SAGUACHE COUNTY — For those making the events circuit, this weekend will keep residents and visitors to the Valley busy, with an art and religious festival, also a theatre grand opening set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s celebrations begin at the San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) church in La Garita with a 10 a.m. mass. In former times, San Juan Fiesta held on St. John’s feast day June 24, or close to that day, was a much-anticipated local event.
It was originally held on the La Garita church grounds. Horse races, cock pulls, baseball games, horseshoe contests and traditional Hispano meals celebrated the event. The day concluded with a dance in the evening.
Today, the fiesta is held in Center. This year it will be take place Sunday, beginning with masses held at 10 a.m. (in English) and 11 a.m. (in Spanish) at St. Francis Jerome Church. Festivities will kick off in the Casa Blanca Park on Worth Street at 1 p.m.

Saguache Arts Walk
The 10th Annual Saguache Arts Walk, hosted by the Saguache Chamber of Commerce and local artists, begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Saguache. The festival will include various galleries and antique stores in Saguache.
Those attending can take in the works of artists spread out over a two-block area, view studio demonstrations, as well as sample tasty food items and enjoy the live music.
Ute Theatre Grand re-opening
After a three-year slumber, the Historic Ute Theatre reawakens under new ownership on the weekend of June 21, 22 and 23.
The grand re-opening features the award-winning two-woman musical direct from Honolulu, Hawaii, Money Talks: But What the Hell is it Saying? Performances are on Friday and Saturday night, along with a Sunday matinee. Local Americana band, The River Arkansas, will be warming up audiences before the Friday and Saturday evening shows.
The Historic Ute Theatre re-emerges with a dynamic mission to Uplift, Transform, and Engage through live performances, independent/foreign films, and special events. New owner, Heidi Wong, and the multi-talented Historic Ute Theatre team are dedicated to preserving the funky historic vibe of the theatre while offering family-friendly, innovative, accessible, and inspiring programming to San Luis Valley residents and visitors alike.
For information on the theatre, contact Wong at 720-233-7544.