DEL NORTE— The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual pie social at the High Valley Community Center in Del Norte last Thursday evening, July 19. The event was a huge success, bringing community members and business owners together to not only recognize some of the wonderful projects and people in Del Norte but to raise funds for future events for the chamber as well, not to mention to also eat some delicious pie.
Several local business owners spent the last week creating pies for the event, donating two pies, one to taste and one to go out for bid. Pies ranged from a classic apple to the more interesting variety and were enjoyed by all. Each participant purchased a pie-tasting ticket prior to the event, which allowed them the opportunity to taste the pie that they would be bidding on.
Chamber President and owner of Three Barrels Brewery William Kreutzer kicked off the night with a warm welcome to those who came and a huge thanks to the participating businesses. Residents took their seats as teens with the High Valley Community Center began to pass out samples of the pie, prior to the bidding. Businesses included The Perks Coffee House, The Columbine, Del Norte Town Hall, Suzanne Gosar and several others.
Residents of Del Norte were asked about a month ago to participate in the chamber’s “Best of Del Norte” survey in order to recognize some of the people, projects and businesses that help the community in many ways. People were asked to vote for several categories including best storefront, best youth, most exciting project, most neighborly community member and others that were awarded during the evening event.
The Columbine received the award for best storefront, for always having festive and beautiful decorations adorning the store throughout the entire year. Best Youth awards went to Sebastian Steffens and Leah Martinez for the community service work they do with the High Valley Community Center. The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project received the award for most exciting project in Del Norte for the work they have been doing on the riverfront project in recent weeks.
Suzanne Gosar was awarded most neighborly community member for her ability to always be friendly and have a smile for strangers and neighbors alike. Police Chief Robert Fresquez and Sergeant Frank Archuleta received awards for best public servants.
The night was a huge success and everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. All pies were successfully auctioned off by local auctioneer Luke Yoder. The chamber has come a long way over the last few years, bringing more and more events like the pie social to the area and helping to boost the economy by bringing new business interest to the region.  
Next up for the chamber will be the coming Covered Wagon Days that takes place the first weekend in August. There will be something for the entire family to enjoy; for a full schedule of events, please visit www.delnortechamber.org.