The OptiMystics CAN! and The Poor Boy Car Club co-hosted our third annual festival on Saturday, August 19th, at Chapman Park, in Monte Vista. New this year were demonstrations by local organizations and live music, featuring Ruben Dominguez, Absolution and Ol’ Scratch. We’ll update this page even more with pictures, soon.
PRE-EVENT PROMO:
Click the audio player below to listen to our podcast about 2022’s event.
And Click here to see a video of the first year’s spectacular event. Watch as we drive around to see all of the really cool vehicles.
CAR SHOW INFORMATION:
The Poor Boy Car Club hosted their 12th annual car show and handed everything related to the vehicles again this year. Last year they had nearly 80 entries and this year hit 93. We look forward to working with Richard Garcia and his crew again in 2024.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Ruben Dominguez from Manassa kicked off the concert starting at 3PM. Then Absolution from Antonito performed around 4:15PM. They won ALMA’s Battle of the Bands this year. And Ol’ Scratch from Alamosa was the featured band at 6PM and wrapped up the free concert in the park.
This year’s entertainment lineup was sponsored in part by the LOR Foundation (Monte Vista). BIG Thanks go out to Ivette Atencio and LOR for their helping bring live music to the event. The LOR Foundation, asking “What’s Your Kind of Monte Vista?”
Our other wonderful sponsor of this year’s entertainment was High Mountain Ag in Monte Vista. Our thanks as well go out to Dion Oakes and his crew for helping make the concert a reality. High Mountain Ag, “Your partner for all your Equipment Needs.”
The Novel Nomads put on two engaging performances in front of the stage, during the afternoon.
Ms KAIS Academy of Performing Arts student put on an energetic demonstration between Ruben Dominguez and Absolution. They even got Mayor Dale Becker in the dunk tank.
The Monte Vista Mini Cheerleaders thrilled attendees with their performance between Absolution and Ol’ Scratch. It was actually a bit difficult to see them through the wall of people watching and chanting “Pirates!”
We even had an “Air Guitar Contest,” with prizes awarded to the winners. Judges were the Absolution band and well known valley local Azarel Madrigal. The contest took place during Ol’ Scratch’s first set. Plaques for the winners were sponsored by Rocky Mountain Memorabilia (thanks Lyn). First place was taken by none other than Patrick Ortiz of SLV GO! We’ll definitely do this again next year.
EVENT SECURITY:
The OptiMystics extend a big thank you to H&R Block of Alamosa & Monte Vista for sponsoring the security for this year’s event. First Response K-9 & Security Services was on hand throughout the day. “H&R Block, tax filing made easy”. Thank You Tara McCarroll!
OTHER INFORMATION:
It was a wonderful weekend to spend exploring Monte Vista. There were unique opportunities that took place both at the event and elsewhere. Click here to learn more about lodging in and around Monte Vista. And click here to learn more about local restaurants in this area.
Here’s a sampling of what will else happened over the weekend:
*Friday mornings during the summer months, you can visit our local Monte Vista Farmer’s Market. Offering seasonal Colorado and New Mexico produce and locally handcrafted items to support our local community.
*On Saturdays from 10AM until 3PM, there is a local Flea Market hosted inside Rain Brews, 104 Adams Street in downtown Monte Vista.
*The City of Monte Vista Parks & Recreation Department hosted a very successful corn hole tournament during the festival.
*The Novel Nomads are an American Tribal Fusion style belly dance troupe from the SLV. This unique group of performers had a booth during the day and gave two demonstrations in the afternoon.
*Hall’s Way Escape Room Adventures was at the festival on Saturday. People had an opportunity to test their skills with friends and solve the puzzles to see if they could escape in under 30 minutes.
*The San Luis Valley Swordguild was on hand again this year, and put on several demonstrations throughout the day. They are The Valley’s first Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club, dedicated to the study and practice of the martial arts of Europe from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
VENDORS IN ATTENDANCE:
Monte Vista Parks & Recreation
Booth sponsored by Sunflower Bank
Ribbons of Courage
Booth sponsored by RG Bank
SLV Fast Friends
Ms Kais Academy of Performing Arts
Booth sponsored by the Monte Vista Coop
Juice Plus & Company
Booth Sponsored by Valley Lumber & Supply
The Missing Piece Boutique
Drowsy Dragonfly Glass
DZ Treasures
Martha Lock For Monte Vista City Council
Shaved Ice Paradise
Rio Grande County GOP
Gigi’s Bling
Raina Bowsher For Monte Vista City Council
SPONSORS:
Our sponsors are deeply appreciated and we couldn’t do this without them. Please help support these fine businesses and organizations here in the San Luis Valley and tell them Thank You!
The LOR Foundation (Monte Vista)
Official Music Sponsor
High Mountain Ag
Official Music Sponsor
H&R Block (Alamosa & Monte Vista)
Official Security Sponsor
Join our Facebook Group to stay up to date on all of our plans, meetings, efforts and more.
*Pictures courtesy of The OptiMystics CAN and/or Pixabay. Graphics courtesy of the OptiMystics and the Poor Boy Car Club. Logos are property of the appropriate business/organization and used by permission. Video production courtesy of SLVoices.