There is a version of this story where we talk about what we built and how hard we worked to build it.
That is not this story.
This story is about what happens when a community decides it deserves more — and then proves it.
A recent report from Main Street America confirms what we are already seeing on the ground in Colfax — that events and experiences are one of the most powerful drivers of downtown foot traffic and economic activity. We wrote about what that looks like here in Colfax. The Historic Colfax Summer Concert Series is that strategy in action.
It Started With a Grant We Didn’t Win
A few years ago the Historic Colfax Downtown Association applied for the Levitt Foundation grant — one of the most competitive community music grants in the country. To get there we needed public votes. So we threw a concert right here on Main Street and asked Colfax to show up.
And Colfax showed up.
This community voted us into the national top 50, outmobilizing cities a hundred times our size. The Colfax Record captured what that night felt like when it quoted a concert attendee — “This is the most alive I’ve ever seen Colfax.”
We didn’t win the grant.
But we couldn’t walk away from what we had just witnessed. Because what we saw that night wasn’t an event. It was a community telling us exactly who it wanted to become.
So We Built It Anyway
With early backing of the City of Colfax and City Council, and sponsors who believed in this event before the first note was ever played, the Historic Colfax Downtown Association launched Live in — Live in Colfax.
Not because we had all the resources. Because we had all the proof we needed.
This Summer Is the Result
Five free concerts. Five Saturday nights. Historic Main Street in Colfax closed to traffic and open to everyone — from May through September 2026.
We are not booking whoever is available. We are bringing regional and touring acts with proven draws — musicians who give people a reason to drive up from Sacramento, pull off I-80 on their way to Tahoe, and spend an evening discovering what Colfax has been quietly building.
The 2026 lineup includes artists who have played stages from California to Ireland, from Memphis to Nashville.
All of it free. All of it on Main Street. All of it made possible by this community and the sponsors and partners who believe in its future.
This Is What the Mission Looks Like
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association exists to breathe new life into historic downtown Colfax — to build the kind of downtown that makes people want to stay, return, and invest.
Live in Colfax is not a side project. It is the mission in action.
Every person who drives up from Sacramento for a free Saturday night concert discovers a downtown worth coming back to. Every family who spreads a blanket on Main Street is building a memory that makes Colfax home. Every vendor who sells out their inventory — as one did at our very first concert — is proof that when you give people a reason to gather, commerce follows.
We are proud of what this community has built. And we are just getting started.
Join Us This Summer
The full 2026 lineup and event details are live at LiveinColfax.com. All concerts are free and open to the public. No tickets required.
If you want to be part of making this happen — as a sponsor, a vendor, or a supporter — we would love to hear from you at liveincolfax.com/become-a-sponsor.
In Colfax, California, a small historic town in the Sierra Foothills, downtown is beginning to shift.
A recent report from Main Street America highlights how communities across the country are adapting in a time of economic change—focusing on economic resilience, local investment, and creating places people actively choose to spend time in.
Many of those same strategies are now being implemented by the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Colfax CA.
While every town is different, the patterns are consistent—and increasingly measurable.
What the National Main Street Report Found
Main Streets across the United States are evolving in several key ways:
Events and experiences are a primary driver of foot traffic Downtown organizations nationwide report that concerts, markets, and cultural programming are among the most effective ways to bring people into their districts.
Public-private partnerships are essential Collaboration between nonprofits, cities, and local businesses is a defining factor in successful downtown revitalization.
Funding remains one of the biggest challenges Many Main Street organizations rely on a mix of grants, sponsorships, and community support to sustain long-term growth.
Placemaking shapes identity and visitor experience Public art, walkable streets, gathering spaces, and historic preservation efforts increase visitation and encourage people to stay longer.
Economic resilience is the long-term goal The focus is not just activity—it is measurable outcomes such as stronger businesses, reduced vacancy rates, and increased private investment.
These trends are being applied in small towns across the country—many of them similar in scale and character to Colfax CA.
How These Trends Are Already Taking Shape in Downtown Colfax CA
While Colfax has its own history and identity, many of these same strategies are already being implemented locally through the work of the Historic Colfax Downtown Association.
Events Driving Foot Traffic in Colfax CA
Events are one of the most effective tools for bringing consistent activity into downtown Colfax CA, and that strategy is already producing measurable results.
The Colfax Bazaar draws approximately 1,000 attendees per event, introducing new visitors to historic district and creating repeat traffic for local businesses.
But the momentum doesn’t stop there.
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is expanding its event strategy with the launch of a 2026 Summer Concert Series, featuring five planned shows on Main Street. These concerts are designed to bring both locals and out-of-area visitors into downtown Colfax on a recurring basis throughout the summer season.
In addition to large-scale events, smaller cultural programming is also gaining traction. The recent “Women Who Refused to Behave” history event—produced in partnership with the Colfax Museum—sold out two sessions, demonstrating strong demand for experiences that connect visitors and residents to the town’s heritage.
As this programming expands, downtown Colfax is beginning to position itself alongside other active foothill communities such as Auburn and Grass Valley—and even larger regional hubs like Rocklin—as a place where people travel for events, not just pass through.
Partnerships Strengthening Downtown Colfax
Revitalization efforts in historic downtown Colfax CA are being shaped through active collaboration between local organizations, the City of Colfax, business owners, and community members.
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is working alongside key stakeholders to:
produce events that activate Main Street
coordinate with the City on downtown initiatives and planning
partner with local organizations, including the Colfax Area Heritage Museum, to bring history-based programming to life
engage business and property owners in shaping the future of the district
This type of coordinated effort reflects the public-private partnership model identified in national Main Street programs as a key driver of long-term success.
Building a Sustainable Funding Model for Downtown Colfax
As a 501(c)(3), the Historic Colfax Downtown Association is developing a diversified funding model designed to support long-term revitalization efforts in downtown Colfax CA.
Current funding sources include:
grant funding to support large-scale initiatives and programming
business sponsorships tied to events and downtown activation
community contributions that help sustain ongoing efforts
This approach allows downtown initiatives to grow beyond one-time efforts and instead build consistent, repeatable impact—aligning with national best practices for Main Street organizations.
Placemaking and Identity in Historic Colfax
A key focus of revitalization efforts in historic downtown Colfax is strengthening the town’s identity as a destination in the Sierra Foothills.
Current and planned initiatives include:
historic storytelling through events, walking tours, and programming
public art and murals that reflect Colfax’s Gold Rush and railroad heritage
events that activate Main Street and encourage people to explore downtown
long-term efforts to improve walkability, gathering spaces, and overall downtown experience
These placemaking strategies are designed to create a downtown that is not only functional—but memorable, engaging, and rooted in the unique history of Colfax CA.
Growing Recognition Beyond Colfax
Colfax was selected as a Top-50 finalist for the Levitt AMP Music Series, a national grant program supporting small-town concert series—demonstrating that the work happening in Colfax is gaining statewide and national attention. This recognition builds on the momentum already being created locally through events and programming that are drawing visitors into downtown Colfax.
Why This Matters for Colfax CA
For those paying attention to downtown Colfax CA, the changes described in national Main Street research are not abstract—they are already beginning to take shape locally.
Across the country, the report highlights a clear pattern: communities that invest in consistent programming, partnerships, and placemaking are seeing measurable outcomes, including increased visitation, stronger small business performance, and renewed interest in downtown districts.
Those same strategies are now being implemented in historic downtown Colfax, positioning the area within a broader national shift in how small towns are approaching economic development.
Rather than relying on a single initiative, the focus is on building a coordinated approach—one that combines events, identity, partnerships, and funding into a long-term strategy.
From National Trends to Local Application
One of the clearest takeaways from the Main Street data is that successful downtowns are not driven by isolated efforts, but by systems.
Communities seeing the strongest results are not simply hosting events—they are building ongoing programming, aligning stakeholders, and creating a consistent presence in their downtown districts.
In Colfax CA, that same approach is emerging.
Through a combination of recurring events, collaborative partnerships, and investment in downtown identity, the foundation is being laid for sustained activity and long-term growth.
A Model in Progress
The national report makes one point clear: revitalization is not the result of a single project—it is the outcome of consistent, layered effort over time.
That model is now being applied in downtown Colfax CA.
As programming expands, partnerships deepen, and visibility increases, the trajectory seen in other Main Street communities begins to take shape locally.
How to Be Part of Downtown Colfax’s Growth
As the strategies outlined in national Main Street research continue to take shape in Colfax CA, there are opportunities for both businesses and community members to participate in that momentum.
For Businesses and Property Owners
As the strategies outlined in national Main Street research continue to take shape in downtown Colfax CA, there are multiple ways to be part of that momentum.
Whether you are a business owner, property owner, or community member, participation is not just support—it is alignment with the long-term trajectory of downtown Colfax.
This work connects directly to:
increasing foot traffic driven by consistent programming
greater visibility for businesses and Main Street activity
long-term economic growth tied to sustained revitalization efforts
For those with a direct stake in downtown, involvement helps position your business or property within a growing and evolving district.
For community members, ongoing engagement—whether through attending events, supporting local businesses, or contributing financially—helps sustain and expand the progress already underway.
A 21+ BBQ fundraiser on April 25th at The Red Frog is the spark that keeps Downtown Colfax’s free concert series alive all summer long.
Here is what Colfax has learned in the last two years: when you give people a reason to show up downtown, they show up. Not just a handful of neighbors. Not just the usual crowd. Four hundred, five hundred people at a time — filling the Lots of Art Park, spilling out onto Main Street, packing local restaurants and shops until the register drawers won’t close. That’s what the Downtown Colfax Concert Series does.
We bet on Colfax — that this town deserves to be a destination, not just the place you stop for gas on the way to Tahoe. We were right. The proof is in the packed the park and main street, the doubled and tripled sales figures from downtown business owners, and a Levitt AMP Music Series finalist nod that put Colfax on the map nationally.
Now it’s time to fund the next chapter. And it starts with a plate of smoked pork butt and a cold drink at The Red Frog.
A special thank-you to Randy Brock and the entire team at The Red Frog for partnering with us to make this event possible. This is exactly what the revitalization of Downtown Colfax looks like in practice — local businesses and community organizations working side by side, investing in each other, and building something bigger together. Randy didn’t just open his doors. He leaned in. That’s the Colfax way.
On Saturday, April 25th, we’re hosting Rock the Frog, a 21+ BBQ fundraiser and live music event at The Red Frog (1007 CA-174, Colfax). Doors open at 4:00 PM. Dinner is served from 5:00–6:00 PM. Then the Holcomb Brothers Band takes the stage and plays all evening. No-host bar. Good people. Great food.
Not 21+? Want to say home but enjoy the food? No problem. We’re offering BBQ to-go packages so everyone can eat well and support the Colfax Music Fund at the same time. Individual plates are $30. Family packs (serves 4) are $100, with add-on meals available at $25 per person. All orders must be pre-purchased — no day-of sales.
Every meal sold — whether you’re seated at The Red Frog or picking up at the door — goes directly toward making the summer series happen.
What You’re Actually Funding
The Free 2026 Downtown Colfax Concert Series runs May through September — five concerts, free admission, bringing hundreds of people downtown on evenings that used to be quiet.
What does that mean in practical terms? It means downtown Colfax is alive. Businesses on Main Street are buzzing with foot traffic. Families are spreading out blankets in the park. Kids are running around while their parents catch up with neighbors. Everybody’s got a cold drink and a reason to stay out past sunset.
This is a town at the crossroads of everything California was built on — Gold Rush grit, railroad backbone, agricultural heritage, the spirit of the Sierra Nevada. The concert series is how we tell that story. Not with a museum. Not with a brochure. With music. With people. With a community that shows up for itself.
This is a town at the crossroads of everything California was built on — Gold Rush grit, railroad backbone, agricultural heritage, the spirit of the Sierra Nevada. The concert series is how we tell that story. Not with a brochure. With music. With people. With a community that shows up for itself.
Rock the Frog is more than a fundraiser. It’s a proof of concept. It’s Colfax saying: we take care of our own. We build things together. We don’t wait around — we make it happen ourselves.
You can be part of that story. Come out on April 25th, eat something incredible, hear some great live music, and know that your ticket — your meal, your donation — is what puts a band on the stage on Main Street!
Colfax has been a crossroads for 170 years. This summer, it becomes a destination. Come rock the frog.
🎟 GET YOUR TICKETS 📍 The Red Frog | 1007 CA-174, Colfax, CA | April 25, 2026 | 5:00–10:00 PM 21+ Pre-sale tickets required. No day-of sales. BBQ to-go orders also available.
How a 113-Year-Old Building, a Scrappy Nonprofit, and an SFGate Feature Just Changed the Game for Downtown Colfax
Some partnerships just make sense.
The Historic Fruit Exchange Building has been standing on Main Street since 1910. It was built at the peak of Colfax’s agricultural boom — when Sierra foothill orchards were producing thousands of crates of apples, pears, and peaches every year, and the Southern Pacific Railroad was shipping them to San Francisco and Sacramento markets. Growers, packers, and railroad workers moved through these doors daily. This building wasn’t on the sidelines of Colfax history. It was the center of it.
Then the industry shifted. Refrigeration changed everything. The Central Valley took over distribution. The orchards went quiet. The building that once buzzed with commerce sat largely dormant — while thousands of cars rolled past it every day on I-80 without knowing what they were passing.
That last part is changing.
It started with a conversation. Building owner Todd Saylor had a vision for an event — something that would give people a reason to get off the highway and walk through those historic doors again. He brought that idea to the Historic Colfax Downtown Association. Together, we built it from the ground up.
On Saturday, March 21st, that partnership throws open the doors again for the next installment of The Colfax Bazaar. It’s a vintage and artisan market, a community gathering, and a statement all at once. A statement that says: Colfax is a destination now.
SFGate agrees.
When SFGate Comes Calling
On February 4th, SFGate published a feature on Colfax: “Priced out of Tahoe, young transplants are turning to this foothills town.” By February 5th, our phones were ringing.
Here’s what matters most to us: they mentioned The Colfax Bazaar by name.
SFGate described our Bazaar as “a vibrant marketplace filled with antiques, oddities, handcrafted goods, and local flavor.”
Not a small-town footnote. Not a passing mention. A feature in one of the Bay Area’s most widely-read regional publications describing something we built from scratch — in a town of 2,200 people, inside a 113-year-old building — as vibrant.
This is what happens when you do the work.
The SFGate piece wasn’t really about us. It was about the people who make Colfax what it is. They talked to Eva Saunders, born and raised here, who works at Il Pizzaiolo and TJ’s Roadhouse — two of the local businesses we’re proud to call neighbors on Main Street. She told the reporter something every one of us already knows: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.”
They interviewed transplants who chose Colfax deliberately. People who wanted more trees than people. Who appreciated that there’s not a single stoplight in town. Neighbors who told the reporter: “Everybody’s just mellow and sweet. And everyone waves to each other.”
That’s the Colfax we’re fighting for. That’s the story SFGate found when they came here — because partnerships like ours with Todd Saylor and the Fruit Exchange gave them something to find.
A Building Built for Commerce. Built for Community.
To understand why this partnership matters to us, you have to understand what the Fruit Exchange Building actually is.
Colfax’s agricultural story didn’t start with the building. It started in 1850, when pioneer Enos Mendenhall planted one of the first fruit orchards in the region. The Sierra Foothills’ elevation, mild summers, and rich soil turned out to be ideal for apples, pears, peaches, and grapes. While Gold Rush miners were chasing metal in the canyons below, farmers were quietly discovering that the land itself was the real treasure.
By the late 1800s, orchards were flourishing across the foothills. The Colfax Fruit Growers Association formed to help farmers organize, inspect, pack, and ship their harvests. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad had already transformed Colfax from a stopover town into a strategic shipping hub. By the 1920s, Colfax was exporting thousands of crates of fruit every year, bound for markets across California.
The Fruit Exchange Building was the nerve center of all of it. Growers brought their harvests here. Packers prepared them for shipment. The Southern Pacific line, just steps away, carried them west. In 1926, Colfax became one of only 23 icing locations in the Pacific Fruit Express network — a massive operation that kept refrigerated railcars cold with blocks of ice cut from the Sierra snowpack.
Then, as it does, time moved on. Mechanical refrigeration made the icing platforms obsolete. Larger Central Valley operations took over distribution. The orchards sold off or went fallow. The building went quiet.
For decades it stood — architecturally intact, historically significant, and largely invisible to the tens of thousands of travelers passing it on I-80 every single day.
This is exactly the kind of story we were created to tell. And exactly the kind of space we were created to bring back to life.
What This Partnership Means for Our Community
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association was founded on the belief that our town — with its rich, layered history involving Nisenan Maidu people, Gold Rush miners, Chinese railroad laborers, and agricultural pioneers who fed a state — deserves to be known for more than its off-ramp.
The Bazaar is our proof of concept. Our previous events drew 400 to 500 visitors to downtown Colfax. Local businesses reported doubled and tripled sales on event days. The social media post about the SFGate coverage exploded — people shared it, planned visits, and some started asking about neighborhoods and schools. About making Colfax home.
When we activate a historic building, we don’t just fill it with vendors for a day. We remind our community of what it’s capable of. We give visitors a reason to stop. We start writing the next chapter of a story that’s been paused for too long.
That’s what we’re doing here. One conversation, one partnership, one event at a time.
Who’s Coming to the Hunt
This month’s Bazaar features one of the most eclectic vendor lineups we’ve ever assembled. These aren’t franchise booths or big-box overflow. These are makers, collectors, and creatives from across the region who chose Colfax — and we’re proud to have every single one of them.
You’ll find:
Handmade wood items, kitchen gadgets, decorative bowls and vases
Handcrafted jewelry made from vintage knitting needles
Metal yard art: upcycled tank bells, valve flowers, and figurines
Vintage and antique clothing, leather bags, shoes, and textiles
Acrylic paintings, mixed media art, and large canvas works
Unique mini crystal fairy gardens and one-of-a-kind character garden kits
Hand-illustrated nature-inspired stationery, prints, totes, and drinkware
Chainsaw carvings and wood-crafted items
Woodturner items: bowls, spin tops, vases, and platters
Custom drinkware, home décor, and farmhouse seasonal finds
Vintage collectibles, antiques, MCM finds, and barn-fresh treasures
Mountain and floral handcrafted wood art made from Sierra wildfire-reclaimed wood
Handmade flower arrangements, wreaths, and greeting cards
Antique furniture, vintage artwork, and the wonderfully weird — oddities and curiosities that defy description
And much more — from apothecary herb starts to upcycled denim art
Every single one of these vendors chose to come here. To set up on our Historic Colfax District, beneath the eaves of a building that once shipped fruit to half of California, in a town that SFGate just told the Bay Area is worth the drive. We think they made a great choice.
Mark Your Map
WHERE: Historic Fruit Exchange Building, Downtown Colfax, CA (229 Railroad Street, Colfax) WHEN: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 | 8AM – 3PM EARLY BIRD: 7AM entry for just $5 — get first pick before the crowds
GENERAL ADMISSION: Always FREE LIVE MUSIC: Local performers all day long FOOD: Local food vendors on-site RSVP & FREE TICKET:www.TheColfaxBazaar.com AS FEATURED IN: SFGate, February 2026
Come for the deals. Stay for the stories.
The Colfax Bazaar isn’t just a market. It’s a 113-year-old building that once shipped the Sierra’s harvests to the world, coming back to life — one vendor, one visitor, one community gathering at a time. We built this for Colfax. We built it for you.
Historic Colfax has officially been selected as a participating site for Doors Open California 2026, a prestigious program organized by the California Preservation Foundation that highlights historically and architecturally significant places across the state. For a small Sierra Foothill town like Colfax CA, this is more than an event announcement — it’s validation.
Our Mission Has Always Been About More Than Buildings
At HCDA, we talk a lot about revitalization. But revitalization doesn’t just mean fresh paint or new signage. It means breathing life back into the heart of downtown Colfax CA in a way that honors the past while building the future.
Our mission is simple but deeply rooted: To breathe new life into downtown Colfax by honoring its history, uplifting its people, and creating spaces where community can truly take root.
Because meaningful revitalization doesn’t happen when we erase history — it happens when we preserve it, tell it well, and invite others to experience it.
Colfax was built on grit. Gold Rush determination. Railroad ingenuity. Families who believed this hillside town was worth investing in. That legacy still lives here. It’s in the Colfax Passenger Depot. It’s in the historic Main Street storefronts. It’s in the way longtime residents tell stories about Cape Horn and the Transcontinental Railroad as if it happened yesterday.
Now, the rest of California is being invited to see what we’ve always known.
Colfax CA Is More Than a Freeway Exit
Let’s be honest. For decades, many people have known Colfax CA as “that exit on I-80.” A quick gas stop. A coffee break. A blink-and-you-miss-it town between Sacramento and Reno.
But that perception has never matched reality.
Colfax played a critical role in the Transcontinental Railroad — one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in American history. It was a Gold Rush-era hub that supported mining, commerce, and westward expansion. The engineering marvel of Cape Horn alone is enough to put Colfax on the historical map.
Doors Open California helps shift the narrative.
Instead of being a town people pass through, Colfax CA becomes a town people plan to visit.
And that shift matters.
When visitors come intentionally — to explore, to learn, to experience — they spend time downtown. They walk into local businesses. They eat at our restaurants. They talk to shop owners. They take photos and share them. They come back with friends.
That’s how momentum builds.
Recognition Fuels Revitalization
Being selected for Doors Open California 2026 does something powerful: it places Colfax CA on the statewide cultural map.
That visibility strengthens our long-term revitalization efforts in several ways.
First, it attracts heritage travelers — a growing group of visitors who actively seek out authentic historic towns. These are people who value preserved architecture, local storytelling, and community character. Colfax offers all of that naturally.
Second, recognition supports future grant applications and preservation funding opportunities. When statewide organizations acknowledge the historical significance of Colfax, it reinforces the legitimacy of our ongoing economic development and preservation projects.
Third, it builds credibility. Investors, business owners, and community partners see that Colfax is not just dreaming big — it’s being recognized at the state level.
For a small town in Placer County, that kind of recognition carries weight.
Honoring the Past While Building a Stronger Future
Colfax CA has always been resilient. It was built during one of the most intense and unpredictable eras in California history. It survived economic shifts, railroad transitions, and changing travel patterns.
Today, we’re in another transition — one where small towns must intentionally define their identity to thrive.
We believe our identity is clear.
Colfax is a town rooted in history, powered by community, and positioned for thoughtful growth.
Participation in Doors Open California 2026 allows us to showcase:
Our Gold Rush-era architecture
Our railroad legacy
Our preserved Main Street district
Our historic civic landmarks
The engineering achievement of Cape Horn
But beyond the sites themselves, it showcases something even more important: our commitment to preservation as an economic and cultural strategy.
We are not trying to become something we’re not. We are leaning into what makes Colfax CA distinctly Colfax.
What This Means for Downtown Businesses
When statewide attention turns toward Colfax CA, downtown benefits.
Visitors exploring historic sites will also explore shops, restaurants, galleries, and service businesses. Increased foot traffic creates opportunity. Increased visibility builds brand awareness for local entrepreneurs.
Events like Doors Open California don’t just create a weekend boost — they create ripple effects. People who discover Colfax in 2026 may return for festivals, seasonal events, or weekend getaways. Some may even choose to invest or relocate.
A thriving downtown ecosystem depends on consistent storytelling, strategic promotion, and community engagement. This selection supports all three.
An Invitation to Rediscover Colfax CA
If you haven’t walked Main Street lately, now is the time.
If you’ve lived here for years but never toured the historic depot, this is your moment.
If you’ve only seen Colfax CA from the freeway, we invite you to take the exit and stay awhile.
Because this town — our town — is stepping into a new chapter. One that honors its past while building an economically vibrant and connected future.
Doors Open California 2026 is not the finish line.
What happens when you bring bold storytelling, powerful women’s history, and a small town ready to listen into one room?
You sell out.
Not once — but twice.
That’s exactly what happened in Colfax, CA when Women Who Refused to Behave featuring New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss came to the Colfax Heritage Museum. The 11:00 AM session filled so quickly that a second 1:00 PM presentation had to be added. By the end of the day, every seat was taken.
For a small Sierra Nevada town like Colfax, California, that kind of response says something important. It says our community values meaningful programming. It says history still matters. And it proves that cultural events in Colfax CA can create real excitement.
The energy in the museum was undeniable. Neighbors greeted neighbors. Visitors explored exhibits before the talk. There was anticipation in the air — the kind that hums quietly before something special begins.
Colfax may be small, but the support for this event was anything but.
The Power of Storytelling in Colfax CA
Chris Enss didn’t just share history — she brought it to life.
Through humor, vivid storytelling, and deeply human detail, she introduced us to women of the American West who refused to stay confined by society’s expectations. These weren’t quiet, background figures. They were entrepreneurs, rule breakers, risk takers, and pioneers in their own right.
Colfax, CA was born during the Gold Rush and shaped by railroads and resilience. It’s a town that understands grit. So when we listened to stories of women who built businesses, made bold choices, and pushed past resistance, it resonated deeply.
You could feel the room shift.
There was laughter. There were gasps. There were moments of thoughtful silence.
And beneath it all was a shared recognition: their stories still matter. Not just as history lessons, but as reminders. Reminders that courage matters. Persistence matters. Refusing to shrink yourself matters.
That message landed.
Women Who Defied the Odds
The American West wasn’t easy — and it certainly wasn’t designed to make life simple for women.
Yet these women stepped forward anyway.
They:
Built businesses when women weren’t expected to.
Spoke up when silence was safer.
Chose independence over approval.
Continued forward despite criticism and resistance.
Many faced judgment. Some paid a personal price. Choosing your own path often comes with loneliness and risk. But they moved ahead regardless.
Sitting there in Colfax, California, it was impossible not to reflect on our own lives. What boxes have we been placed in? Where might we need to be braver?
That’s the power of well-told history. It stops feeling distant and starts feeling personal.
A Vibrant Day in Downtown Colfax
After the presentation, guests lingered. They asked questions. They purchased books. Conversations continued long after the final story ended.
Outside, snow from the recent storm was melting under bright sunshine. Downtown Colfax felt alive. Visitors explored local shops, grabbed lunch, and turned the event into a full day experience — exactly what thoughtful community programming is meant to do.
Events like this don’t just fill museum seats. They support local businesses. They strengthen downtown Colfax. They create reasons for people to gather, connect, and engage with our town’s history.
For Colfax CA, that matters.
Why This Event Matters to Colfax, California
Women Who Refused to Behave was proudly presented by the Historic Colfax Downtown Association in partnership with the Colfax Museum. And it perfectly reflects the mission behind both organizations.
Keep heritage alive in ways that feel relevant and inspiring.
Hosting Chris Enss was more than entertainment. It was a reminder that small towns can host big conversations. That historic spaces can hold powerful energy. That community support makes ambitious programming possible.
Most of all, we are grateful.
Grateful to Chris Enss for bringing these stories to Colfax. Grateful to every attendee who showed up with curiosity and enthusiasm. Grateful for a town that values history enough to fill a room — twice.
It was a great day in Colfax, CA.
And if the energy inside the Colfax Heritage Museum was any indication, we’re just getting started.
SFGate just published a feature on Colfax titled “Priced out of Tahoe, young transplants are turning to this foothills town.” Yahoo! The article hit on February 4th. By February 5th, our phones were ringing.
Not just mentioned it. Featured it. The article described it as “a vibrant marketplace filled with antiques, oddities, handcrafted goods, and local flavor.” Yahoo!
This is the work showing up.
The Real Stars: Our Community
But the article wasn’t really about us. It was about the people who make Colfax what it is.
SFGate talked to Eva Saunders, who was born and raised here and works at Il Pizzaiolo. She explained what keeps people in Colfax even when they think about leaving: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.” Yahoo! She also works at TJ’s Roadhouse, one of the local diners that sees business boom when I-80 shuts down in the snow.
They interviewed transplants who chose Colfax deliberately. One said he wanted “more trees than people” Yahoo! and appreciated that “there’s not a single stoplight in this town.” Yahoo! Another resident named Harvey told them about the community: “Everybody’s just mellow and sweet. And everyone waves to each other.” Yahoo!
That’s Colfax. That’s what SFGate found when they came here.
Our Part in the Story
The Colfax Bazaar didn’t exist a year ago. The Historic Fruit Exchange Building sat dormant for years—a beautiful 1910 structure waiting for the right idea. When the Fruit Exchange came to us with their vision, we saw the opportunity immediately. This was exactly our mission: telling Colfax’s story by bringing its historic spaces back to life.
We partnered with them to implement it. To launch it. To turn an idea into a successful event that now draws hundreds of visitors every time those doors open.
That partnership challenged the notion that Colfax is just a town people pass through on I-80. The Bazaar proved something different was possible.
This is our mission in action. To breathe new life into The Fruit Exchange by activation—by creating a reason for people to walk through those doors. By filling a Gold Rush-era building with vendors, music, community, and energy.
The SFGate article captured what we’ve been building. Colfax sits at the perfect elevation: “above the fog and below the snow.” Yahoo! Forty miles from Sugar Bowl. Fifty miles from Sacramento. Less than 140 miles to San Francisco.
Young people are figuring this out. They can’t afford Tahoe anymore. So they’re looking down the mountain. And they’re finding us—because partnerships like this one have given them something to find.
One transplant told SFGate she picked Colfax because she wanted “more trees than people.” Yahoo! Another local, Eva Saunders, who grew up here and works at Il Pizzaiolo, explained the pull: “You drive two hours and you’re at the beach. Drive an hour and you’re at Tahoe.” Yahoo!
The article ran with photos of our historic Main Street. The old train depot. Our frontier-style storefronts. The assets we’ve been protecting and activating through every event, every grant application, every concert, every partnership.
This is what happens when you do the work. When you partner with building owners who have vision. When you help launch events that draw hundreds of people to a space that used to sit empty. When you organize concert series that pack downtown with 500 plus attendees. When you create programming that transforms Colfax from a place people drive past into a destination worth discovering.
The Bazaar isn’t just a marketplace. It’s proof of what collaboration can do. It shows what happens when the Historic Colfax Downtown Association partners with property owners and community members who want better for downtown. When we honor our Gold Rush history by actually using these incredible spaces. When we tell Colfax’s story not through plaques and pamphlets, but through vibrant community gatherings that fill historic buildings with life.
The article hit Yahoo News within 24 hours. Our social media post about it exploded. People are sharing it. Planning visits. Seeing what we’ve been building together.
Some are planning more than visits. The inquiries are coming in—people asking about neighborhoods, schools, what it’s really like to live here. If you’re one of them, there’s a resource: MovetoColfax.com has the details you need about making Colfax home.
We’ve been saying Colfax is the Gateway to the High Sierra. Now SFGate is saying it too.
Here’s the thing about media coverage: It doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because there’s a story worth telling. Because a town of 2,200 people is doing something that catches attention. The reporter came here. Walked our streets. Talked to our residents. Saw the potential in Colfax and wrote about what they found.
The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to revitalizing downtown Colfax by honoring its history and creating spaces where community can take root. We partnered with the Historic Fruit Exchange Building to launch The Colfax Bazaar—an event that now draws hundreds of visitors and tells Colfax’s story in a whole new way. Support our mission at https://historiccolfax.com/get-more-information/ or visit us at the next Bazaar.
What if the true story of the American West wasn’t just about cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen — but about the women who outsmarted, outlasted, and outperformed them all?
This February, join us in historic Colfax, California, for an unforgettable live event that brings those untold stories front and center. On Wednesday, February 21st at 11:00 AM, the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, in proud partnership with the Colfax Museum, presents a powerful, eye-opening discussion with New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss — as part of her acclaimed “Women Who Refused to Behave” Book Tour.
This isn’t just a reading. It’s a riveting, in-depth conversation about the fearless, fiery, and too-often-forgotten women who helped blaze the trail through the Old West — and rewrote history along the way.
Hear the Voices History Tried to Erase
For generations, history books painted the Wild West as a man’s world. But Chris Enss has spent the last thirty years rewriting that narrative — and she’s done it one woman’s story at a time.
Through more than fifty books and countless hours of research, Enss has unearthed the raw, real accounts of women who refused to sit quietly on the sidelines. They didn’t just raise families and tend homesteads — they built railroads, ran mining operations, performed death-defying stunts, solved crimes, rode into battle, and often paid the price for defying convention.
At this event, you’ll experience the vivid, uncensored voices of some of the most extraordinary women of the 19th century — brought to life by the woman who’s spent her career rescuing them from the footnotes of history.
You will also learn about women who walked our hills. Who braved our rails. Who stood at the edge of the frontier and said, “I’m going anyway.”
Women like:
Stagecoach Mary Fields, the first Black woman to work as a U.S. mail carrier, who rode through snowstorms and gunfights across the Montana frontier—packing heat and never missing a delivery.
Eleanor Dumont, a trailblazing gambling hall queen known as “Madame Moustache,” who dealt blackjack better than any man in town. She made and lost fortunes in mining camps across California, including Grass Valley and Nevada City—holding her own in a world that gave women no room to win.
Kate Warne, the first female detective with the legendary Pinkerton Agency. She operated undercover in a man’s world, cracked high-profile cases, and helped foil an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln—decades before women had the right to vote or serve in law enforcement.
Lola Montez, the scandalous international sensation who performed across Europe before bringing her fiery fan dances and fearless opinions to the American stage. She eventually settled in Grass Valley, where she hosted literary salons and defied Victorian expectations until her final days. She lived by her own rules—and never apologized for it.
And these are just a few.
These are not sanitized tales. These are women with grit, edge, and enormous courage — women who navigated brutal terrain, social scorn, and impossible odds, and still made their mark. They didn’t just endure the West — they helped build it, one railroad tie, one performance, one fearless choice at a time.
Chris Enss delivers these stories with the precision of a historian and the spirit of a campfire storyteller — witty, honest, and fiercely human. She reminds us that the history of the West isn’t complete until we tell the other half — the women’s half.
And now, those voices are coming to life — right here in Colfax.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Historic Colfax Train Depot 📅 Date: Wednesday, February 21st ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM 🎤 Hosted by: Historic Colfax Downtown Association & the Colfax Museum
Whether you’re a lover of history, a fan of powerful storytelling, or simply curious about the women who dared to live loudly in a world that tried to silence them — this is an event you do not want to miss.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot. 👉 Click here to register now
Presented with Purpose
This special program is part of an ongoing mission by the Historic Colfax Downtown Association and the Colfax Museum — to preserve, celebrate, and breathe new life into our community’s heritage.
We believe in honoring every voice that built this region — and we’re proud to help share the bold, brilliant voices of women who dared to define their own destiny. Chris Enss has spent her life making sure those stories are told. Now, she’s bringing them to Colfax.
Come walk through history with us — and meet the women who refused to behave.
Whether you’re passing through on I-80 en route to Lake Tahoe, exploring Gold Rush history, or spending a weekend at Rollins Lake, Colfax offers a surprising variety of places to rest your head. From modern hotels and classic roadside motels to lakeside campgrounds and charming vacation rentals in restored Victorian homes, this historic railroad town has accommodations for every style and budget.
Many visitors discover that a quick stopover turns into a longer stay once they experience Colfax’s walkable downtown, friendly community, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Colfax.
Hotels and Motels in Colfax
Colfax has two lodging options right in town, both conveniently located just off Interstate 80 and within walking distance of Historic Downtown.
Colfax Motor Lodge
For travelers seeking classic roadside charm at a more affordable price, the Colfax Motor Lodge at 550 South Auburn Street delivers nostalgic Americana with modern comforts. This 18-room motel has been welcoming travelers for decades and sits within walking distance of Historic Downtown.
What guests love:
Budget-friendly rates
Clean, well-maintained rooms with free WiFi
Walking distance to downtown restaurants and shops
Adjacent to TJ’s Roadhouse for comfort food
Last lodging directly off I-80 eastbound until Truckee
The Motor Lodge is a favorite among travelers who appreciate a simpler experience and the charm of a family-owned business in a small town. → View Colfax Motor Lodge listing
Best Western Colfax
The newest hotel in Colfax, the Best Western opened in 2021 and offers 69 modern rooms with all the amenities travelers expect. Located at 801 South Auburn Street, it’s just a mile from Historic Downtown Colfax’s shops and restaurants.
What guests love:
Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet every morning
Heated outdoor pool and fitness center
Pet-friendly rooms available (up to 80 lbs)
Free WiFi and parking
Modern rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers
The Best Western is an excellent choice for families heading to the ski slopes, as it’s about 45 minutes from Sugar Bowl and Boreal. It’s also a popular base for exploring Stevens Trail, just two miles away. → View Best Western Colfax listing
Vacation Rentals and Cabins in Colfax
For travelers seeking more space, privacy, or a true home-away-from-home experience, Colfax offers a wonderful selection of vacation rentals. From restored Victorian homes to mountain retreats with spectacular views, these properties let you experience the Sierra Foothills like a local.
1886 Victorian Farmhouse with Pool, Gardens & Game Room
This stunning 1886 farmhouse offers the complete package for families and groups: a refreshing pool, beautiful gardens, and a game room for entertainment. The historic property has been lovingly maintained while offering all the modern comforts you need for an extended stay in the foothills. → View Victorian Farmhouse listing
Secluded Mountain Retreat with Pond, Sauna & Sierra Views
For the ultimate escape, this secluded property offers a private pond, relaxing sauna, and sweeping Sierra views. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature—many guests extend their stays once they experience the tranquility. → View Secluded Mountain Retreat listing
Secluded Mountain Retreat with Pond, Sauna & Sierra Views
For the ultimate escape, this secluded property offers a private pond, relaxing sauna, and sweeping Sierra views. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature—many guests extend their stays once they experience the tranquility. → View Secluded Mountain Retreat listing
Mountain Guesthouse Retreat
This cozy guesthouse offers an intimate mountain getaway with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to explore the area’s hiking trails, rivers, and historic sites. → View Mountain Guesthouse listing
Cozy Upstairs Cabin with Canal View – Near Applegate
Located near the community of Applegate, this charming upstairs cabin offers peaceful canal views and easy access to the natural beauty of the I-80 corridor. A wonderful option for those wanting to explore both Colfax and the surrounding small towns. → View Canal View Cabin listing
Camping at Near Colfax
Rollins Lake, just a few miles north of downtown Colfax off Highway 174, is the region’s premier camping destination. With over 250 campsites spread across four campgrounds, there’s room for everyone from tent campers to RV enthusiasts.
Long Ravine Campground
Operated by Nevada Irrigation District, Long Ravine offers RV and tent sites, full hookups, and lakefront spots. The campground has a store, hot showers, and a boat launch. Rates range from $47 for tent-only sites to $124 for premium lakefront spots. Reservations: (530) 346-6166 or Visit the Long Ravine Campground website >>
Orchard Springs Campground
Located on the west shore of Rollins Lake off Highway 174, Orchard Springs has 91 campsites including RV sites with hookups. The campground is pet-friendly and offers boat rentals and a launch ramp. It’s a great base for fishing—the lake is stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, plus Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass. Visit the Orchard Springs Campground website >>
Peninsula Family Camping
On a peninsula on the northeast side of Rollins Lake, Peninsula is open spring and summer and books up fast. With over 300 acres, it’s perfect for families seeking a true lakeside camping experience. Reservations: (530) 346-2212 or visit the Peninsula Family Campground page.
Greenhorn Campground
Privately owned but open to the public, Greenhorn offers everything from standard tent sites to cabana group sites. The campground is especially popular for its lakeside spots where you can park your boat right on the beach near your campsite. Check out Greenhorn Campground>>
Nearby Lodging Options
If Colfax’s lodging is fully booked—which can happen during peak ski season or summer weekends—several charming towns along the I-80 corridor are just a short drive away:
Dutch Flat (10 minutes east) – The historic Dutch Flat Hotel offers a truly unique Gold Rush–era experience in one of California’s best-preserved mining towns
Auburn (15 minutes west) – More hotel options including Holiday Inn, SpringHill Suites, and Best Western Golden Key.
Tips for Booking Your Stay in Colfax
Book early for ski season: Winter weekends fill up fast as travelers stop in Colfax before or after hitting the slopes
Summer weekends at Rollins Lake: Campgrounds book weeks or months in advance—plan ahead for July and August
Consider a vacation rental for groups: Splitting a Victorian farmhouse or mountain retreat among friends often costs less per person than multiple hotel rooms
Don’t overlook midweek stays: Better rates and more availability Tuesday through Thursday
Extended stays: Several vacation rentals offer monthly rates for those wanting to explore the area more thoroughly—or test out what it might be like to call this corner of the Sierra Foothills home
Ready to Visit Colfax?
From the moment you exit I-80 and see the historic downtown, you’ll understand why visitors keep coming back to Colfax. What makes this town truly special is its unbeatable location—you’re 45 minutes to Sacramento, 45 minutes to Truckee, about an hour and 15 minutes to Lake Tahoe or Reno, and just 25 minutes to the shops and restaurants of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Add in the hidden outdoor recreation that locals love—swimming holes on the American and Bear Rivers, miles of trails in the Tahoe National Forest, and Rollins Lake right in our backyard—and you’ve found the perfect Sierra Foothills basecamp.
Whether you’re here for a night or a week, this Gold Rush–era railroad town offers the ideal blend of mountain adventure, small-town charm, and genuine hospitality. Book your stay and discover why so many travelers have made Colfax their favorite destination for exploring all that Northern California has to offer. Thinking about making Colfax more than just a visit? Check out MoveToColfax.com for real estate information, neighborhood guides, and local expertise.
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Historic Downtown Colfax, California Admission: FREE
Mark your calendars for Colfax Winterfest 2025, the beloved annual holiday celebration returning to Historic Downtown Colfax, California on the second Saturday in December. This free, family-friendly event transforms our charming Gold Rush-era downtown into a winter wonderland filled with Santa, a dazzling light parade, live entertainment, local vendors, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Hosted by the City of Colfax, Winterfest has become a treasured tradition for families throughout Placer County and the Sierra Foothills. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting our historic railroad town for the first time, Colfax Winterfest offers something magical for everyone.
Colfax Winterfest 2025 Schedule of Events
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM — Free Photos with Santa at the Historic Colfax Theater (photography by Jana Johnson Photography)
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Craft and food vendors throughout downtown, plus a beer garden for adults
5:00 PM — Christmas Carols at Roy Tom Plaza, presented by the Colfax Ministerial Association
6:00 PM — Annual Light Parade through Historic Downtown Colfax
7:30 PM — Fireworks Grand Finale
Free Photos with Santa at the Historic Colfax Theater
One of Winterfest’s most popular attractions is free photos with Santa, held inside the beautifully restored Historic Colfax Theater. Professional photographer Jana Johnson captures the magic as children and families visit with Santa Claus from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This cherished tradition gives families professional-quality holiday photos at no cost—a perfect keepsake of your Colfax Winterfest experience. This activity is generously supported by sponsors including the Colfax Bunco Babes.
Christmas Carols and Live Entertainment
At 5:00 PM, gather at Roy Tom Plaza for heartwarming Christmas carols led by the Colfax Ministerial Association, with participation from Colfax Baptist Church and other local congregations. Carolers and bands perform throughout the evening, filling downtown with the sounds of the season.
Light Parade and Fireworks
As darkness falls over the Sierra Foothills, Colfax’s annual Light Parade winds through Historic Downtown at 6:00 PM. Decorated floats, classic cars, community groups, and glittering displays create a festive procession that delights spectators of all ages. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at 7:30 PM—a stunning finale visible throughout downtown.
Vendors, Food, and Beer Garden
Colfax Winterfest features a curated selection of craft and food vendors offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and delicious seasonal treats. Adults can warm up at the beer garden while children enjoy the family-friendly activities throughout downtown.
Getting to Colfax Winterfest
Colfax is located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, just 50 miles northeast of Sacramento along Interstate 80. Our historic downtown is easily accessible from Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City, and the greater Sacramento area. Free street parking is available throughout town, with additional parking near the downtown core.
About Colfax, California
Nestled at 2,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Colfax is a historic railroad town with roots stretching back to the Gold Rush era. Known for its well-preserved downtown, community spirit, and stunning mountain setting, Colfax offers visitors a glimpse of authentic small-town California. Winterfest showcases the best of our community—neighbors coming together to celebrate the holiday season in the place we proudly call home.
