It's May! And this month we're celebrating that the river is flowing and that there's enough sunshine to want to play in the water!
I don’t know about you and your people, but me and my people love the water! There’s something so refreshing about being near it… lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, heck, even a puddle can be magical!
First up, this weekend is the grand opening of Salida’s own Splash Pad! The ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event will be this Saturday, May 6th from1-3 at Centennial Park, which is adjacent to the Hot Springs Aquatic Center. It sounds like there will be popsicles for all and certainly, it'll be a good time!
A short day trip from the valley, one of my favorite spring activities is a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park. It’s especially fun to visit when Medano Creek is flowing! If you haven’t been to this nearby National Park yet, prepare yourself to be amazed! Home to the tallest dunes in North America, this spectacular park has a wide, and relatively shallow, seasonal creek that flows each spring along the base of the dunes.
A popular destination this time of year, if you have the chance to go on a weekday instead of the weekend, I’d recommend it! Be sure to click below to see current conditions before planning your trip.
Closer to home, you’ll find the Bluegrass on the Arkansas Festival in Salida and the CKS Paddlefest in Buena Vista. If you love a good music scene, head down to Riverside Park in Salida on May 27 and 28th for live music. While the event is free to attend, it is the primary fundraiser for the Rotary Club in Salida and donations are welcome. Grab your camping chair and a few friends and head down for some bluegrass music on the riverside!
For the river enthusiast, CKS Paddlefest is a must! From live music to races to the infamous Kayak Rodeo, there is something for everyone. Hosted in BV May 26-29th, this iconic event draws quite the crowd! Thinking about upgrading your gear? Be sure to check out the gear swap at CKS on Main Street!
I’m excited to check a few of these off my list this month and also just to spend some time enjoying the trails along the river. We live in the best little valley, don’t we?!
Know of anyone looking to call BV or Salida home?! I'd love to help find them a home and get connected to this little valley of ours!