SOUTH FORK — Like many communities throughout the San Luis Valley, South Fork had a slow start this year as tourists waited for temperatures to rise above freezing and snow to melt off the high peaks around the San Juan Mountains. By the time the 3rd of July made its way into the small mountain town though, every inch of South Fork was packed to the brim with summer guests.

The day started off fresh after an evening of scattered rain and the smell of food wafted through the air while the South Fork Fire Rescue crew heated up the vats and began preparing for their annual Catfish Fry Fundraiser. Tables lined with auction items such as gift baskets, grills, gorgeous photos, and more welcomed guests as they made their way into the fire station. The live auction was a huge success, and the fish fry filled the bellies of hundreds of guests.

South Fork Fire Rescue also started a continuous fundraiser to raise money for a new front-line engine. According to South Fork Fire Rescue Chief Tyler Off, the new engine will serve as the main response vehicle for emergencies.

“We created a board with wooden squares that have numbers on them that people can buy for the amount of the number printed on the square. As the squares get purchased, it will reveal the picture of our new engine underneath. It is a great way to help our organization and it will continue until we raise enough for the new truck,” Off said.

Off also stated that this year’s catfish fry was set to break their previous record.

Vendors set up behind the fire station that was packed full of wandering guests who came for the fun and festivities. Vendors sold everything from fuzzy stuffed animals to baked goods made here in the San Luis Valley. Guests spent the afternoon enjoying the small mountain town shopping experience while they waited for the parade that kicked off at 3.

One of the reasons South Fork is so fun on the 3rd of July is because of the sense of community that comes with every event. The parade always welcomes individual and public participation which makes for a family and community-oriented event packed with fun. This year’s theme was America the Beautiful and South Fork did not disappoint with the colorful and uniquely decorated floats, bikes, trikes, ATVs and more.

As the crowd cheered the afternoon away even more events followed including the Burris and Son’s Rockin’ the Rio Grande Rodeo at Rickel Arena and of course the crème de la crème firework show at the end of the night brought to the community with the help of the Town of South Fork, Rio Grande Club and Resort and South Fork Fire Rescue.