ALAMOSA—SummerFest on the Rio kicks off summertime in Alamosa’s beautiful Cole Park on June 7-9. This annual, free festival includes extensive art and craft talents, musical entertainment for the entire family and plenty of activities for the kids.

It’s a quintessential rural community celebration ready to go at 4 p.m. Friday, June 7 when food vendors and the beer garden gear up for the signature concert in the park from 6 to 9:30 p.m., featuring Night Radio Action.

Saturday, June 8 is the big day and lasts well into the night. The annual benefit Poker Run roars out at 8 a.m. and vendors are all set to go at 10 a.m. and two stages coordinate a variety of musical genres from local and visiting artists, offsetting each other so the audience won’t have to miss one.

This year’s Poker Run will support the Veteran’s Community Living Center at Homelake in Monte Vista. All poker run proceeds will help the residents with daily ancillary needs. The community is invited to take part in a the ride and help support the veterans. Registration takes place June 8 between 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the center of Cole Park (Second Street). From there the journey takes you through Antonito, Chama, Pagosa Springs, South Fork, Monte Vista and back. You do not need to drive a motorcycle to participate. The first poker hand is $15 and additional hands are $5 each. Prizes will be given out along the way. In addition, raffle tickets are being sold to win a 2003 100^th-anniversary edition Harley Davidson. They are $25 each and you need not be present to win. Upon return from the ride, the drawing will take place at 5 p.m. at the North Stage. For tickets contact Alamosa Parks and Rec at 589-2105, M & M Liquor at 588-4031 or Vic Duran at 588-2846.

Then Sunday, June 9 opens up at 10 a.m. with music playing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pets (unless certified), bicycles or firearms are not permitted within the park during this weekend. Please keep them around the perimeter of the park or leave them at home for everyone’s safety. Info: 719-480-4806, [email protected].

As always there will be a lot of music, booths and activities during that weekend at the park. For more information, visit www.summerfestontherio.org or call 480-4806.