CONTACT: Ryan Dorough, Recreation Program Planner, 719-520-6977, ryandorough@elpasoco.com

Bear Creek by Candlelight

Bear Creek Regional Park

Friday, December 2

Join us for Bear Creek Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration! Walk on luminary-lit nature trails, enjoy live music, chili dinner from Texas Roadhouse, Santa Claus, and festive crafts.

$8/person, $7 per member. For more information call 719-520-6387. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Country Holiday Fair

El Paso County Fair and Events Center – Whittemore Building

Saturday, December 10, 2:00-7:00 PM

Shop over 50 local vendors while the kids make crafts & get their pictures with Santa. Enjoy food trucks, holiday cocktails, and plenty of treats. For more information, call 719-520-7880, or go to www.elpasocountyfair.com

Bunco Party! At Bear Creek Nature Center

Bear Creek Nature Center

Friday, January 13, Starts at 5:00 p.m.

Let’s play Bunco in the Nature Center! Join us for a wonderful evening of excitement, laughs, and rolling dice. We will provide the dice, score cards, nacho bar, and prizes. Unlike other Bunco parties, this party is for everyone ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult but can venture on their own during game play. $8/person. For more information call 719-520-6977. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Winter Fun at Fox Run

Fox Run Regional Park

Saturday, February 4, starts at 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Join us at Fox Run Regional Park for a celebration of winter’s beauty! Roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire, enjoy live music, wagon-drawn hayrides through the park, storytelling, dog costume contest, and parade with prizes for the winners, games, and more! $5 per person includes food and all activities. All proceeds support a new nature center in Fox Run Regional Park! For more information call 719-520-6387. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

PROGRAMS:

Lots of Knots

Bear Creek Nature Center– Friday, December 16, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Fountain Creek Nature Center– Saturday, January 7, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Whether you’re going on a family camping trip in the mountains, moving across the country for school or a new job, or just simply working on some projects around the house or garden, a good knot is one of the most useful tools in a person’s toolbox. In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn almost everything you want to know about knots and their practical usage. Get hands on experience using different types of materials to successfully tie the most effective and secure knots for all your rigging needs.

$8 per person/ $7 per member & military. For more information or member/military registration, call 719-520-6977. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Painting in the Park: Valentine’s Edition

Fountain Creek Nature Center

Saturday, January 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

What better way to send a message of love than with something handmade? Join us as we learn some watercolor painting basics, then make your own watercolor Valentine’s Day cards! Each person will receive their own watercolor pallet, brush set, and cards with envelopes. Program is geared towards adults. $15/person, $10/member. For more information call 719-520-6745. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Fishing 101

Bear Creek Nature Center

Friday, February 17, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Have an interest in fishing but don’t know where to begin? Come learn all about freshwater fishing as we explore the exciting opportunities our state has to offer. Colorado is one of the top freshwater fishing destinations in the world; we want you to feel confident in going out to reel in the big one. In this seminar styled program you will learn everything you need to know about fishing and how to get started. Come learn from local pros and special guest speakers about one of Colorado’s greatest recreation assets. Program designed for teens and adults but children are welcome. $5/person, $4/member & military. For more information or member/military registration, call 719-520-6977. To pre-register, go to ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com