BREAKING NEWS! POPE FRANCIS DIES AT AGE 88
VATiCAN'S FIRST LATIN PONTIFF PASSED AWAY EARLY MONDAY
ARGENTINA-BORN, POPE FRANCIS HAS DIED AT AGE 88.
- “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized," Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement announcing the pope's death early today.
- The body of Pope Francis will likely be transfered to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning to allow his worshippers to pay their respects, the Vatican said.
- His successor will be chosen by the College of Cardinals during an upcoming conclave.
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At Royal Gorge Region News, our mission is to deliver authentic rural American news that truly reflects the spirit of Fremont County, Colorado. We are dedicated to informing our community about local happenings, events, and highlights that matter most to our citizens.
DiNardo's Cider mill & Farm market HONORED STATEWIDE
DiNardo’s Cider Mill & Farm Market has been a mainstay in the community for decades,
known for many things, but mostly his cider.
Albert DiNardo began making cider when he was only 12
years old, along with his twin brother, Mario.
That was over 83 years ago, right here in Fremont County.
PICTURED ABOVE, Heidi Willard & albert dinardo, all rights r
"History COLORADO" confirms that dinardo's cider mill & farm market is the oldest business
The story of DiNardo's Cider began when he and his brother picked cherries for a neighbor.
“When we finished picking, he didn’t pay us money,” said 95-year-old Albert,
“he gave us the cherries. We took the cherries home and daddy says, ‘what you got there?’ and we said ‘we’ve got cherries. He didn’t give us money,’ and daddy didn’t feel too sharp about that.”
Albert’s father, Ubaldo DiNardo, an Italian immigrant, asked the young brothers what they were going to do with the cherries to keep them from spoiling. “We told Daddy, ‘we’re going to make juice out of them’, Albert added, and that’s the beginning of cherry cider, the brothers lifelong business together and the treasured cider.”
From there, Albert learned to make cherry cider by himself. After school, and every weekend, Albert went to work in the orchards, picking fruit, and making cider, while Mario tended to sales at the business, and so it
was for decades, until Mario’s death in 2017.
While in school, the twins did not really participate in outside school activities or sports, though they loved totap dance, performing in Florence, Cañon City, Rockvale and Pueblo, with theater groups and at special events. The twins later learned to ballroom dance, but when they were younger, it was usually school and work, “Before cider, they had to help in the garden because Ubaldo had a huge garden,” Heidi added, “they did everything by hand.” But hard work came natural, “Dad and Mother wanted us to work,” Albert said.
Albert and Mario attended the Holy Cross Abbey, where they graduated in 1949. They continued to support the school and community with donations of funds over the years, including considerable contributions, “Mario and Albert paid for the patio (at the Abbey),” Heidi added with a proud smile.
The store offers 11 flavors of DiNardo’s which includes: cherry, apple, blueberry, grape, boysenberry, black raspberry, red raspberry and blackberry, as well as a variety of combination cider blends. But the best seller is
cherry, “Cherry has always been the best seller,” said Albert, "always."
With the cider business booming, the DiNardos began to purchase fruit in addition to their own harvests from the Western Slope to keep up with the demand. Word traveled fast about DiNardo’s delicious ciders and attracted people from all over, as it still does.
Some of Albert’s favorite memories are visiting with the numerous film stars and celebrities that have visited their store and purchased the cider, chat for a bit. John Wayne, Jane Fonda, Sam Elliott, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, James Arnett, Katherine Hepburn, Robert Redford, “there’s more, but I can’t remember all of them,” Albert said smiling, “Jane Fonda would come in every morning when she was making that movie,” Albert said, talking about, “Our Souls At Night” a film with Robert Redford that was shot in Florence in 2017.
His favorite, and Heidi’s, was John Wayne, “John Wayne was very, very nice,” Heidi said, “he ended up staying at one of well-known rancher Franklin Nash’s homes in Cañon City when he was filming a movie.”
NEAT FACT!
Not may people know, or remember,
that before that the stretch of US Highway 50 was called “River Street”
before Albert and Mario worked to
get it officially changed to the now, very well-known, “Royal Gorge Boulevard”.
Albert said, “We got a really nice letter
from the Mayor."
Heidi added, "We still have that letter."
DiNardo’s Cider Mill and Farm Market is located at 1400 Royal Gorge Boulevard
in Cañon City, and will celebrate its 84th birthday in "official" business this June.
Albert will celebrate his 96th birthday in May.
The store telephone is (719) 275-2727.
JUNKTIQUE & FLORENCE MERCHANTS' CAR SHOW ARE COMING!
JUNKTIQUE IS MAY 16th & 17th, 2025
Florence, Colorado is known as the "Antique Capital of America" and events like "Junktique" really make people
understand, and experience, why.
Every year now, for over two decades, the annual event,
sometimes twice a year, brings in thousands of people from all over Colorado and multiple surrounding states.
Florence Chamber of Commerce President, Joen Elliott, describes Junktique, "It is such a neat event, fun for everyone,
as we block off Main Street in downtown Florence. An open-air market filled with vendors of all kinds, but especially those who sell antiques, collectibles, vintage items, rare finds
and hidden treasures." 2025 Junktique is set for Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th with daily hours from 10am - 6pm.
There will also be music, live entertainment, food trucks
and giveaways.
Vendor spaces are $100 for a 10 x 10 space both days and Food Trucks can pay $175 to set up for Junktique on Friday and Saturday and the Merchants' car show on Sunday.
"Each year Junktique has gotten bigger and better, we learn more about what people want, what helps our merchants and downtown businesses and what keeps people coming back
to our fabulous little town," said Elliott.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the wonderful restaurants on Main Street and step inside the incredible Merchants who carry antiques, collectibles and vintage items all year. Weave freely across the street and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the "Antique Capital of America". For more information,
visit the Chamber website:
or email: fcocofficemanager@gmail.com
MERCHANTS' CAR SHOW IS MAY 18th, 2025
The 23rd Annual Florence Merchants Car Show in Florence, Colorado, is a relaxed, noncompetitive showing of classic cars, along with fun family friendly events, great food and shopping in historic Florence, Antique Capital of Colorado on May 18, 2025. Come to Main Street in the small town of Florence, Colorado on scenic Highway 115 to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of one of southern Colorado’s favorite car, truck and hotrod shows!
The Car Show started back in 2002 with only eleven cars and has now grown to over 400 cars annually. With historic Main Street closed off, local Florence businesses host car collectors, car lovers and their families for this one day event. Enjoy the day shopping for antiques, viewing classic and custom vehicles, touring the local Pioneer Museum, enjoying local art galleries along with a variety of wonderful local restaurants, cafes, and bars. Admission is free to the public. A $40.00 registration fee for vehicles is required for participants. Each year there will be drawings for door prizes and cash.
SCHEDULE
6am - 9am – Entry and on site registration
10am – Welcome-Sponsors/Volunteers First Drawing (must be present to win!)
10am-2pm – Live Music performed by Tommy & the Cruisers
Noon – 2nd round of Door Prizes (must be present to win)
2:00pm – 3rd round of Door Prizes(must be present to win) and Naming of the 2025 Featured Car!
3:00pm – END OF SHOW. See you next year!
LOCAL LEADERS SPEAK TO THE COMMUNITY, ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
Fremont county commissioner, district 3, dwayne mcfall
Commissioner Dwayne McFall is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Public Lands Steering Committee and Western Interstate Region (WIR).
The Western Interstate Region is affiliated with the National Association of Counties and is
dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo. These interests include public
land issues (use and conservation), community stability and economic development, and the
promotion of the traditional Western way of life. Its membership consists of fifteen Western
states (Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Montana,
Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, North Dakota and South Dakota) with membership
funded through the individual state associations.
Currently the 2nd Vice President of WIR, McFall works with Commissioners and Supervisors
from the 15 Western States to ensure counties receive funds for the public land within their
counties that remit no property tax. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools
(SRS) are paid to counties according to the percentage of public lands within the county.
The federal government has long recognized and accepted that federal land holdings are a burden
on local governments, and that funding is necessary for local governments to provide the types of
services needed to access and use those lands.
County governments have a critical role in policy development, planning, and management of
federal land through the coordination process mandated by federal law (16 U.S.C. 1604 (a) and
43 U.S.C. 1712 (b)).
McFall believes that fair, equitable payments to counties, including revenue sharing from all
forms of economic production, are necessary for federal agencies to meet their obligations as
land managers.
Fremont County has 46.4 percent federal lands equating to 455,300 acres.
Fremont County still must provide essential services for its residents and those who visit these
lands yearly. These services include road and bridge maintenance, law enforcement, and more.
We must lobby Congress yearly to authorize PILT payments to the tune of approximately $1.4
million.
SRS has not been authorized since 2023; Fremont County receives $122,000. Most of the SRS
funds are directed to the schools and roads. We are working closely with Congress to get SRS re-
authorized as quickly as possible.
Commissioner McFall is working hard for the residents of Fremont County, not only on the local
and state level, but also on the federal level as well, and he will continue to advocate for our fair
share.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FREMONT COUNTY, COLORADO
FLORENCE FFA ANNUAL FUNDRAISER & BANQUET - APRIL 26th
Get your tickets now for an incredible meal, amazing live music from Jimmy Cantwell, and supporting our local FFA. Silent auction and more!
FIRST ANNUAL BLOSSOM BALLERS BOWLING TOURNAMENT - APRIL 27th
Kicking off the Blossom Festivities this year is the First Annual Blossom Ballers on April 27, 2025 at 12p and 3p.
$25 per player with teams of four
$100 Lane Sponsorships
Visit ccblossomfestival.com
Click on the Blossom Ballers Bowling Tournament tab to print the registration form.
Make checks payable to "Fremont County USBC".
Call Matt Martinez with lane sponsorship and bowling questions at 719.371.3157
"EGG YOUR YARD" RETURNS!
Egg delivery / hide is Saturday, April 19 - there is still time to get your egg order in!
$20 for 20 eggs
$40 for 40 eggs
$60 for 60 eggs
"OVER THE RAINBOW" BLOSSOM BANQUET SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 26th
Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival presents the 3rd Annual Blossom Ball, "Over the Rainbow" at Marchand Ranch & Wedding Venue
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Blossom Hall of Fame inductees, Dinner, DJ, Dancing, Cash Bar, Silent Auction!
This year's theme is "Over the Rainbow"! Be ready to don your best attire and dance the night away!!
THIS YEAR'S CLUSTER DUCK IS MAY 3RD
The first big party of Blossom Festival is scheduled, Cluster Duck is back!
Here's everything you need to know about Cluster Duck, so you can make your plans now!
- Gates open at 4p on Saturday, May 3rd
- Admission: 14 & under $3 | all other ages $7
- First ever Cluster Duck Kids Zone with "Gotta Bounce"
- Eat dinner at the show with your choice of several food trucks
- $7 Drink tokens available for a large variety of beer/drinks
- VIP tent - $25 with free drink token and $5 drinks
- VIP Plus tent - $50 with 4 drink tokens, $3 drinks, and exclusive back stage green room access to meet & greet with bands
- Bring a lawn chair/blanket
- 5-6:30p | Six Bucks & A Flight
- 7-8:30p | Cody Cozz
- 9-11p | John Scalia & The Dirty Word
ROYAL GORGE WHITEWATER FESTIVAL IS JULY 18 - 19, 2025
The 16th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season on the Arkansas River. Enjoy summer flows in a fantastic whitewater setting in historic Cañon City, Colorado. Held in the refurbished and family-friendly Centennial Park, the Whitewater Festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled (and whitewater-fueled) events. It's the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed! Proceeds of this event benefit the Cañon City community. All are welcome to register for events or to watch the fun unfold!
THE 101st FREMONT COUNTY FAIR & RODEO IS SCHEDULED FOR JULY
Maximize Your Reach with Royal Gorge Region News Newspaper Advertising
The schedule for this year's Fremont County Fair & Rodeo has been announced and plans are once again being made for an incredible annual, local event!
Don't forget - the entire Fremont County community is invited to participate in "Open Fair", with ribbons and small cash prizes for winners.
The over a century fair has seen many transitions in its years, with the biggest likely being the relocation of the county fair to Pathfinder Regional Park, where there now sits an event center, with offices for CSU Extension Offices, as well as staff for the facilities and the brand new, open air pavilion that boasts wonderful agricultural and animal activities for local 4-H clubs, FFA and more. The pavilion is the center of activity during Buyer's Day, with thousands of dollars being raised every year by the local kids selling their market livestock.
For more information, visit the Fremont County Fair & Rodeo website here.
CPRA RODEO BACK AT FAIR
This will be the third year that the annual Fremont County Fair & Rodeo will host CPRA events!
After its first year with the fair in 2023, The Fremont County Fair & Rodeo was named "Best New CRPA Rodeo".
Slated for CPRA action on Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd. Don't miss out on Colorado Pro Rodeo Association at the Fremont County Fair & Rodeo!
WHAT HAPPENED ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
RGRN - where history meets community
What Happened On This Day in History – April 24
- 1184 BC – According to legend, the Greeks entered Troy using the famous Trojan Horse, bringing an end to the Trojan War.
- 1800 – The Library of Congress was established in the United States with a $5,000 appropriation signed by President John Adams.
- 1916 – The Easter Rising began in Dublin, Ireland, as Irish republicans launched an armed insurrection against British rule.
- 1990 – The Hubble Space Telescope was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, revolutionizing astronomy with its deep space imagery.
- 2005 – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was inaugurated as Pope Benedict XVI, following the death of Pope John Paul II.
NOTABLE BIRTHDAYS:
- 1800 – Anthony Trollope, English novelist known for the Chronicles of Barsetshire.
- 1873 – Guglielmo Marconi, Italian inventor and pioneer of long-distance radio transmission.
- 1934 – Shirley MacLaine, American actress, dancer, and author.
- 1942 – Barbra Streisand, iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker.
- 1967 – Djimon Hounsou, Beninese-American actor (Gladiator, Blood Diamond).
- 1982 – Kelly Clarkson, American singer, songwriter, and winner of the first season of American Idol.
Royal Gorge Region News - Where history meets community.
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Discover authentic rural American news with Royal Gorge Region News. We cover Fremont County, Colorado, offering print, digital, and online editions featuring local news, business highlights, events, and community information. Stay informed with us!