Salida Daily Digest Sunday, July 05, 2026
Ty's Take
Fire season's come early and hard this year, with the Aspen Acres blaze already climbing into Colorado's worst on record while the Willow Fire's got people packing go-bags in their driveways—and that's the reality that's going to shape the next couple months up here, whether we're toasting brewfest or running a fund drive. The valley's got a lot of good instincts when things get tight: we pull together, we show up, we help the neighbors. But heat like this doesn't care about our plans, and neither do the winds that feed these things. Keep an eye on the ridge. Keep your stuff ready. And be decent to the firefighters and evacuees you see around town—they're living the hard part of living here right now.
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Ark Valley Voice
Ark Valley Voice 2026 “Christmas in July” Fund Drive is Underway
Ark Valley Voice has launched its 2026 'Christmas in July' fundraising campaign, seeking $30,000 in donations to sustain the independent news outlet through the coming months. The publication describes this as the most critical fundraising effort in its eight-year history.
Strange Craft BV to Host Road to Rendezvous to Lead into Salida Brewfest
Strange Craft Beer Company in Buena Vista is hosting the Road to Rendezvous on July 10, featuring a tap takeover by Colorado breweries ahead of the 2026 Brewer's Rendezvous in Salida the next day. The all-day event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Aspen Acres Fire Grows in Acreage, Has Surpassed 8th Largest in Colorado History
The Aspen Acres Fire has expanded to 85,585 acres with zero containment, becoming Colorado's eighth-largest wildfire on record. Nearly 665 personnel are battling the human-caused blaze, which is approaching the seventh-largest fire in state history.
Willow Fire Evacuation and Pre-Evacuation Areas Expand
Lake County authorities expanded evacuation zones for the Willow Fire on Saturday, placing Zone 9 on pre-evacuation notice as a precaution. The expanded zone includes areas south of Baby Doe Drive and the southern half of McWethy.
A Midsummer Night’s Queen Community Drag Show Fundraiser Comes to Turner Farm on July 12
The BV Pride Coalition is hosting 'A Midsummer Night's Queen,' a community drag show fundraiser on July 12 at Turner Farm in Buena Vista. Tickets are now available for the two-hour event beginning at 6 p.m.
On America’s 250 Birthday; Half of Americans Don’t Know What We’re Actually Celebrating
As Americans mark the nation's 250th birthday, a new poll reveals that more than half of those surveyed cannot clearly explain what Independence Day actually commemorates. The findings suggest many citizens view July 4 primarily as a time for fireworks and barbecues rather than understanding its...
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