Category Archives: Uncategorized

2024, BOCC, Uncategorized

BOCC: A Political Vignette Who Will Run the Republican Central Committee?

BOCC: A Political Vignette
Who Will Run the Republican Central
Committee? Will the Voters Get
More Manageable Precincts?

ommentary
There is a problem in the Custer County Republican Central Com-mittee (CCRCC): It is the balance between the number of elected officials on the committee and the number of citizens on the committee. Before the last two election cycles, the elected official members and a few of their cronies had the majority. Now, the citizens on the CCRCC, along with some brand new elected officials have a slim majority. But with having only three county precincts, the balance between the Old Guard elected officials and the citizens could switch at any time. There is a movement to permanently fix this problem and have the Republican party members of the county run the CCRCC and the latest episode of this struggle
occurred last week.
The other problem in the county is that the precincts are huge for such a small county and are impossible to manage properly by the political parties. Smaller precincts would allow for a much more engaged citizenry and a more robust and knowledgeable voter base.
So how did we get here?
Six of the ten party members on the Republican Committee are the Precinct Committee Persons (“PCP’s”). Each county precinct has two PCP’s. Custer County
has only three precincts so that is only six on the CCRCC.
In the vast majority of counties in Colorado, the civilians easily control the central committees as they have a multitude of precincts. Precinct sizes can vary, from just two people (in one very weird case in Colorado) to 2,000. Custer County’s precincts are huge, the number of 1,400 per precinct is often
stated. Counties similar to Custer County have MUCH smaller precinct sizes.
Smaller precincts are much easier to manage for the political parties than large ones. The smaller make it easier for the parties to interact and engage with the voters, which in turn encourages voter participation. This is a good thing.
There has been a movement over the last few years by some members of the CCRCC and other concerned citizens to have the county create more precincts to help the voter management and engagement process, but also to ensure that the CCRCC is run BY THE PEOPLE rather than by a clique of elected politicians.
This has been met with heavy resistance from the established elected Republicans on the committee as they don’t want to lose power.(However, two new elected county officials, who believe the citizens should run the committee have been recently elected which has switched the balance ever so slightly to the people.)
The latest effort by the people to have the county create new, more manageable precincts occurred last week at the January 10, 2024 Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting where citizen Jack Canterbury (who is also the CCRCC Chair but he was representing himself on this subject) made a proposal to the BOCC on having the county move from three precincts to nine.
Jack’s presentation quoted multiple Colorado statutes concerning the creation and maintenance of precincts. On the surface, it looks like the BOCC has the authority to create new precincts, however, there are some statements in the statutes that might throw some doubt on the BOCC’s authority, but they are in the minority. (However, see Joy Anderson’s scholarly research into the issue at the end of this article.)
So why does the statutory conflict matter? If the BOCC has the power, it appears that BOCC members Bill Canda and Lucas Epp would favor the expansion while member Kevin Day is against it. (Despite Day’s claim at the meeting that he was “open” to it, his actions state otherwise. On the County Clerk side, Clerk Kelly Camper it is not clear if she is in favor of it but she did say was also open to it.)
At the meeting, after Canterbury’s presentation, Day read from a memo he got from the County Attorney, Dan Slater, (who is a big time state Democrat political big wig) stating that although the statutes are a bit murky, in his opinion, the County Clerk is the boss on this and it is solely up to her to make the call. His main argument was that the wording that says the Clerk is the boss is “specific” and, Slater alleges, that the wording saying the BOCC is in charge is
more “general.” (Based on Canterbury’s statute quotes, it is for sure not certain that the Clerk in charge.
Canterbury’s statute word-
ing is specific, too.) Day had asked for Slater’s opinion before the meeting. Slater was even called into the meeting to defend his conclusion.
Now, precinct structure today is solely a political item. With there being NO actual election voting activity taking place at the precincts (it is all done now via mail and at the courthouse.) There is a little
extra work required by the County Clerk in setting up precincts and syncing with voter records. There is NO argument that extra precincts would result in any substantial work increase for the county (once the precincts are set up).
So why would anybody object to having much smaller, normal sized precincts that would allow the political parties to
work more efficiently? The extra work is AT THE
PARTY LEVEL and NOT at the county level.
The ONLY reason why some of our elected officials want to have only three precincts is that it is the ONLY way that they have a chance at controlling the CCRCC and prevent The People from running our local political party. Small precincts are STRONGER precincts. Why would an elected Republican official not want a stronger party? Folks, as usual, it is all
about power and control. The Old Republican Guard
here in Custer (and the state) is scared of the new, MAGA style, power of the people, voters that are demanding that the PEOPLE run our local political party and not career political operatives. (Note, Fremont County, has TWENTY precincts. Canterbury did a big review of other counties similar or a larger than Custer and they all had many more precincts than us.)
The process to add new precincts takes many months. Mrs. Camper noted in the meeting that we are having four elections in 2024 in Happy Valley and it would be a big problem for her to do the work this year to have new precincts. Fair enough.
The meeting ended with the understanding that Canterbury would form a “bipartisan” committee to study this further and make another presentation at a later date. This committee idea originated with Day. It is a joke and possibly an attempt to side-track the whole deal as the local dems will be totally be against it. (Why make our adversaries stronger?) And the unaffiliated shouldn’t even be involved in it.
Perhaps the best course forward is for Canterbury to have the CCRCC officially endorse the nine precinct concept and then present it to the BOCC and the County Clerk. At that presentation, ask them to vote yes or no on it. (The three BOCC members and the County Clerk.) No need to actually create the precincts this year, but get the commitment to do it next year. We need to know where they stand. Are they for the citizens or are they for themselves?
Bottom line: It doesn’t matter who is in charge of adding precincts, it is the RIGHT THING to do
for the voters of Custer County. The more the
citizens are involved in the political process, the better off the county is. BOCC and County Clerk: Do what is right, fix our precincts and help our voters. For once put the county ahead of petty politics.
(Local Citizen, Joy Anderson, has written a memo on who has the power in Colorado to control the creation of new precincts. The memo looks rock solid: it is the BOCC. See page 22 to read it.  Download the pdf here:   https://sangredecristosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/011924-pg-22.pdf )

2024, Uncategorized

Medina-Kochis Extradition to Colorado, Bail Set at $100K

Alleged Triple Murder Accomplice,
Medina-Kochis Extradited to Colorado,
Bail Set at $100k Cash Only

by George Gramlich
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 the Custer County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release that the alleged accomplice to last year’s triple murder off Oak Creek Grade was finally extradited back to Colorado and was currently residing in the El Paso County Jail. She is charged with five Level 5 felony counts, each of which carries a possible penalty of one to three years in state prison:

Nancy Rae Medina Kochis Extradited to Colorado

Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis
Photo: Custer County Sheriff’s Office

 

—Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Lloyd “Rich” Smith, Sheriff, Custer County Sheriff’s Office
Custer County, Westcliffe, CO

On Monday, January 15, 2024, an extradition team returned Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis from the Bernalillo County Jail in Albuquerque, NM, to the El Paso County Jail in Colorado Springs.
A warrant was issued for the arrest of Medina-Kochis based on her alleged involvement in the November 20, 2023, triple homicide of Rob Geers, Beth Geers, and James Daulton and the shooting of Patty Daulton at a rural location in Custer County, Colorado.
Nancy Medina-Kochis and Hanme Clark both unsuccessfully fought extradition back to Colorado to stand trial.
The Custer County Sheriff’s
Office, the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and surviving family members requested a no-bond hold on Nancy Rae Medina-
Kochis pending a trial. The bond will be set by the District Court Judge on January 17, 2024.
Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith expressed his thanks to the
US Marshall of Colorado Kirk Taylor, the Bernalillo County Sheriff, the New Mexico State Police and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for their assistance
in capturing the two fleeing suspects just 25 hours after the homicides.
Sheriff Smith said, “It is my hope that this extradition brings some sense of closure to the victims, their families, friends, and the entire Custer County community as we prepare for the upcoming trials”.

###

The bail hearing for the defendant occurred on Wednesday, January 17. At 12:30 p.m. District Judge Amanda Hunter presided. Defense counsel stated that the defendant did “not have a lengthy criminal history” and had “ties to the community.” He also noted that Medina-Kochis as an epileptic and required medication. He asked for Judge Hunter to follow the 11th Judicial District’s Bond Schedule in pronouncing bond.
The 11th Judicial District’s Assistant District Attorney ADA)
countered saying that the under-lying crime was the “most horrific event in Custer County in the last 100 years.” He added that the defendant aided the alleged murderer in “absconding from Colorado” and that she was “a flight risk.” The ADA added that the defendant was caught in New Mexico and had fought extradition back to Colorado. He then requested various bond conditions like staying away from the scene of the crime. The ADA requested $50k cash only bail.
After the two presentations, Judge Hunter noted that the defendant was a “flight risk” and was also a “community risk”. Also, she was captured in New Mexico fleeing our jurisdiction. Judge Hunter set the bail at $100k cash only.
The Judge set the defendants next court appearance for a pre-trial conference on February 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. It would be an
in-person appearance.

2024, Uncategorized

2024 WMVSC Stampede Royalty

Press Release
Nicole Koch
Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club
Wet Mountain Valley Stampede

(L to R) Princess – Sarah McPherson, Miss Stampede – Donna Fern, Queen’s Attendant – Trinity Bowen, Queen – Paige Lorenzen
Courtesy Photo: Sagebrush Souls Photography

Rodeo Royalty is a wonderful opportunity for young girls to gain experience and grow in many aspects of life, including public speaking and appearance, organizing events, fundraising, serving our community, representing an organization, making connections with others, and so many more valuable tools they can use in their lives.

Congratulations to the 2024 Royalty! (L to R) Princess – Sarah McPherson, Miss Stampede – Donna Fern, Queen’s Attendant – Trinity Bowen, Queen – Paige Lorenzen
Courtesy Photo: Sagebrush Souls Photography

Our vision for this program is to provide opportunities that prepare these young ladies for life with wise guidance, to truly become involved in and serve our community, and to encourage as many young women as possible to help preserve the sport of rodeo through clinics, events and scholarships.
Thank you for your support in this program and if you would like to become involved, please contact Nicole Koch at 719-371-8897.

2024, Uncategorized

Jan 10th BOCC: Tax Mil Levy, County CC’s, Day Continues as Chair

BOCC: A Small Property Tax Mill Levy
Reduction, Bank Shuts Down the County’s Credit Cards, Day Continues as Chair

by George Gramlich,
News and Commentary
The January 10, 2024 Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting started at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Office. All three Commissioners were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Lucas Epp.
In Unfinished Business, Epp gave the status on hiring a consultant to help with the 2022 audit issues and keep the Finance Department running until the BOCC hires a new Finance Director. Epp said the consultants he contacted were in the $200k range (yearly salary) and that was too much. He is continuing to look. Canda mentioned that local, Len Arrigo, a CPA was available.
In a disturbing development, Epp said that Kirkpatrick Bank “has shut down” the county’s credit cards due to late payments. Epp said that the county has been paying late payment and interest fees every month for 2023. (Later on, Epp mentioned that those penalties cost the county around $6,000 last year!) Epp said,
“It was our fault” as the county was not paying the bill on time as the county’s departments were not paying their portion of the bill or paying it late. Plus, the Accounts Payable cycle happens at the end of the month and that was causing delays. (It looks like the Finance Department, under ex Finance Director Braden Wilson,
completely dropped the ball on this. Your local bank freezing the county’s credit cards is like, really bad. Total Clown Show.) Epp said he is going to fix this.
First item in New Business was Adopting the 2024 County Budget. Vernon Roth, the county’s IT Director, had taken over the task of assembling the budget since we have no Finance Director. (Vernon has done an outstanding job on this. He has worked day and night, six or seven days a week to get this done. And it ain’t his job. Thanks, Vernon.)
The big gorilla in the room was what are the Commissioners going to do to the General Fund mill levy rate to reduce the big property tax increases. With the huge 2023 statewide property evaluations sky high, land owners are facing huge property tax increases across the state. The two biggest taxing districts in the county are the school and the county. (The school had already lowered their mill rate to save us money.) The big question is will the BOCC lower the General Fund mill levy?
It appears that during the recent BOCC Budget Workshops, the Commissioners had proposed lowering the rate from 10.425 mills to 9.75 mills. Vernon stated that this caused a bit of discussion from the Commissioners because it seemed to not be a lot. Canda stated that there were various county departments that could not be touched (like Road & Bridge and Human Resources) so the only arena where the Commissioners could really reduce anything was the General Fund. Canda said the mill reduction would only reduce the tax for each parcel in the county by $8 (Eight Dollars). He said there are about 9,000 parcels in the county and most of them were taxable. The discussion went on for a while with Day stating that he wasn’t sure this small reduction was worth the hassle, but he was not opposed to it. (the reduction is temporary, for one year.) All three Commissioners voted to approve the budget.
There was an issue with the timing of deciding the county’s budget before the BOCC actually voted on the Resolution for Setting the County Mill Levies as that Agenda Item was AFTER the Budget Agenda Item. Somehow, the Board thought that doing mill levy change after the Budget was okay.
Finally the Resolution to Set the County Mill Levies came up. The Commissioners basically repeated a lot of what they had previously said during the Budget discussion. The General Fund one-year General Fund rate reduction to 9.75 mills (from 10.425) was approved unanimously.
Later, the County Government Appointments Item came up. The only item of interest was who was going to be the BOCC Chair for 2024. Newcomer Epp made a surprise move saying to Day that if Day didn’t want to do it, he would like to be Chair. This got Day dancing around with Epp with Day stating he would like to continue as Chair but if Epp really wanted it, Day would step aside. Then Epp said if Day really wanted it, he would back off. Day then noted that Epp was real busy with the Finance Department meltdown and being Chair is a fair amount of work.
Canda finally said he was fine with Day continuing as Chair. All three finally voted for Day to continue as Chair.

2024, BOCC, Uncategorized

BOCC Special Meeting – Human Resources Hiring

BOCC Special Meeting:
Human Resources Hiring

by George Gramlich, News
The Custer County Board of County Commissioners held a Special Meeting, January 8, 2024 to select the new Human Resources (HR) Director. All three Commissioners were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Lucas Epp.
Day opened with the statement that they had selected three finalists for the position.
Epp then took the stage. He said the new HR Department has to be built “from the ground up.” There are kinds of issues to be addressed such as procedures, reporting, etc., “so the new guy has a big task load.” Epp then stated, “the applications we have received don’t represent what I think is needed to build a new department from the ground up.” Epp continued, “We need to caste our net further” noting that maybe we should have a salary range rather than a fixed advertised salary.
Canda disagreed. He said, “I think we have a candidate that does meet the criteria,” but noted he would not be against doing some more advertising.
Then it was Day’s turn, “There is one of the three that I can support, but, they would need additional help to succeed.” Day said he “shared your concerns, it is a big load. I would support putting it out for bid…. I don’t want to set somebody up for failure.”
This discussion went on for a bit. Finally, the Commissioners decided to put the job out for bid for an additional two weeks and try to find more outlets to advertise it.
The next and last Agenda Item was where to put the HR office. After a lot of talk, it was decided to put the office in the BOCC’s building. Some renovations would be necessary.

For more information on open  county positions see https://www.custercounty-co.gov/employment

Job Description Summary

The Director of Finance and Accounting for Custer County

The Director of Finance and Accounting for Custer County, Colorado, is responsible for overseeing the county’s financial systems and operations, including managing accounting records, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with auditing and accounting standards. This role involves supervising the finance department, monitoring departmental budgets, and acting as a financial advisor to the County Commissioners and other officials. The director also plays a key role in developing and administering the county’s budget and capital improvement plans, while ensuring efficient financial internal controls and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.  For the full description click here.

Applications are available at:

https://www.custercounty-co.gov/employment or

Custer County Finance & Human Resources Department

205 S 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252

Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Please submit applications to the address above or
email: hr@custercounty-co.gov

 

2024, Uncategorized

Bill Canda Statements

The Sentinel received an LTE rebuttal letter sent to KRDO from Bill Canda and a Statement from Commissioner Bill Canda. Both are below
Letter to the Editor

—December 26, 2023

RE: Article by KRDO Channel 13 printed on December 13, 2023

On December 19, 2023, KRDO Channel 13 ran a story prompted by a spurious criminal complaint filed by the Editor of the Wet Mountain Tribune accusing me of forgery. This article is not true and publication by KRDO is irresponsible.
On August 23, 2023, the Custer County Finance Director issued Braden Wilson a check for $30,451.18. The gross amount of the check net of taxes was approximately $55,000. Wilson was on the job for less than a week when his position was eliminated by the newly seated Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). On August 25, 2023, I tried to stop payment of the check to give the BOCC time to resolve the improprieties surrounding its issuance.
It is important to note that by law, only the BOCC has the fiduciary responsibility to spend the citizens (taxpayers) money. They must personally verify every check issued for all expenditures. Also, it is important to note the two issues with the Wilson payment: 1) unresolved problems concerning the legitimacy of his employment contract, and 2) the legitimacy of the issuance of the check itself.
It was critical that the newly seated BOCC determine whether the check was a legitimate expense, and as importantly if valid, the expense was reviewed and approved by the BOCC as required by Colorado Law. There are several reasons why this check should not have been issued:
1. The pay calculation was never verified or checked by a person other than the person who calculated and issued the check. There were errors.
2. The check was issued by the Director of Finance without approval by the BOCC. The check contains a pre-printed signature of the County Clerk attesting that the Commissioner’s signature on the check is valid. It was stamped in error with the Chairman’s signature and directly issued without the knowledge of either the Clerk, the Commissioner or the BOCC.
3. I tried to stop payment on the check when I discovered it had been released without Board approval. My intent was to ensure that the payment was valid, and the calculations were correct. Additionally, standard practice would be to issue two different checks; one for time worked and one for severance pay.
Commissioners have signature authority for all county checks. The BOCC never approved the Wilson check. Therefore, I have authority to stop the payment of the check. The County Treasurer overrode my stop payment order and directed the bank to pay the check anyway. The law does not permit this. The Treasurer’s action precluded the County Commission from being able to perform its fiduciary duty to the county.
I believe the criminal complaint Hedberg filed is completely unlawful and frivolous because the reason I tried to stop payment of the Wilson check was to ensure the matter could be resolved according to law. Hedberg’s actions were irresponsible, and his complaint is unfounded.

William R. (Bill) Canda
Custer County Commissioner

###

A Statement from Commissioner Canda Regarding the
Criminal Compliant Filed by Hedberg Against Canda:

1. I believe it is completely unlawful and a frivolous, expensive and misguided misuse of our justice system that a criminal complaint be filed for the legitimate actions taken by me while exercising my responsibility as a county commissioner to fiducially protect our county. What Jordan Hedberg did, by inserting himself into the story by filing the complaint, then involving KRDO Channel 13 to spread his errant opinions, was irresponsible and probably criminal. Allegations this serious warranted a thorough, unbiased investigation.

2. Jordan Hedberg has inserted himself into a story he created to damage my reputation and to cost our government time and money for no other reason than his own irrational hatred. By filing this complaint against my actions, which were not only lawful, but necessary, he has been irresponsible and expensive at best, probably criminal. By involving KRDO to spread false information, his misdeeds have been multiplied and unlawful.

3. It is an affront to the profession of journalism to leap to conclusions just because, at first glance, the reporter’s biases are confirmed. This shoddy practice is why thinking people no longer trust the media, and why confusion and division reign. Jordan Hedberg and KRDO should know better.

Note: Regarding the Validity of the Wilson Contract:

It is not for me nor the BOCC to determine the validity of the Wilson Contract. It is a question that only a court of law, a judge, can determine. If the payment of the check had been stopped, Braden Wilson would have had to prove it was a legal contract. Trujillo shifted the burden to the county to prove it wasn’t—at significant cost to the citizens of the county.

###

 

2024, Uncategorized

Free Public Forum on Education January 18

Press Release
The Education Legacy Fund and The West Custer County Library
Free Moderated Panel to Explore Education Opportunities

The Education Legacy Fund and the West Custer County Library are co-sponsoring a Public Forum on Education in the Valley on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The Forum will start at 5 p.m. at All Aboard Westcliffe Heritage Center (located at 110 Rosita Avenue in Westcliffe.)
The Public Forum will have a moderated panel to explore education options, opportunities, obstacles and solutions. The panel will consist of educators and community members acting as moderators, with questions and participation invited from the audience.
The Public Forum is free and everyone is welcome to attend – teachers, students, parents, educators, homeschoolers, church schoolers, and anyone interested in lifelong learning. Refreshments will be served.

2023, 2024, Uncategorized

Roger Camper Retires After Many Years of Service

by Fred Hernandez
All good things come to an end and for Silver Cliff town, one definitely “good thing”, officially came to an end at the end of November with the retirement of one who served not only Silver Cliff with distinction, but the entire community of Custer County. Yes, it was the retirement of Roger Camper who joined the town of Silver Cliff in June of 2010. For more than a decade Roger unselfishly served the people of the town as the Building and Zoning Officer and often helped in other tasks as needed.
On November 30th, the town celebrated his retirement with Roger, and his wife Pam, at the local Mexican restaurant Imperio Azteca. Town Clerk Ileen Squire had prepared several gifts for him which he unwrapped to the delight of everyone present. With about thirty guests in attendance, Roger enjoyed the warm friendship and gratitude they offered as well as appreciation for his service from town trustees Jake Shy, Troy Bomgardner and this writer. Silver Cliff town Mayor Harry “Buck” Wenzel expressed his sincerest appreciation, not only of the years of serving the town, but the cordial friendship he shares with Roger. The mayor’s statement embodies what everyone felt when he said and we quote:
“The Town of Silver Cliff will never forget the amazing dedication, care and countless contributions that Mr. Camper gave to our town, its residents and builders during his career with us. His skills, abilities and historical knowledge were second to none. We wish him the best in his retirement and will miss his energetic, positive and “can-do” attitude!”
We recall, for the record, one truly remarkable achievement of Roger as Building and Zoning officer of the town was the extensive and complex work done on the town’s museum. The original building was erected in 1879 and was in dire need of refurbishment. Through Rogers continuous efforts at research and his broad knowledge of construction and building materials he painstakingly found the modern day equivalents of the materials needed, and necessarily approved by the Historical Society, to bring the ancient building back to its new life span of another century. In addition, the museum now has a nice pavilion and an area where visitors can rest and recreate.
Indeed Roger’s contri-bution not only to Silver Cliff but to the county as a whole goes back to his days of pioneering the establishment of what is now the Wet Mountain Fire District. His tireless efforts as a one man fundraising committee, countless hours
of hard work and single minded determination to create what is now one of the best fire fighting organizations in southwest Colorado. Roger will conceivably always be remembered as the “father” of the Custer County Fire Department.
We wish Roger all the very best in his retirement; that he may have all the time he needs to enjoy his family and we pray for his good health and happiness always.
And so, until we meet again, the town of Silver Cliff wishes Roger a fond ‘adieu” and may God be with you in all your future endeavors.

2023, Uncategorized

High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival Tickets on Sale

Music will ring out across the Wet Mountain Valley at the 21st High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival in July in the heart of the Rockies.
Come enjoy stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the youth music program, the camaraderie of on-site camping and pickin’ in addition to a full roster of exciting bluegrass performers. The festival dates are Thursday – Sunday, July 11 – 14, 2024, at The Bluff Park in Westcliffe, Colorado.
We are excited to announce Jim Lauderdale as our featured performer this year. He has won two Grammys, released 36 full-length albums, and taken home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award, along with being a great performer. The line-up also features our festival host, the always entertaining Dry Branch Fire Squad. Other acts scheduled to appear are Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, Wilder Flower, Mike Mitchell Band, My Brother’s Keeper, Fog Holler, Red Mountain Boys, Orchard Creek, Abigail Gardner, and Heidi Clare and Ron Thomason. Many of these performers will also conduct workshops throughout the weekend, which will afford festival-goers the opportunity to experience the performers in a more intimate setting. Dancers are welcome Friday and Saturday night in the workshop venue. And don’t forget the popular High Mountain Hayseeds – bring the kids and their instruments!
High Mountain Hay Fever is also the best deal in bluegrass. Four-Day Passes are only $100 (before 6/1), $120 (after 6/1), and $130 (at the gate). Single day ticket prices are $25 for Thursday evening, $60 for Friday, $60 for Saturday, and $40 for Sunday. Student daily admission (13-18 with student ID) is $10. Children under 12 are free. Tickets are on sale on our website: www.highmountainhayfever.org. Camping is available adjacent to the festival grounds. Please see https://highmountainhayfever.org/plan-your-visit/camping/ to view the new process in selecting your campsite.
The festival is a nonprofit effort to enhance the Wet Mountain Valley as a quality event destination that benefits the entire community. The festival has raised over $850,000 for Wet Mountain Valley charitable organizations over the years of its existence, with a strong focus on children’s health. The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival Association is a non-profit organization run by a great group of volunteers who work year-round to make the festival happen. The festival remains an intimate event, avoiding the sprawl and congestion of large festivals while offering nationally recognized bluegrass talent, remaining true to its motto: “Small Scale, Big Time”.
For information contact us at www.highmountainhayfever.org.