La Voz del Valle de Estes 6 de Octubre 2026

Housing, a Filmmaker’s Legacy and Fall Traditions: This Week in the Estes Valley Escucha aqui / Listen here: The purchase of Tiny Town could open a new chapter for housing in Estes Park. Elsewhere in the valley, residents are preparing to weigh November ballot measures, a local filmmaker’s final documentary is reaching audiences, and the fall calendar continues with festivals and familiar downtown traditions. Tiny Town purchased for future housing The Estes Park Housing Authority has purchased the 10-acre Tiny Town property at 830 Moraine Avenue for $3.6 million, securing land for future affordable and workforce housing. A $3.35 million award through Colorado’s Proposition 123 Land Banking Program will cover most of the purchase price. The authority arranged short-term financing through Bank of Colorado while awaiting the state funds. The site’s relatively flat terrain, existing utilities and proximity to jobs, groceries and downtown make it a promising location for housing. The authority is considering a mix of affordable rentals and attainable homes for purchase, developed in phases. The purchase is an early step. No housing count or construction timeline has been established, and development will require additional planning, approvals and financing. Tiny Town’s history will also be part of that discussion. Its cottages and miniature golf course have been familiar features of Moraine Avenue for generations. The authority says it will explore ways to recognize that history and seek community participation as plans take shape. A guide to November’s ballot questions With the November 3 general election approaching, Estes Valley Voice has published a nonpartisan guide explaining ballot measures and the arguments offered by their supporters and opponents. Two local questions concern funding for fire protection and county services. Measure 6D proposes a 0.5% sales tax for the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. Larimer County’s Measure 1A proposes a 0.3% sales and use tax for wildfire and natural hazard resilience, transportation and infrastructure safety, and community services. The guide also examines statewide proposals involving income taxes, public education, election rules and other issues. It explains what a yes or no vote would mean and distinguishes changes to the Colorado Constitution from changes to state law. Readers can consult the guide at estesvalleyvoice.com and review the full language of the proposals before voting. Nick Mollé’s final film comes to the screen A sold-out audience gathered at the Historic Park Theatre on September 28 for the premiere of “Stream of Conscience: The Colorado,” the final documentary written, directed and narrated by Estes Park filmmaker Nick Mollé. Mollé died in March after a battle with cancer. He continued working on the film until shortly before his death, leaving his family and production team to finish the project they had promised to complete. The documentary follows the Colorado River from its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park through canyon country, reservoirs and dams. Along the way, it examines how drought, warming temperatures and changes to sediment movement are reshaping the river. It also considers the people whose lives depend on that water, including Indigenous communities with longstanding ties to the river and its tributaries. The Historic Park Theatre will show the documentary at 1 p.m. on October 7, 14, 21 and 28. Autumn Gold draws a crowd—and supports local scholarships About 3,000 people attended the two-day Autumn Gold Music Festival in Bond Park, where five bands performed and volunteers served more than 1,800 brats and hot dogs. More than 150 volunteers helped with food service, raffle sales, setup and cleanup. Scouts from Troop 8 collected trash and offered activities for children. Seven raffle winners received a combined $15,000. Estes Park resident Jim Horst won the $10,000 grand prize. Raffle ticket sales support scholarships for Estes Park High School graduates. Festival proceeds also help the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club fund youth programs, nonprofit organizations and service projects. Kissing Moose finds a permanent home When Vicki Haan moved to Estes Park in 2018, she arrived with $200, a small suitcase and a plan to open a restaurant. That goal took shape through several ventures, including the Kissing Moose food truck, Mountain Berry Bakery and a catering business. In late August, she opened Kissing Moose Café and Kissing Moose Saloon inside Expedition Lodge at 1701 North Lake Avenue. The café serves breakfast and lunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The saloon opens from 4 to 9 p.m. The menus include pastries, cheesecake and Haan’s signature Haan-tons, alongside breakfast dishes, sandwiches and evening fare. For customers who followed her earlier businesses, the new location brings familiar food to a permanent setting. More fall events ahead Pumpkins and Pilsners returns to Bond Park on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free festival features children’s activities, pumpkins, live music and beer from local breweries. It benefits the Estes Park Education Foundation. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, with downtown businesses and organizations welcoming trick-or-treaters along Elkhorn Avenue. The season’s calendar extends into Thanksgiving weekend, when the Catch the Glow Parade returns on Friday, November 27. Visitors heading into Rocky Mountain National Park should also note that Old Fall River Road closes to vehicles for the season on October 6. Temporary maintenance closures will affect pedestrian and bicycle access as well. Check the park’s current notices before planning a trip. Visit Estesvalleyvoice.com