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Federal shutdown ends

Short-term budget passed through Feb. 8
Sam Green/The Journal<br><br>Winter festival participants enjoy a bon fire and roasting marshmallows at Mesa Verde National Park in 2016. Now that the federal shutdown is over, the park can go ahead with the event this year on Jan. 27.

Federal land facilities and services are all back in operation after a three-day government shutdown that ended Monday.

Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center, and the Dolores Public Lands Center have resumed normal operations.

Congress passed a short-term spending bill to fund government operations through Feb. 8.

“We are happy to be back at work, serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks,” said Mesa Verde spokeswoman Cristy Brown.

Now that the government has funding, the park’s 2018 Winter Fest can be held on Jan. 27. The event is a unique opportunity to explore Mesa Verde’s Morefield Campground and the Meadow Bliss and Cottontail Loop trails in the moonlight. Night sky viewing, complementary hot chocolate, and a campfire will all be available near the Morefield Campground Store. All activities take place from6 p.m. to 10 p.m.This event is free and open to the public.

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