Mancos Spring Hoedown is coming back

Annual event at Opera House returns after yearlong hiatus

After a year’s hiatus, the Mancos Spring Hoedown is back.

It’s the sixth annual hoedown for the Montezuma School to Farm Project, and this year the event will take over the Mancos Opera House on April 27.

“We’re back, we’re excited to throw a party with the community and have everyone come out,” said Jessica Hanback, the coordinator for the AmeriCorps Vista for the School to Farm Project and Hoedown.

All proceeds from the Hoedown will support School to Farm, a nonprofit which offers hands-on, garden learning classes to schools throughout Montezuma County.

The first Hoedown took place in 2013.

“It was a fun way to celebrate the springtime, and to get the community together for live music, auction, there’s always been a live auction, and a lot of dancing,” Hanback said.

It has since become an annual tradition, with the exception of last year, because of staff turnover and a new director for the School to Farm project. In previous years, the event has raised up to $8,000, but this year organizers are looking to raise over $10,000.

This year will feature music from Six Dollar String Band and AfroBeatniks, food from 4 Dope Gringos, a live and silent auction, and line dancing. Attendees are encouraged to get creative with their western wear, as an anonymous judge in the audience will be crowning a Hoedown king and queen.

Montezuma County Commissioner Larry Don Suckla will serve as auctioneer for the live auction.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children and teens under the age of 17 can enter for free.

The event will take place from 5-11 p.m. at the Mancos Opera House along Grand Avenue. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the School to Farm website.

ealvero@the-journal.com