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Articles by Jeff Laydon
PHOTO ESSAY: ‘Gather’ Community Dinner for Lower Blanco Residents
The Rio Blanco fire evacuees have to be impressed with the response the community has provided. All the emergency crews and fire professionals have given residents quick response and provided excellent information. Friends and neighbors offered their homes and barns, muscles and transportation. Last Sunday evening, August 9, a dinner and some special gifts were graciously provided to the evacuees.
PHOTO ESSAY: Archuleta County Fair, 2026
The County Fair is an established tradition all over the United States. Some have big-time talent, some rodeo, some have wild animals. Some Fairs feature celebrities and dignitaries, reenactments and historic celebrations, but all represent the creativity, entertainment and the local flair that make a community great. The 75th Archuleta County Fair was no exception.The Fair board worked hard to make this year especially historic.
PHOTO ESSAY: The 75th Archuleta County Fair Starts Today
Kick it to the Fair. The 75th Annual Archuleta County Fair starts today. The tradition continues and the Fairgrounds are packed with activities the entire weekend. Get there early to enjoy the cooler temps there is plenty to see. The kids can enter contests and play games various times all day everyday. The huge bounce house is open for fun. There is an impressive new demonstration from Pagosa Fire crews as well as other educational booths from various county departments.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa’s July Fourth Parade
The Pagosa Springs Independence Day Parade started in the cool morning shade of Reservoir Hill. Early set up turns into anxious anticipation, and the wait for the 10am start allows for a few posed photos. A distant buzz of the volunteer air brigade is heard and the formation flies over the parade start at exactly 10am. Hot Springs Blvd. is lined on both sides, four or five people deep to get a good view. Red White and Blue all around. Elders witnessing their young loved ones excited to celebrate.
PHOTO ESSAY: Artisans in Pagosa Springs, July 2026
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce has worked hard to provide successful annual events and The Art In The Park has to be one of the best. It’s a part of the biggest event of the year, the Fourth of July. This year the ‘Park 2 Park’ Artisan and Food Market looks to be another success. More than 100 Vendors from all over the Southwest and beyond, offer their creations for all to enjoy.
PHOTO ESSAY: Archuleta Seniors ‘Masquerade Party’ a Resounding Success
Photo: ASI president Ricardo Martinez expressed great appreciation to multiple local corporate and individual sponsors who helped make the event such a success. All photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography The opulent Guest House at Keyah Grande made for an elegant evening for the Archuleta Seniors Inc. 2025 Masquerade Ball. Over 125 guests enjoyed the fun. So many costumes. Some simple as a mask and lots of “over the top” themed characters.
PHOTO ESSAY: ColorFest 2025
A beautiful weekend pleased the masses for the 39th annual Colorfest in Pagosa Springs. The temps were perfect and the balloons took flight with plenty of brilliant color. Many new balloons were seen and the launch on both days gave spectators a great weekend of fun. For the first time, Friday night Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival was held at Yamaguchi Park, under the big tent. The new venue was certainly a good decision due to all the construction downtown.
PHOTO ESSAY: The Chamber’s Inaugural ‘Grillin & Distillin’ Event
Introducin’… Grillin’ & Distillin’! 2025 marks the first time around for this event. The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce showcased three BBQ chefs and four craft Distillers. The inaugural year was small but those who powered through a little rain and cooler temps enjoyed the competition. The Hughes Pavillion at the Fairgrounds venue gives plenty of space for this event to grow. Brisket, Ribs, Pork with rich and zesty sauces.
PHOTO ESSAY: Great Performances at ‘Dancing with the Pagosa Stars’
The 8th Annual Dancing With The Pagosa Stars had all the attractions expected… plus the unique talents of another set of local celebrity dancers. Last Saturday a substantial VIP crowd enjoyed a delicious meal, libations, good company and great performances. Makeup and wardrobe, music and lots of laughs filled the Ross Aragon Community Center. The community support for Seeds of Learning continues to be nothing short of amazing.
PHOTO ESSAY: Opening of the 2025 County Fair
Happy August 2025. Time For the 74th Annual Archuleta County Fair. So many activities and joy for all. The weekend is packed with activities and Thursday was a great start. The Exhibit Hall has plenty of displays and creativity by so many talented children and adults. There are games you can play all over the Fairgrounds -you have to get the schedule to keep track. A scavenger hunt, open mic night and a very competitive corn hole tournament. The kids blow-up barrel race is just hilarious.
PHOTO ESSAY: Another Great ‘Art in the Park’ Weekend
You know you’re getting old…. and our Chamber of Commerce is 49 years old. Since its beginnings, the Chamber’s “Art In The Park” event has been held in Town Park on Independence Day. Ambitious creators of all sorts, presenting their artistic handiwork. Hundreds of visitors and locals celebrate the time strolling through the canopies of treasures. Over 100 vendors were here this year. Maybe a gift for a loved one, or a special piece of art that will adorn the family living room mantle?
PHOTO ESSAY: Seeds of Learning Class of 2025
Pre Kindergarten pomp and circumstance fills the air, cap and gown with the details on the mark and all the wonder anyone can describe. The Seeds of Learning Class of 2025 will spring into the future with precious memories. Anticipation of the special occasion is set up with all the preparations. Pictures and practice, straight lines and best posture… and lots of smiles. Patient teachers give the little grads confidence. The evening is set.
PHOTO ESSAY: Grand Opening Event at the Springs Resort
Dozens of Pagosa locals turned out on April 15 to celebrate the Springs Resort expansion, which includes new geothermal soaking pools with family-friendly and adults-only options, and 78 new rooms and suites. A change in the landscape. Historic place continues its legendary healing attraction. Gathering all the benefits of a good life divine. Deep waters attracting the inner spirit. Relax, renew, refresh, reminisce. Playing in another paradise. The Springs — truly special.
PHOTO ESSAY: The Senior Center Spring Fling Soiree
Spring Fling Soiree that was a huge success lasy week on Friday April 11. Archuleta Seniors Inc. extends their profound gratitude to the community for their support and camaraderie in celebrating their work in service of the health and dignity of the older adults, caregivers and families of Archuleta County! Jeff Laydon Pagosa Springs photographer Jeff Laydon shoots people, places and products — on location and in his studio. Learn more at PagosaPhotography.com
PHOTO ESSAY: The 2025 WinterFest Bonfire
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2025 WinterFest celebration amid cold temps, clear skies, and not much snow. The annual WinterFest started off with the Friday night Bonfire at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. Christmas trees gave the fuel and the crowd grew to an outright party, a celebration of the season. The Pagosa Fire Protection District lit the fire and kept things safe. Their skill and professional attention to the entire scene is most appreciated.
PHOTO ESSAY: ColorFest 2024 Highlights
Photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography. Article by Pagosa Chamber Director Mary Jo Coulehan. Another year of ColorFest activities has come and gone… and as with every year, there were some highs and challenges. Starting off with the Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival on Friday, September 20, the big winner goes to Sage Eatery who participated for the first time this year.
PHOTO ESSAY: Archuleta County Fair, Day One
Welcome the The 73rd Annual Archuleta County Fair! Day One is in the books and it was just a start to Fun Fun Fun. The hot temps did not slow the show and attendance grows day by day. Admission is free, parking is free with shuttles moving everyone right into the center of the action. So much to see and enjoy the great sense of community this great County creates every year. Many volunteers plan and organize a unique experience for all who attend.
PHOTO ESSAY: 15th Annual Pagosa Car Show a Success
The 15th Annual Chamber of Commerce Car Show is in the books, with another fantastic showing. Weather was lovely, and attendance was as good as any of the best years I’ve seen. Everyone enjoyed the great variety of vehicles on display. Always hard to pick favorites, people’s choice and best in show. Show cars from around the Four Corners area really get excited for the Pagosa Springs show. Locals and visitors get nostalgic over their first car and memories of sweet times.
PHOTO ESSAY: A Satisfying Lunch at the Pagosa Senior Center
A nice plan for an enjoyable lunch: The Community Cafe at Pagosa Senior Center. I noticed they had Crispy Cod on the menu. I made a reservation with a phone call and showed up about 12:30. I met my good friend and neighbor Scott Bradford and his parents Danna and Steven Mahaffrey. Turns out this was their first time to have lunch at the Community Cafe. I met another couple who said it was their first time as well. All agreed their lunch was very good.
PHOTO ESSAY: ‘Runway for Rise’ a Sold-Out Entertainment
Runway For Rise – A Fashion Gala sold out early and the creative talent came out in full force to entertain a sold-out crowd September 30 at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. The inaugural event was a tremendous success. 10 teams of creators designed amazing “Haute Couture” using a trash bag, duct tape, thrift store purchases and something from nature. The clever and artistic creations were kept tightly secret, the diversity of designs were kept totally unique.
PHOTO ESSAY: Colorfest 2023
The third weekend in September, always highly anticipated, always very exciting, always sold out events, plenty of good times for Pagosa Springs. Visitors travel from far away places to enjoy the beautiful weather and “The Colors You’ll See”. A wonderful team of valued locals volunteer for the weekend. It is the 37th Annual Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce ColorFest. Chamber staff have the event locked in with over 35 years of experience.
PHOTO ESSAY: Sledz on Rez, 2023
WinterFest in Pagosa Springs would not be complete without a sledding event. This year we had no shortage of snow… and the creativity in sled design was just great. Fun was the key, the children who put plenty of effort into making it down the the hill, clearly made it a load of laughs. A big crowd of spectators cheered on the two age divisions. Herbie The Love Bug, Cabbage Patch Kids, Star Wars, Spider Man and other themes made the “Sledz on Rez” a real spectacle of speed and crazy crashes.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Celebrates Mardi Gras at Tennyson Event Center
by Jeff Laydon | Mar 3, 2022 | Essays/Fiction Text by Margot Kelley; photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography. The Tennyson Building Event Center is sending out a big “thank you” to all the fun-loving Pagosa people who turned out for their first ever Mardi Gras party! Costumes, headdresses, New Orleans inspired cocktails, rockin’ live music, Burlesque acts, and non-stop raucous Cajun fun was had by all.
PHOTO ESSAY: Santa Arrives at the PLPOA Clubhouse
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout… The cold, moonlit evening was perfect. The sky was clear and the mist from Vista Lake stayed low. Pagosa’s finest emergency personnel gave the clearance for the countdown. Dozens of children awaited the aerial arrival of Santa in his sleigh. 3,2,1… Ho! Ho! Ho! There he was out of the sky and into the hearts of all.
PHOTO ESSAY: Oh! The Colors We Saw… at Colorfest 2021
by Jeff Laydon | Sep 28, 2021 | Essays/Fiction It was perfect weather for the highly anticipated, annual Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce ColorFest. The early morning crowd was, again, presented with a tremendous aerial display. The event is always a fantastic sight for all ages. Plenty to enjoy… and friends and neighbors create a sweet experience with food and libation picnics to share. Locals and many, many visitors make the celebration a major downtown tradition.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Springs, July 4th, 2020
by Jeff Laydon | Jul 8, 2020 | Essays/Poetry Independence Day… Pagosa Springs, Colorado… 2020… now in the history of time. Life in Pagosa has a special charm. It has beauty and plenty of sunshine. People can seek their purpose in Pagosa Springs, or they can retire the purpose of a lifetime. Talented and skillful people create treasures that keep and satisfy… and amplify. People with courage and dignity can honor a uniform and The Flag.
PHOTO ESSAY: GOAL Academy Celebrates
by Jeff Laydon | Jun 19, 2020 | Education/Health, Essays/Poetry On June 3, 2020 GOAL high school in Pagosa Springs held individual graduate celebrations that incorporated safety protocols aligned with COVID requirements. Graduates were scheduled individually, through the day to participate in an optional grad celebration outside the GOAL High School location in Pagosa Springs.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Baptist Church, During the Pandemic
Starting this Sunday night at 7pm will be the 15th anniversary of Pagosa Baptist Tent Revival — an open invitation to hear the Gospel and learn what the Bible has for everyone. The shutdown on Church gatherings has presented a tremendous strain on people. Meeting together is fundamental to the spirit of the Christian faith. Churches around the world were closed due to the pandemic and most of them made great efforts to keep parishioners close.
PHOTO ESSAY: Memorial Day at Hilltop Cemetery
by Jeff Laydon | May 28, 2020 | Essays/Poetry Cars slowly entered the Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs this Memorial Day 2020. The quiet sunny morning had the fragrance of blossoms in the air. Gravesites were adorned with flowers and American Flags. The dignitaries were shoulder to shoulder heads held high. Those who came to honor and remember with reverence bow their heads in respect.
PHOTO ESSAY: A Flyover Salute to Front Line Workers
by Jeff Laydon | May 26, 2020 | Essays/Poetry My daughter forwarded me a post regarding the Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Flyover at the Pagosa Springs Medical Center last Friday. It was to send a salute to the front line medical workers that are working hard against the COVID-19 Virus. They were going to do a flyover several medical centers in Colorado. She picked up some to-go food from Sage BBQ on the east side of town. Sage was scheduled to close its restaurant on Saturday 23.
PHOTO ESSAY: One Morning in Pagosa Springs
by Jeff Laydon | May 21, 2020 | Community, Essays/Poetry It was hard to sleep and the sun was just coming up. After a restless night, I needed to get out and see what was in front of me. Years of community occurrences with historic significance and memories had fragmented into time-capsules in my camera. Good times, beautiful days, great gatherings, celebrations and seasons. This time, the significance of capturing what was in front of me seemed to deepen.
PHOTO ESSAY: Healing Waters Pool ‘Glow’ Party
by Jeff Laydon · November 8, 2019 Family-owned since 1950, The Healing Waters Resort & Spa has been a gathering place for respite, recreation and repair for all its visitors. Soakers from all over the world have been to the natural hot springs here, and locals have enjoyed all the soaking attributes for generations. As a part of the 1st Annual Pagosa Hot Springs Fest, Healing Waters hosted its first Pool Glow Party.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Cross Country Runners Head for State
by Jeff Laydon · October 31, 2019 The Cross Country Team at Pagosa Springs High School has had a long line of successes under the guidance of Head Coach Scott Anderson. Again the Girls and Boys teams qualified for State competition in Colorado Springs last weekend. It’s natural for teams to seek after victory. To be Champions. To achieve and be recognized for the record only First Place can claim. We all have seen amazing performances in all kinds of competitions.
PHOTO ESSAY: Colorfest 2019
Photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography The weather was, again, spectacular. The pilots were, again, thrilled to be a part of the annual event. And the community, again, was treated to a delightful array of events provided by The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. The 34 Annual Colorfest was yet another reason our Chamber needs to be commended for a job well done. All the logistics of a major event like this takes plenty of effort and this year was no exception.
PHOTO ESSAY: Don’t Miss the 2019 Archuleta County Fair
The 68th Annual Archuleta County Fair is on. All the fun is here again, with all the tradition and heritage of a small town County Fair. There are a 150+ members of the 4H program in Archuleta County and they work hard all year to present their projects. The Livestock tent is alive with energy. The Goat and Swine shows were held on Thursday. The Lamb and Rabbit Show starts at 9am today, Friday. 2pm is the Turkey Show and 6pm is the Steer Show.
PHOTO ESSAY: 11the Annual Car Show at Pagosa Springs
Hot Rods, new and old converge into Town Park for the 11th Annual Car Show at Pagosa on June 14 and 15… Sponsored by the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, now a real solid destination for Show Vehicles from all over the Four Corners region. Although this year the number of entries was lower than last year, the quality was impressive. The crowd was not disappointed by the incredible machines. The creativity and mechanical genius of the original engineers always intrigues me.
PHOTO ESSAY: Shearing Day at ‘Alpacalypse Ranch’
Marco Polo… Touch of Gold… Providence… Gulliver Travels… J-Lo… just a few names of the 41 Alpacas at ‘Alpacalypse Ranch’ here in Pagosa Springs. These beautiful animals are part of the Camel family and produce a rare fiber that has the value of silk or cashmere. Native of Peru, Bolivia and Chile, they have come a long way to the mountains of Pagosa Springs. In ancient times of Peruvian culture, only Royalty were allowed to acquire and wear the luxurious fleece.
PHOTO ESSAY: 6th Annual Halloween Party at Coyote Moon
The place to be on Friday the 26th was Coyote Moon Bar and Grill. The 6th Annual Halloween Party was packed with costumes, all wanting a piece of the $1000 prize. $500 for 1st, $300 for 2nd and $200 for 3rd place. There was comical hilarity, ghoulish and gory, cowboys and Indians, superheroes and sexy dames, animals and masks galore. Very impressive creativity and craftiness. Jello shots and plenty of cocktails lubricated the dance floor. Revelers never quit showing off smooth moves all night long.
PHOTO ESSAY: Family Fun at the County Fair
The 67th Annual Archuleta County Fair is underway and it’s “Barn To Be Wild” for all who attend… The whole community gets involved in this annual tradition. I get to take pictures. These are a few photos from Thursday’s Fair activities. So much to take in all weekend long. Entertainment, livestock shows, Chuck Wagon BBQ, auction, kids rodeo, Wacky Science, horseshoe tournament, and so very much more. Don’t miss the fun. The Exhibit Hall is full of amazing creations by all ages.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Springs Car Show, 2018
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce has hosted the annual Car Show for 10 years. Grows every year. All the colors, eras, plenty of visual candy. Photographing the event for so many years, it is always a delight to “see” the amazing shapes, colors, textures and the creativity. Compacting so much into my little camera viewfinder. I’m a dunce when it comes to the mechanics of all this. I admire those that put these machines in front of me.
PHOTO ESSAY: Moving Pictures
Interesting that still photographic pictures are moving at the moment. Anticipating the movement and the decisive moment is a game. Light, color, shape. Texture, perspective, focal point.. and so much more all at once stopped. Witnessed within a small rectangle shaped view finder. One couple just said, “smile” and their smart cameras took the picture. I miss the sound of a motor drive. I try not to view my images on the camera. It’s nice to see them for the first time on my computer screen.
PHOTO ESSAY: Premier of ‘Hostiles’ at Liberty Theater
We have several new celebrities in our midst. A casting call — for a feature movie — sent to the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce in August 2016 sent dozens of Pagosa characters to Chama, NM for a full day of cinema magic on September 20, 2016. Major stars, a talented army of creatives from the big city. All the attentions of a professional production… make-up, wardrobe, photographer, director, carpenters, gaffers, grips… leaned into our townspeople. A big deal. Very exciting stuff.
PHOTO ESSAY: Chamber Gala 2018
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce entertained its membership for the 42nd year last Saturday night. The Celebration included special recognition for model citizens in our community and their wonderful efforts. The annual meeting is always well attended with good food, libations, a silent auction and live entertainment all together made for a fun evening. The “Hats Off To You” theme included another clever Chamber contest for guests to play along with creative hat styles.
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa Springs Girls Choir, 2017
The performances of the Pagosa Springs Girls Choir are the crescendo to many meetings, plenty of volunteer efforts and hours of practice. The audience enjoys the performances with little knowledge of all the fun and hard work the girls and their fearless director, Linda Parker, have put into the productions. The December 7 performance of “Jingle All The Way” was just as jolly as a body can get. The girls sang several numbers with warm Christmas Spirit.
PHOTO ESSAY: Halloween Bash at Coyote Moon
Last Friday night — October 27 — the Halloween costumes were out early — and a-plenty. Gobs of revelers came in fantasy, sexy, ghoulish and hilarious creations to The 5th Annual Coyote Moon Halloween Bash. Scary decorations and lighting made the place into quite the All Hallows Evening of Good Times. Good food and libations flowing and plenty of jello shots and special concoctions to enhance the spirits of fun. The place was rocking to the tunes of Brooks I Band the moment they began.
PHOTO ESSAY:The Adobe Building Fire, One Year Ago
As a local Pagosa Springs photographer for over 20 years, I am glad to report that the focus of my job has generally been ‘good news.’ My work is typically people, products and places, at their best. It is very rare for me to seek out accidents or tragedy, crime or criminals, to photograph. A year ago, on October 22, 2016, I went to my studio, early as usual. As I traveled down Putt Hill, I saw the plumes of smoke, then all the fire engines and all the emergency personnel.
PHOTO ESSAY: 2017 ‘Passport to Pagosa’ Wine & Food Fest
“Color Me Festive” played out wonderfully for the 32nd Annual Pagosa Springs Colorfest. The Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Festival kicked off the weekend and the sold-out crowd happily devoured the culinary delights from several local eateries — and became “super tasters” of the fine wines. The variety was impressive and the pours were generous. (I wonder how many headaches?) Good company, comfortable weather and great libations make for a quality evening — for sure.
PHOTO ESSAY: 2017 4H Livestock Auction at the County Fair
The 2017 Archuleta County Fair is now history: the 66th Annual. Always held the first weekend in August, the usual start of monsoon season. This year the rains were especially prevalent, every day at about 4pm; a steady downpour filled the culverts and cooled the mountain air. The rains did not keep folks away on Saturday night. The 4H Livestock Auction always has the biggest attendance of all the Fair events, and this year was no exception. The Livestock tent was packed.
PHOTO ESSAY: 39th Annual ‘Park 2 Park Art Fest’ in Pagosa Springs
For the 39th year,the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted the ‘Park 2 Park Arts and Crafts Festival’ along the banks of the San Juan River. Some of the vendors have been attending the annual event for over 20 years. Talented dealers from far away come here to sell their wares and enjoy beautiful Pagosa Springs during The Independence Day Celebration.
PHOTO ESSAY: Community Celebrates PSMC Clinic Grand Opening
This past Saturday, June 17, local community members gathered for the Grand Opening of the new clinic at Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC). The day commenced with a group photo of PSMC employees and their family members and followed with the laying of a cornerstone by the local Pagosa Springs Masons Lodge #114 and Masonic Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Colorado.
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