainment for families and dogs, while the second annual Women of Whitewater event also drew participants. Photos capture the fun and excitement from the festival's various activities.
Hooligans on the river: Broncos, boxers and tipsy caterpillars
The Hooligan Race, a beloved FIBArk tradition, delighted crowds on June 20 with creative and comical river entries despite low water levels. The popular event showcased costumes ranging from Broncos and boxers to tipsy caterpillars.
The 78th annual FIBArk parade drew large crowds to Salida's streets for cheering, singing, dancing, and candy-catching. The festival's signature parade maintained its tradition of community celebration and entertainment.
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