AMF headliner announced

The headliner for the second annual America’s Mountain Festival will be Aaron Watson.

Watson is the first independent male country artist ever to debut an album at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart, a feat recognized in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The album, “The Underdog,” debuted in 2015 and was followed up in 2017, by Watson’s first major radio airplay hit with “Outta Style”, which reached top 10 on Country Airplay.

“We are thrilled to have Aaron Watson head our lineup in 2026,” said Derek Waggoner, AMF event producer and chief executive officer
of the Tava Investor Group. “Watson is a true Texan musician who has shared the stage with country music legends Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson.”

The festival will be held on July 11 at Woodland Station.

Turkey Tracks fire

A small to moderate fire sparked near the Turkey Tracks Shooting Area with “unexploded ammunition” on Friday, according to a post on social media by the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire is 14.4 miles northwest of Woodland Park near Forest Road 343 off Colorado 67 and has not prompted any evacuations in the area.

Due to the hazards, the agency is focusing on firefighter safety and taking “an indirect approach” to combat the fire, according to the post. The Forest Service and local fire departments are on scene.

At least 22 acres have been impacted by the human caused fire, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Yule Days

Yule Days in Green Mountain Falls is a two-day festival, beginning with the craft fair/bake sale Dec. 1 and 2 at the Sallie Bush Community Center.

The event is a collaboration of Green Box Arts, Building Ute Pass Community, Town of Green Mountain Falls, Cantina Verde, Outlook Lodge, Church in the Wildwood, Colorado Horse Hay and Elite Equine. For a full schedule go to BUPC@BuildingUtePassCommunity.org

Out Loud

Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus presents a performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22.50 for seniors, students and military and free for youths under 12. Tickets are available at Outloudcsmc.com/events.

Heart of Christmas

Charis Bible College will present “The Heart of Christmas” Dec. 12-14.

The story follows Ruth, a young girl who discovers the joy of Christmas for the first time after escaping World War II in Europe. Ruth and her new family learn what the true heart of Christmas is all about. During the journey, you’ll experience the holiday season like never before.

“So join us at Charis Bible College for this unforgettable musical production from Robert and Elizabeth Muren that celebrates the true spirit of the holiday—and find out how one gift can change a life forever,” the production’s website says.

Oh, Christmas tree

Christmas tree cutting permits are now available. The Pikes Peak Ranger District is offering the permits in person at the Ranger office located at 601 South Weber in Colorado Springs. If you would like to obtain your permit online, go to https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/49f7193c-e64e-11ea-a244-5e6d4b9f6262/order through Dec. 23rd.

The cost is $20 per tree (limit five per family) for the Pike National Forest There is not a quota, so permits will not sell out. Be sure you are purchasing a permit for the Pikes Peak Ranger District and ensure you print your permit, map and cutting information from the website.