MONTE VISTA — Rio Grande Headwaters Land and Trust hosted a Headwaters Hoedown and Cornhole Throwdown on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Colorado Farm Brewery. The outdoor event had live music, beer, plenty of games along with the Cornhole Throwdown, prizes, a silent auction, and local food.

Fourteen teams participated in the Cornhole tournament. Bluegrass band “Spurs of the Moment” played throughout the event.

“We have had a great turnout,” said Sally Wier, Rio Grande Headwaters Land and Trust Conservation manager. “We are just out here celebrating us doing private land conservation in the Valley.”

People could be seen from one end of the Farm Brewery to the other, laughing and dancing to Bluegrass music. 

The silent auction yielded some great prizes for the winners, including a two-night stay at the Blake Taos Ski Valley Resort, a Bison dinner for six with wine, at the Star Lazy R Ranch, a handmade throw quilt, four lift tickets to Wolf Creek Ski Resort, an aquamarine inflatable kayak, and a Creede mini-vacation, complete with a two-night stay in a cabin, along with two tickets to a Creede Repertory Theatre production.

Children participated in a scavenger hunt, looking all over the green areas for clues and finding hidden prizes.

Local rancher Ted Paulson was at the event enjoying the music and eating food.

“It is really nice to see so many people gathered together to conserve our land,” Paulson said. “This is a great place to have a good time with your family this weekend and to enjoy some tasty grub and good music. As a rancher, the water is very important for my crops, and for irrigation. I will always support the Rio Grande Trust and appreciate all they do, to keep our water safe and good for our Valley. The Cornhole tournament is also a hoot to watch, and I think all of us are really enjoying it.”  

The Cornhole tournament finished with team “Clannon” winning the cash prize. Clay and Shannon Hamilton took home $175 each. 

All proceeds from the event benefit the Rio Grande Headwaters Land and Trust in their conservation and education efforts.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust was founded in 1999. Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is dedicated to working with conservation organizations, public agencies, and private landowners, to preserve water resources, wildlife habitats, and the Valley’s surrounding land.

For more information, on the Rio Grande Headwaters Land and Trust contact Rosalee Reese at 719-657-0800.