Letter: Big thanks for a great party

Big thanks for a great party

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies would like to acknowledge the generosity of all those who contributed to the success of this year’s Harvest Party at Rock Bottom Ranch. Last weekend, nearly 1,400 community members from throughout the valley gathered at ACES’ 113-acre ranch and wildlife preserve in Basalt for a seasonal celebration that included live music, delicious food, pumpkin-carving, farm tours, apple-cider pressing, games and more.

The Harvest Party benefits ACES Ed, our environmental-science-education program that includes full-time dedicated classrooms at Aspen Elementary School, Basalt Elementary School and Crystal River Elementary School in Carbondale as well as field programs for 48 regional schools. ACES Ed serves more than 4,600 students every year from Aspen to Rifle!

We are very grateful to all of our patrons, members, volunteers and silent-auction contributors as well as our corporate and in-kind event sponsors. Special thanks go to our supporting sponsor, Smoke Modern Barbeque, which provided a delicious lunch for the event. Its sponsorship makes it possible for ACES to keep ticket prices low and affordable for families throughout the valley. The 2015 Harvest Party also was made possible by generous sponsorship support from Aspen Associates Realty Group, Jeffrey Berkus Architects, Aspen Brewing Co., Of Grape & Grain, Whole Foods, The Aspen Times, the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and KSPN.

If you missed the Harvest Party, we encourage you to stop by Rock Bottom Ranch to experience the new eco-ed trail system and outdoor classrooms. Guided farm tours are offered throughout the winter on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m.

Chris R. Lane

Chief executive officer, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies