There are two big holidays in Nucla, the first being Water Days, celebrated for the last century near the July 4 holiday, which honors the hard work of the pioneers who brought water to the park through their efforts of building the CC Ditch. And, then the Heritage Festival, having happened for eight consecutive years now, shares a common thread with the former.
Established by the Rimrocker Historical Society and the Apple Core Project, the Heritage Festival also honors the pioneers, and the fruit they brought with them more than 100 years ago, fruit that folks in the West End are still enjoying to this day.
For the last decade, representatives of the Apple Core Project have worked to make sure the community understands the importance of orchards on local farms, and in yards and parks. They hold educational events, graft and sell heirloom tree varieties, map local orchards for historical purposes and more. And, the festival aims to celebrate those fruits, perpetuate them, identify them and get them into people’s hands, and it includes vegetables and other items too.
Over the weekend, on Oct. 5, the Heritage Festival seemed to be bigger than ever. It’s come a long way since the first event happened in Naturita in 2016. Melanie Eggers, co-founder of the Apple Core, confirmed with the Forum that as many as 28 vendors were on site.
She had a table showcasing heirloom apples and the many varieties present in the West End. Near her station, James Thornecroft kept the old-fashioned apple press cranking. With help from local volunteers, Eggers told the Forum the festival pressed at least 30 bushels of apples, and there are 40 pounds in a bushel. That means 1,200 pounds of different apples created Saturday’s fresh cider — free to all who were present.
In the name of local food, Wild Gal’s Market, based in Naturita, was on site and sold out of beef skewers just after lunch at approximately 1 p.m. Still, Wild Gal’s Market carried on with chicken satays and other sides and salads.
Yvette Henson, retiring from her position as executive director of the Colorado State University-Extension Office, held her last heirloom vegetable display. She also showcased the best of local vegetables, cabbages, onions, tomatoes and more.
The West End’s pizza shops were there too, Saucy Mama’s and Flying Bear Pizzeria. And, Jay and Dana Saxton kept the hard cider and beer flowing, much of which was also sourced locally and through Esoterra Ciderworks, of Durango.
Other vendors showed up too: Cypress Roots, Nucla’s herb farm; West End Dark Sky Alliance, promoting the dark sky resource; Face Painting by Rae, bringing art to the local children; plus more, including two bands that played bluegrass and country music throughout the afternoon. And, students had fundraising booths too.
Many from Norwood traveled to the Nucla Town Park for the festival, and some came from as far as Telluride, New Mexico and even Arizona.
In all, Eggers said the Heritage Festival was a success.
“My heart is full, and I am still on Cloud 9 from Saturday,” she said. “There was great attendance, and the vendors ‘shined,’ including all of our local kids at their fundraising booths. The local food was outstanding, and the music and company were fantastic. I couldn't be more pleased.”
She added that the settlers, and even the Indigenous cultures, played a crucial part in saving the heirloom apple genetics.
“And, in the next best world, we came together as a community in the park to honor our heritage, but also help carry on their work by simply celebrating our local apples.”
