The Colorado Sun to Host Arkansas River Event May 7 in Rocky Ford

Description: The Colorado Sun will host “The Arkansas River: Sharing a Precious Resource Vital to Southeast Colorado” on May 7, 2026, at The Grand Theater in Rocky Ford. Doors open at 5 p.m.

YOU’RE INVITED
The Arkansas River: Sharing a Precious Resource Vital to Southeast Colorado

May 7, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
The Grand Theater | Rocky Ford

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Join The Colorado Sun in Rocky Ford for an evening focused on one of Colorado’s most essential resources, the Arkansas River. More than a conversation, it is a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of the people and institutions shaping the river’s future, from the agricultural communities of the Lower Arkansas Valley to the cities along the Front Range.

The evening begins with a powerful visual presentation from The Colorado Sun photographer Mike Sweeney and environment reporter Michael Booth. The images featured are from the Sun’s “What is a River?” series, capturing the people, places, and livelihoods connected to the Arkansas River.

Then, the spotlight turns to a panel you won’t want to miss.

This is not a typical lineup. It brings together voices that don’t always agree on how water is used, moved, and valued across the basin. From passionate local advocates working to protect the Lower Arkansas Valley, to municipal providers meeting the needs of growing communities, this conversation will explore the complexities and shared responsibilities surrounding the river.

Panelists include:

• Dr. Mike Bartolo, Colorado State University Vegetable Crops Specialist (Retired)
• Jack Goble, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District
• Kim Gortz, Colorado Springs Utilities
• Rick Kienitz, Aurora Water
• Rob Oquist, Otero County Commissioner

Free to the Public

Event Presented By:

Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District
Aurora Water
Colorado Springs Utilities
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Colorado Water Center

Expect a thoughtful, engaging discussion about water, agriculture, growth, and what it means to share a finite resource in a changing Colorado.

Light snacks and drinks will be available.

RSVP HERE: https://coloradosun.com/events/#rockyfordevent2026

This event is sponsored by Adams State University.

SECO News Broadcast Sponsors:

La Junta Mill & Elevator

H&R Block of La Junta & Lamar

Ruby's Auto Body & Towing

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