Important Update: Brinks Family Reunion Postponed to Summer 2027

Dear Brinks Family,

This is not the message we ever imagined we would be sending after over two years of planning, but after much discussion and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Brinks Family Reunion by one year, until July 2027 due to ongoing wildfire and air quality concerns in western Colorado.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and shared your thoughts. It became clear that many family members have understandable concerns about how poor air quality—especially when combined with the high elevation in Ouray—could affect their health and ability to fully participate in and enjoy the reunion activities.

Over the last 24 hours, we have done a deep dive into official reports, social media, and community discussions to better understand current conditions. While businesses in the area are understandably encouraging tourism to continue, many local residents and workers have expressed significant concerns about the ongoing fire situation and smoke impacts.

Although the Gold Mountain Fire is currently spreading away from Ouray, it remains 0% contained, and smoke from the Ferris Fire has also begun affecting the area. Air quality conditions have proven to be highly unpredictable, varying dramatically throughout the day depending on wind conditions. For example, AirNow reported an AQI of approximately 70 this morning, while overnight readings reached 253, which falls into the "Very Unhealthy" range. The combination of unpredictable smoke conditions and high altitude ultimately led us to conclude that postponing is the best decision for our family.

We considered continuing to monitor conditions and proceed with our plans, but we recognized that we currently have a valuable opportunity to make changes without penalties and secure reservations for next summer before they fill.

We spoke with the Ouray KOA this morning, and they have confirmed that all of our current campsites and cabins are available to be transferred to Sunday, July 18 through Friday, July 23, 2027. They have already begun booking group reservations for next summer, so availability is filling quickly.

We realize this decision will create additional work and inconvenience for many families who have flights, lodging, and other travel arrangements to address. We sincerely appreciate everyone's understanding and flexibility as we navigate this disappointing and unexpected situation.

Regarding our planned reunion activities, we have been informed that the rafting company will most likely be able to provide full refunds. The railroad may charge a $14 per ticket cancellation fee, but we plan to work with them to see if we can obtain full refunds given the circumstances. We are optimistic that we will be able to re-book both of these activities for next summer.

For those who would still like to travel to Ouray this year, David Fleming and his family are currently planning to keep their reservations at the KOA from July 15–22 as originally planned. Anyone who wishes to maintain their existing reservation and spend time with them is certainly welcome to do so.

Alternatively, some family members may wish to explore the possibility of gathering in a different location this summer. We completely understand that desire and encourage anyone interested to connect with one another. Unfortunately, with the amount of coordination required to postpone and rebook the reunion for 2027, we are not in a position to take the lead on planning an alternate gathering this year.

The KOA is currently holding all of our existing reservations. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to add any additional campsites, cabins, or RV spaces for family members who may be able to attend in 2027. As we've learned, it's much easier to cancel extra sites later than it is to add them once the campground fills.

We realize this is a significant disappointment after over two years of planning and anticipation. However, we truly believe that postponing by one year gives us the best chance to have the safe, enjoyable, and well-attended reunion we originally envisioned. We appreciate everyone's support, understanding, and flexibility, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Ouray in July 2027.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns—texting me is usually the best way to get in touch. We would also really appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible if you think you'll be able to join us on the new dates of July 18–23, 2027. Even a quick "We're in!" will help us tremendously as we work with the KOA to confirm and adjust our group reservations for next summer.

With love,

Mary and Justin, along with the entire extended Fleming and Torres families