Hotchkiss is located at a natural crossroads in the North Fork Valley, at the intersection of Highways 133 and 92, making it the hub of the North Fork Valley with easy access to Delta and points beyond. The Hotchkiss area is the center of fruit production and processing, and is home to the Gunnison Gorge. While fewer than 1,000 people live “in town,” the actual population is more than twice as many. Situated at 5,300 feet, the town is home to spectacular views, hunting, fishing, hiking trails, and both summer and winter outdoor activities.
Businesses
Hotchkiss is home to a diverse group of retailers, professional practitioners, and services, including a bank, post office, library, coffee shop, restaurants, a grocery store, and is home to the Delta County Fairgrounds. Hotchkiss is part of the Delta County Ambulance District, and is served by Delta County Memorial Hospital. The local fine arts association is over 50 years old, and the town is proud of its local galleries and shops, including the Church of Art. The town is home to a growing population of artists, writers, musicians, and crafts people.
Historically know for coal mining and as a supply center for the area, the town is moving toward the mainstays of agriculture and cattle ranching. Traditional fruit farming is modernizing into organic orchards and vineyards, and organic vegetable farms provide the area with some of the best produce in Colorado. Cattle ranching has been expanded to include elk and buffalo ranching.
Education
Hotchkiss is the Home of the Bulldogs. Hotchkiss Elementary School provides a full K – 8 education, including traditional academics, athletics and activities, including basketball for both boys and girls, music, Knowledge Bowl, football, National Junior Honor Society, and glee club. Hotchkiss High School offers a full high school education, academics, athletics and activities, including agriculture/FFA, band and choir, drama, National Honor Society, sports teams for both boys and girls, and a College for Every Student program.
The Hotchkiss branch of Delta County Libraries maintains a varied collection of books, audio and visual materials, periodicals and downloadable materials, and offers a schedule of engaging programming for children, teens and adults.
Events and Attractions
Every May, on Mother’s Day weekend, Hotchkiss is home to the Annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials. The trials include Nursery and Novice classes, followed by the Pro-Novice and Open dog classes. Sheep shearing and wool spinning demos, food, crafts, and art booths round out the event.
That same weekend, check out the Hotchkiss Fire Station Pancake Breakfast, an antique auto show, and 5 K run.
Held in September, the Annual Tomato Fest is the time to take advantage of the summer’s bounty of tomatoes. Events include tomato contests and judging, tomato tastings, and sales. There is an art contest for the kids, local food venders, and on-site pepper roasting.
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