Chaffee County Fairgrounds
Earth to Table Fundraiser
Chaffee County FairgroundsThe Earth to Table Fundraiser, held for Colorado Farm to Table on World Environment Day, features a delicious dinner, live music, live and silent auctions, and kids activities. June 5 Earth to Table Fundraiser: Benefit for Colorado Farm to Table featuring Spinphony. Colorado Farm to Table, a Salida-based volunteer-led non-profit farm, invites the public to attend its inaugural Earth to Table Fundraiser. The event will be held on June 5th, World Environment Day, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 CR 120 in Salida. Food will be catered by Kalamata Pit, a local favorite. Entertainment will include music by the enchanting sounds of David Tipton on his Chapman Stick, followed by the high-energy electric string quartet Spinphony, blending classical, rock, and pop music. A live auction and silent auction will feature a large selection of must-have items ranging from local art to retail and restaurant gift certificates. Family-friendly activities will include seed planting and bead necklace making. Tickets can be purchased for $30 at https://www.coloradofarmtotable.org/earth-to-table-2025. Ticket sales and auction purchases will make a direct impact on alleviating food insecurity in Chaffee County and throughout Colorado. Executive Director Laurie Kari, Farm Director Thomas (T.J.) McDaniel, and dedicated volunteers are thrilled to host the event. Kari says, “Our community friends and neighbors who attend the event will directly contribute to our mission of fighting hunger and supporting local agriculture. Last year, our non-profit farm produced and donated nearly 100,000 pounds of corn, squash, cabbage, and broccoli, providing a day’s worth of healthy vegetables to 85,000 food-insecure Coloradans. This year, we are hoping to raise funds to purchase a manure spreader to move our pesticide- and herbicide-free farm towards being organic.” The event is supported by these sponsors: Atmos Energy and BV Vet Clinic (platinum sponsors), Joyful Journey and Su Casa (gold sponsors), and Boathouse, Collegiate Peaks Bank, Johnny’s Seeds, Mo Burrito, NAPA Auto Parts, and Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (bronze sponsors). More information may be found at www.coloradofarmtotable.org.
WE Gather with WHOLE HEALTH + Afternoon EXPO – Business Accelerator Series
Chaffee County FairgroundsLink to register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=400450006 Link to be an exhibitor at the Expo: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=400450028 At the heart of every thriving business, nonprofit, and service organization is a healthy, resilient human being. Too often, wellness takes a backseat to the constant demands of running a business, leading a team, or serving others—especially in the face of mounting stressors, rapidly changing times, and the ongoing pressure to adapt to new technologies. This session of WE Gather invites you to pause, reconnect, and explore what whole health really means—not just for your body and mind, but for your workplace, your mission, and your community. Together with Chaffee County Public Health, we’re diving into accessible strategies for integrating wellbeing into your everyday life. Through expert insights, lived experience, and local resources, you’ll gain tools to care for yourself, your team, and your organization in ways that promote long-term impact and sustainable success. From mindfulness and movement to public health services and alternative wellness practices, this is your opportunity to discover what’s available right here in Chaffee County—and how your organization can benefit from it. Come to learn, connect, and leave with a renewed sense of clarity, energy, and purpose. Open to anyone who has an interest in these topics. Connect with Local Resources at our Afternoon EXPO: Meet and network with local business owners and service providers who specialize in supporting mental health, mindfulness, and holistic wellbeing through a mini expo/pop-up shop. This is an opportunity to discover resources, products, and services that can enhance your whole health approach, benefiting both your business and personal life. Support Beyond the Gathering: Remember, we're here to support your business journey with complimentary professional consulting. Visit centralsbdc.org for more resources and to connect with our expert advisors.
WE Gather with COURAGEOUS RESILIENCE
Chaffee County FairgroundsLink to register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=400450007 Open to anyone interested in overcoming the unique challenges of rural entrepreneurship! In rural areas, entrepreneurs not only face distinct challenges such as isolation and limited resources but also grapple with the rising costs and fluctuating availability of products, services, and parts. Our workshop, "Courageous Resilience: Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs," is crafted to equip you with the tools to tackle these multifaceted challenges with confidence, emotional intelligence, and practical business acumen. This session will introduce you to advanced resilience strategies that go beyond the everyday business toolkit. You’ll learn how to adapt and thrive using scenario planning techniques, which help predict and prepare for future business challenges. We'll explore the importance of building a resilient business culture that promotes innovation and agility, enabling your team to respond swiftly to changes in the market or environment. Additionally, we will discuss the role of community engagement and partnerships in creating a supportive network that enhances business resilience and growth potential in rural settings. What to Expect: - Tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience - Enhanced decision-making and leadership through mindfulness - Strategies to harness vulnerability for personal and business growth - Connection with a community of like-minded rural entrepreneurs Support Beyond the Gathering: We're committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey. While we cannot record this in-person session, attendees will receive a comprehensive package including the slide deck, workbooks, and a curated guide of resource links. For more resources and to connect with our expert advisors, visit https://sbdc.colorado.gov/centralmountain.
WE Gather with CREATIVE PIVOTS + Expo
Chaffee County FairgroundsLink to register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=400450008 Link to be an exhibitor at the Expo: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=400450046 In a time of shifting economies and evolving customer habits, businesses that creatively pivot can not only survive—but thrive.“WE Gather with Creative Pivots” is a dynamic Business Accelerator designed to help entrepreneurs, makers, and nonprofit leaders turn uncertainty into inspiration. This morning workshop is focused on helping you uncover new revenue streams, align with emerging sales trends, and creatively evolve your offerings to meet the moment. Through hands-on exercises, expert speakers and inspirational insights drawn from thought leaders like Brianna Wiest (The Pivot Year), Angela Lomenzo (Wisdom of Wildly Creative People), and Karen Allen (Stop & Shift), you’ll gain: - Spot sales trends early and shift your strategy in real-time - Fresh tools to explore and develop new products or services - Strategies to offset declining sales with creative, trend-driven pivots - Opportunities to brainstorm and collaborate with other resilient business owners Come ready to rethink your business model, refresh your ideas, and reimagine what’s possible. You’ll leave with actionable insights and renewed confidence to navigate what’s next. Then attend our Afternoon Small Business Expo Open to the public! Discover local talent, shop from small businesses, meet nonprofit supporters, and explore partnership opportunities that fuel regional resilience. Or, sign up as an exhibitor ($50 all-inclusive) to showcase and sell your products or services.