By Nick Nevares, July Fourth organizer.
As the sun rises over Crestone on the Fourth of July, the community comes together to celebrate not only our nation’s independence but also the unique spirit that defines our town. This year’s theme, “Unique, United and Undivided” is a mantra of hope for the future of the Crestone-Baca community.
Unique: Crestone is a tapestry woven with diverse backgrounds, talents, and stories. Each individual in our community contributes a unique thread, creating a rich and vibrant fabric that sets us apart from anywhere else. From artists and musicians to farmers and entrepreneurs, the eclectic mix of people here brings a wealth of creativity and innovation. Our distinctiveness is a source of pride and strength, reminding us that every person’s contribution adds to the overall beauty and complexity of our community.
United: On this day of celebration, we stand together, united by our shared values and love for our way of life. The Fourth of July is a time to remember that our unity is our greatest asset. Whether we are organizing events, supporting local businesses, or simply enjoying the festivities together, our sense of togetherness strengthens our bonds. It fosters a spirit of collaboration and support that is evident in every corner of Crestone. We are a community that thrives on connection, where neighbors look out for each other and work hand in hand to achieve common goals.
Undivided: Despite any differences we may have and however tumultuous it may get in the outside world, we must remain undivided. The spirit of Crestone is one of solidarity and mutual respect. We stand strong as a community, committed to each other and to the common good. This unity ensures that we face challenges with resilience and hope. Our undivided spirit means that we can overcome obstacles together, celebrating our successes and supporting each other through difficult times.
This Fourth of July, we honor not only our independence but also the enduring strength and unity of our community.
Liza Marron this year’s Grand Marshal
Arriving here 38 years ago after seeing an ad to work on a buffalo ranch in Center, Liza Marron with her then-husband Buck moved their family to the San Luis Valley, and never looked back. Learning how to wrangle buffalo on motorcycles, she, her two kids and husband started out living lived in a tent while “cowboying” on the ranch. Following her tenure at the buffalo ranch, she went to work for the Department of Social Services doing low-income energy assistance in the winter, and in the summer working at Green Earth Organic Farm with Tom and Lillian McCracken, taking organic food to market on the Front Range.
At 40, she took over running a youth mentoring program “Pilots for Prevention” as an after-school program (sometimes just she and 40 kids on a bus) going on activities throughout the valley. Because of this program, she became a foster mom to numerous kids while also going back to college for a degree in Spanish, and a Masters in counseling. After the money dried up for the kids’ program, Liza started working for Behavioral Health on the prevention team when a position became available at Valley Wide Health Systems for Health Eating and Active Living, known as “Live Well”, where it became clear that farm to table access to food was the biggest need in the area.
From there, she helped to found the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition, and the Valley Roots Food Hub, after taking surveys from local farmers finding the need to coordinate their selling efforts.
Around the same time, she helped establish the Rio Grande Farm Park, helping bring food-growing education to the area. She then went on to co-found (along with Linda Joseph and others) ScSEED, the local fiscal sponsor that supports dozens of area nonprofits, including the Crestone Energy Fair.
Now serving as Saguache County Commissioner, Liza will march in this year’s Fourth of July as the Grand Marshal as an exemplar of community service and a showcase to how one person can make a true positive impact in a community.