2nd Annual Masquerade Ball

The Yampa Valley Autism Program will be hosting their 2nd Annual Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will be held at the Three Peaks Grill. The evening will consist of a cocktail hour, dinner, drawings, live auction and dancing. Tickets can be purchased at All That Jazz or online at www.yampavalleyautism.org or call 970-870-6257. Tickets are $60 for individuals, $115 for couples or corporate tables are available for $500, $750 or $1000. Proceeds will benefit the Yampa Valley Autism Program which supports families with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. Black Tie is optional but masks are required for entry. You can purchase a mask at the door or bring your own. There will be prizes for best masks too. If you cannot attend this fun event but would like to make a donation you can mail a check to YVAP, PO Box 771824, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 or donate online at www.yampavalleyautism.org

Election Forum 2009

Friday, October 2nd will be a great opportunity to meet and listen to the candidates running for the Steamboat Springs City Council. The Election Forum will be held at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. 5 p.m. is the Meet and Greet and 6 p.m. starts the forum. Food and beverages from Rex's American Grill provided by the Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors. The candidates participating are District 1: Kevin Bennett and Cari Hermacinski, District 2: Kenny Reisman and Ken Solomon, District 3 Walter Magill, At Large: Jim Engelken and Kyle Pietras, Steamboat Springs School Board candidates: Brian Kelly and Bill Kennedy. Also attending will be Routt County Clerk and Recorder Kay Weinland to discuss this year's election, which is mail-in ballot only. This forum is sponsored by Steamboat Pilot and Today, Steamboat TV18, Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors, Routt County Democratic Party and Routt County Republican Party.

Necessary Advice For First Time Home Buyers

Many contradictory emotions can explain the feelings of a first-time home buyer. Scared of losing money, excited to get a 'good deal,' and confused about what they are looking for. Guidance is a very helpful tool for buyers trying to beat the November 30th closing deadline to qualify for the federal first-time home buyer tax credit. There are 3 false assumptions you must know.
1. "The Housing Market Is Slow."
News everywhere is telling us that homes are not selling, but that isn't true for many entry-level markets. Knowing the environment you are competing in is key. Many people are taking advantage of under priced homes. Take a look at your opportunities, there are plenty out there, but remember that a good deal won't stay long.
2. "I Need To See All The Options."
Inventory is deep these days with everyone selling homes. The truth is that your Realtor will give you all the data and tools you need to be a successful home buyer by giving you a firm grasp on the market. Buyers must realize that interest rates are at an all time low, they have no where to go but up, which means the longer you wait the less money you will save.
3."I've Found A Bargain!"
Affordability is at record levels, but many buyers need help putting price into perspective. There can be homes at a portion of the market average, but keep mindful of homes that may need a lot of repairs driving the cost up.
Your Realtor has the data and skills needed to help you be successful. Taking the guidance and tools from your Realtor will help you save time, and money in the end.

8th Annual Soup Bowl Supper

On Wednesday, September 30th, 20 Local restaurants and organizations are coming together to hold a fundraiser to benefit Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide. Admissions includes a handmade ceramic bowl created by a local artist, soup donated by local restaurants, bread, beverage, and dessert. Tickests are $20 in advance and can be found at All That Jazz, Artists' Gallery of Steamboat & Blue Sky Pottery or can be purchased for $25 at the door. This event will be held at the Community Center next to the Transit Center on Highway 40, there are two seatings times of 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. For more information, call 970-846-5156 or 970-819-9453

Fun for all ages at Steamboat Springs Rotary Club Community Barbeque and Barn Dance

The second annual Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs community barbecue and barn dance is an event to raise funds for the Steamboat Community Cares Fund and the Rotary Club's local charities. This Fundraiser holds lots of entertainment for all ages including 12 raffle prizes totaling $15,000, live music, country dancing, and catered food. The event is from 5pm to 9pm, Saturday, September 26th at the Sidney Peak Ranch Horse Arena. Requests for financial assistance are coming in more than ever for the charity organizations. Tickets are $35 for singles, or $75 for families up to five members. Each additional child younger than 16 is $10. Tickets are available at Central Park Liquor, All That Jazz and at the door of dance. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 15 for $100.

Yampa Valley Sustainability Summit

"Solutions to a Changing World," the second annual Sustainability Summit is Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel Ballroom. Friday's highlights include nearly 200 attendees representing a cross section of Routt County, 50 exhibitors, workshops and breakout sessions. Some of the main topics will be renewable energy, green building, transportation issues, zero-waste, carbon mitigation, energy efficiency, beetle kill, water conservation and stimulus funding. The Summit will be from 7:30am to 8:00pm. Saturday's Green Building Tour will begin at the Downtown Bud Werner Library. First you will tour the library and then 3 additional homes. The tour will last from 8:00am to 1:00pm and includes a light breakfast and coffee by Amante. The cost is $35 for Friday's program and $10 for Saturday's tour. Log on to www.yvsc.org for more details and to register.

Steamboat Springs "OktoberWest"

Join in on the fun, food, fall colors, friends, family, festivities and beer at the Steamboat Springs OktoberWest Friday, September 18th through Sunday, September 20th.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, 9/18/09-Downtown

5pm-Pedaling Posse Parade (Howelson Hill to Little Toots Park)Prizes for best Cruiser bike and best costume
6pm-Suds & Grub (Beer tasting at participating restaurants)

Saturday, 9/19/09-Ski Area

6am- Run Rabbit Run Ultra Marathon Race start
10am-4pm Gondola open (Buy Saturday Ticket, get Sunday Free
12pm-Keg tapping ceremony
12pm-7pm- 2 for 1 Coca Cola Adventure Zone activities
1pm- Lamb Cook-Off (3:30pm People's Choice Tasting)
2pm-Bucking Bull Battle (mechanical bull)
3:30pm-Cow Pie Challenge (pie eating challenge)
4pm- Free Concert featuring Drew Emmitt Band and opening band 3 Wire

Sunday, 9/20/09- Ski Area

10am-4pm Gondola Open (Buy Saturday ticket, get Sunday Free)
10:45am-4pm-$5 Bloody Mary Bar at the Oasis Sundeck
11am-2:30pm-OktoberWest luncheon buffet-Top of the Gondola
12pm-7pm-2 for 1 Coca-Cola Adventure Zone Activities

Event presented by Base Area Re-Investment Coalition
For more information call 970-879-0880

1st Annual C.R.A. ProStart Classic

The Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club will be hosting a golf tournament on Friday, September 18th. Shotgun start at 12:00pm and 4 person scramble. There will be a contest at every hole and a Hole-In-One competition. Entry Fee is $100 per person including lunch, snacks, donation, greens fee and riding cart.($55 for Rollingstone Ranch members with paid green fees and cart pass;$65 without cart pass) This event will benefit the local chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association and the Chris Corna ProStart Scholarship Fund. To check for availability, acquire a sign-up sheet, make a donation or ask questions call Emert at 970-819-4948.

Java & Jazz

Don't miss Java & Jazz this Sunday, September 13th from 4pm to 7pm. This event will be offering specialty coffees, fine music, hors-d'oeuvres and wine at Lake Catamount Clubhouse. Plus, a premier silent auction. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at All That Jazz or at the door. The proceeds will benefit Partners Mentoring Youths in Routt County. For more information you call call 970-879-6141 or www.partnersrouttcounty.org

Labor Day Weekend Home Tour

Our firm, Colorado Group Realty organized a Labor Day Weekend Home Tour offering an opportunity to view over 20 homes in Downtown Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park, The Sanctuary and the Mountain area. The open houses will be Saturday, September 5th between 2pm and 5pm. Call us or stop by one of our offices for a map.

New public gondola and it will be free to ride!

A new public gondola with a price tag of more than $3 million dollars is expected to be installed in October and operational no later than February. The six-passenger cabin will carry approximately 340 passengers per hour and ride time will be 4 minutes. The gondola will travel about 2,000 feet from Trailhead Lodge at Wildhorse to Gondola Square. The gondola is manufactured by Leitner-Poma out of Grand Junction, CO.