SoCoYoGo Day celebrates Digital Platform for Youth to Earn Rewards around Pueblo while avoiding drugs and alcohol

(Friday April 21, 2023) Pueblo, CO – Youth ages 13-18 are invited to celebrate Southern Colorado Youth Go (SoCoYoGo) with a Carnival Day on Saturday, April 29 from 11:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at Mineral Palace Park, 1600 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Pueblo, CO by the playground and parking lot. This no cost carnival, open to all ages, is a celebration of the SoCoYoGo digital platform connecting young people to Pueblo’s experiences.

SoCoYoGo is a youth-only online platform that allows Pueblo’s young people ages 13-18 to earn points for visiting positive and healthy opportunities in the community and redeem rewards at local businesses. SoCoYoGo is an innovative way to encourage healthy behaviors in youth and avoid using drugs or alcohol.

The carnival was planned by SoCoYoGo coalition members and youth advisers. This free event hosts teen-friendly activities: tie dying shirts, mega angry birds and cup stacking, teen-only bounce house, henna, and more. The family friendly event includes a free food truck, live DJ, and giveaways.

“SoCoYoGo rewards youth in Pueblo for exploring positive and healthy opportunities in the community,” explained Akemi Moore, health promotion specialist at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. Moore added, “SoCoYoGo has a goal of connecting youth with positive experiences in Pueblo to encourage healthy behaviors and avoid drugs and alcohol.

SoCoYoGo guides Pueblo youth to create an online account, earn seeds (digital points) and redeem rewards in Pueblo for items such as a free ice cream cone or free school gear.

Youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to sign up:

1. Visit socoyogo.com and sign up today! Young people must be between the ages of 13 – 18 years old to join.
2. Build a personalized account
3. Start visiting Pueblo locations and scanning QR codes at each site
4. Build up electronic seeds and chiles to start redeeming rewards at local businesses

Some participating locations in Pueblo where youth may earn points:

• City and County Parks & Recreation Locations
• Pueblo City Transit
• The Riverwalk
• YMCA
• Pueblo Zoo
• Lake Pueblo
• Pueblo City-County Library District Branches
• Arts Alliance Studios
• Pueblo Mentoring Programs
• After School Extracurriculars
• Volunteer work
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Pueblo House

Some participating locations in Pueblo supplying rewards to youth:

• Colorado State University Pueblo
• Pueblo Community College
• Taffy’s
• Gypsy Javas
• Arts Alliance Studios
• School District 60
• Pueblo Parks & Recreation
• Pueblo Ice Arena

 To help a youth sign up or for more information on all participating locations visit socoyogo.com.

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An interactive way to discover the history and artwork of three historic Pueblo neighborhoods will debut on Friday, April 28, 2023. The History and Art Walk Kickoff event is open to the public at no cost from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

The walking paths highlight the Bessemer, Bojon Town, and Grove neighborhoods in Pueblo. These neighborhoods will feature art pieces and murals from local artists. Each path varies in distance from just over one mile to over three miles.

The event will have live music, vendors, food trucks, and art exhibits at Blo Back Gallery, located at 131 Spring St. in Pueblo, CO. A ribbon cutting, hosted by the Latino Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 9:30 AM, and the first guided tour will start at 10:00 AM.

Guided tours will leave from the event space at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, but attendees are encouraged to take part in any of three walking loops throughout the day. An app is available that highlights artwork and historical significance of landmarks along the path. Additional signage and road markers are also located throughout the walk.

More information is available at begincoalition.godaddysites.com/pueblo-history-art-walk