Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell The Creede Salsa Fiesta spiced up Main Street on Saturday with 16 businesses participating in this year's event. Guests walked Main Street tasting different types of salsa and enjoying the beautiful fall day.

CREEDE — With fall showing its colors in the aspen trees in the higher elevations, the Creede Labor Day weekend festivities kicked off Saturday morning with the annual Mountain Run.

This popular event draws close to 100 participants each year and this year was no different. Mountain Run participants gathered on Main Street in the early morning hours to begin their journey through the historical Bachelor Loop above Creede for the 50k, 22-mile, 12-mile or 2-mile race.

The results for the race will be released next week once all the time sheets have been turned in. Organizers extended thanks to all the volunteers that helped make this event possible.

The weather remained about perfect for a September day in the San Juan Mountains and guests wandered to enjoy the last few warm days before autumn comes. The annual Salsa Fiesta began at 11 a.m. with 16 participating businesses vying for the top spot in various categories that allow salsa chefs to bring out their best in a flavorful way. It was a spicy day for the win.

The fiesta offered guests in the area a chance to taste a variety of salsa made by local businesses and organizations. There were five categories including best red salsa, best green, best fruit, best freestyle and overall favorite. Ticket holders ventured along Main Street in Creede and beyond to taste some interestingly delicious homemade salsa while enjoying the last few days of summer.

The winners were announced by the end of day. San Juan Sports won best red, best green went to the Blue Yak, best fruit went to Wander Off Broadway and both best freestyle and overall winner for the day went to Kip’s Grill.

Organizers thanked all the participating businesses — MJ’s Café, Creede and Mineral Chamber of Commerce, Kip’s Grill, Creede Cravings, San Juan Sports, The Mac Mine, Tommyknocker’s Tavern, Creede Olive Oil Company, Arps at the Creede Hotel, Creede Repertory Theatre, Wander Off Broadway, Holy Moses, Loverings, the Blue Yak, Creede Trading Post and Wild Mountain.

Next on the Creede calendar is the Crusin’ the Canyon Car Show that features a wide range of classic and uniquely built hotrods, trucks and cars. For more information, visit www.creede.com or call the Creede and Mineral County Chamber at 719-658-2374.