With Thanksgiving over, the Nucla-Naturita Area Chamber of Commerce is ready for the West End’s local holiday event. Elfin Eve happens Dec. 5 this year.
Traditionally, Elfin Eve is an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their goods and services, but also for patrons to shop local, supporting small businesses in the West End.
The Dec. 5 event happens from 5 to 8 p.m., and many businesses that participate will offer activities like cookie decorating, music and snacks. Others will have discounts, grab bags, giveaways and drawings.
The Parade of Lights happens the same night, and those who wish to enter are asked to do so by Dec. 3. The theme for 2024 is “Christmas Movies.” Registration happens online or through the West End Visitor’s Center, located at 230 W. Main in Naturita.
Parade lineup is at 5 p.m., and start time is at dark at the Visitor’s Center and ending in Nucla. Prizes will be given, but entrants must be present to win. Awards will go to the best for private/family float, club/group, and also local government or business.
Noel Night in Norwood is Dec. 6
Similarly, Norwood’s celebration, Noel Night, is Dec. 6, the following night. Hay rides begin at 4 p.m., and so does the holiday bazaar in the old hardware store building. The Norwood Chamber of Commerce of Wright’s Mesa has thanked Demian Brooks for use of the space. Vendors will be set up with their wares, and cookie decorating happens there too.
The Norwood Parade of Lights happens at 5:45; parade at 6:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best floats in the youth, individual, business float and also best decorated business.
Stargazing will also be possible, courtesy of the Norwood Dark Sky Advocates, who will have a booth set up at Lone Cone Saloon. And, Katie Alexander asks all kids to watch out for two stuffed animals, in the form of the “Grinch” and “Max, the Dog.” Children who find the animals should find her or Santa Claus for a reward.
Cows went missing
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) announced missing cows, or what could be stolen cows, in San Miguel County, including 26 mixed calves and three black cows. The livestock were last seen in Sanborn Park, 30 miles southwest of Montrose, and right outside of Norwood, in mid-October. Authorities said the 600-650 pound calves and running-age cows had the IS brand with an underlined “S” on the left hind.
Anyone with information is asked to call 970-729-0966 or 303-869-9160 with information. There were also missing cattle in Yuma County, CDA representatives said.
Election happens in Norwood
The Town of Norwood will have an election on Dec. 10 with voting happening at Norwood Town Hall. The election is to put into office a town trustee, after Morgan Rummel vacated his seat earlier this fall. It’s also to see if voters wish to recall Norwood Mayor Candy Meehan.
Absentee ballots can be requested, but those must be returned by Dec. 5 and ballots have to be back by 7 p.m. on the election date. Anyone who needs an absentee ballot should see Town Clerk Amanda Pierce.
Pierce told the Forum that there are 418 registered voters in the Town of Norwood. She said the majority rules, but “there is a requirement for how close it is.” She said the town would have to do a recount, depending on how close the recall election is.
