West Elks Wine Trail Wraps Up Today Across the Valley

Austin, CO · August 2, 2026

Summer heat hangs over the valley this Sunday, but the final glass of the West Elks Wine Trail is ready to be poured. Whether heading over to Hotchkiss for early fair activities or staying close to home, today offers plenty to catch before the weekend closes.

The Lead

The 121st Delta County Fair & Rodeo officially opens its weeklong run today at the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss, bringing agricultural tradition back to the center of valley life. Early horse shows and youth exhibit check-ins lead off nine days of competition, culminating later this week in CPRA rodeos, live concerts, and the junior market livestock sale.

For farm families across the area, months of grooming livestock, practicing showmanship, and preparing craft entries come down to this week in the arena. Nationally recognized judges and local organizers expect thousands of visitors through the gates before festivities wrap up next Sunday. Gates open early each morning, with livestock barns and exhibition halls welcoming spectators looking to support the valley's young agricultural leaders.

Local Pulse

  • Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Remain Active Dry weather keeps all open outdoor burning, wood campfires, and charcoal grills strictly prohibited countywide.

  • Highway Crews Maintain Surface Work Drivers along Highway 50 and Highway 65 should watch for periodic shoulder work and temporary delay zones.

Today's Outlook

  • High 103°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
    • Overcast skies offer little relief today, so keep water handy during hot afternoon errands.

What's On Around Town

  • Hotchkiss: Delta County Fair Opening Weekend Delta County Fairgrounds, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Early horse competitions and exhibit halls open for day two of fair week.

  • Paonia: Pottery Details & Handles Workshop Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Hands-on studio session focused on refining handles and decorative clay elements.

  • West Elks Wine Trail Grand Finale Various North Fork Wineries, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Final day for orchard wagon tours, barrel tastings, and local food pairings.

  • Paonia: Color Fields Art Showcase Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Exhibition highlighting vibrant original paintings from regional mountain artists.

Spotlight & Story

  • Hice Ranch
    • Planted on 87 acres purchased from town namesake Austin Miller in 1910, this local farm shipped apples and peaches nationwide from the historic local packing house. Today, the family still harvests fruit from 60-year-old trees using the original 1920s barn.

Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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