La Voz del Valle de Estes 21 de Septiembre / Fiesta Latina 2026

Fiesta Latina draws more than 200 as Estes Valley marks Hispanic Heritage Month More than 200 Estes Valley residents gathered at Cleave Street Commons on Saturday for the first annual Fiesta Latina, an afternoon of music, food and community during Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration featured presentations by Patricia Arias, Carlos Rojas, Larissa Zapien — who performed songs by Selena — and Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall. One of the most anticipated moments came when children lined up to break two piñatas handmade and donated by Daniela Chacón. Hall took the ceremonial first swing before handing the fun over to the children. The event was sponsored by the Estes Chamber of Commerce’s Latino Alliance, and the Whimsadoodle Foundation. Republican candidates speak to Estes Park voters Seven Republican candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot introduced themselves at a gathering at Park Fellowship Church. They discussed housing costs, insurance, taxes, education and county services, then answered questions from attendees. The candidates represented races for Congress, the Colorado General Assembly, the University of Colorado Board of Regents and Larimer County offices. According to the Estes Valley Voice report, Larimer County will begin mailing ballots Oct. 2. Completed ballots must reach the county clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3; a postmark does not count as delivery. Constitution Day reflection highlights civic participation Sept. 17 marked 239 years since the signing of the U.S. Constitution. In a Constitution Day reflection published by Estes Valley Voice, the author pointed to everyday civic participation — voting, serving on juries, speaking at public meetings and engaging with neighbors who hold different views — as part of keeping constitutional government working. Students demonstrate career training at school board meeting Estes Park High School students and teachers showed the Park School District R-3 Board of Education what students are building and learning in career and technical education courses. Their presentation at the Sept. 16 meeting featured automotive work, engineering, construction and welding. Automotive instructor TJ Appel said students completed about 185 hours of vehicle repair work during the second semester of the previous school year. The district also described two new courses: an introduction to technology education and a class covering basic home and auto care. Read the school board coverage. U.S. 36 drivers should expect delays near Lyons Drivers traveling between Estes Park and Lyons could face delays of up to 15 minutes Tuesday through Thursday as crews install traffic cameras along U.S. 36. Single-lane closures are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with flaggers directing traffic through the work zones. The Colorado Department of Transportation says the cameras will help crews monitor road conditions and respond to incidents. They will not be used to issue speeding tickets. See the closure locations and schedule. Allenspark gets ready to talk turkey Allenspark’s Wild Turkey Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The free festival will feature live music, a farmers market, a scavenger hunt and contests for turkey costumes, calls and strutting. A pancake breakfast will be available for purchase. The festival celebrates Allenspark’s community and local businesses, with remaining proceeds benefiting local organizations. Explore the festival program. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com