June 2011
Monthly Archive
June 24, 2011
Colorado Weekend – So Much To Do
June 24-26, 2011
The first weekend of summer promises something for all tastes and interests with more than 30 major events. Join the festivities with options from art to zydeco, Shakespeare to swing, bikes to boats, beer to wine.
***Canon City – Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
June 24 & 25 – Whitewater Kayak Recreation Par
k, Centennial Park
Down River Kayak and Raft Races run through the Royal Gorge. Kayak Throwdown and Raft Rodeo held at the Royal Gorge Whitewater Park in Canon City. ByOB – Build Your Own Boat Race, Duckie Dash, Raft King of the Wave and Pedal-Paddle-Battle. Live music in Centennial park Park, food and drink vendors.
***Crested Butte – Crested Butte Bike Wee
k
June 23 & 26 – Crested Butte and Region
This June biking festival has a new name in 2011 but continues the tradition of challenge and celebration in the epicenter of Colorado mountain biking. Events include Chainless Race down Kebler Pass, Rippin’ Chix Clinics with Alison Gannett, Tech Expo, Bridges of the Butte, Clif Bar Fat Tire 40, and Mountain States Cub Wildflower Rush. Saturday evening music by reggae legion Toot and Maytals on the Red Lady Stage at Mt. Crested Butte.
***Cripple Creek – Donkey Derby Days 
June 24 – 26 – Downtown
The biggest, most popular Cripple Creek annual event celebrates its 80th year honoring the town’s resident donkey herd – FREE. Pancake breakfast, Saturday noon parade, entertainment, contests including best beard,tobacco spitting and hairy leg. Children activities, donkey rides; and, yes donkey derby races.
***Denver – Cherry Blossom Festival
June 25 & 26 – Between 19th & 20th, Lawrence & Larimer
Japanese-American culture highlighted with music, dance, art, drumming, martial arts, Japanese beer garden; and, of course food. Tour the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple and attend Ikebana demonstrations. FREE admission.
***Estes Park – Solstice Celebration
June 25 & 26 – Bond Park
Scandinavian traditions honor the summer solstice with raising the Maypole, folk dancing, musical performances, crafts, food and a Viking encampment. Raffle to win two round-trip tickets to Scandinavia, donated by Icelandair. Free admission.
***Fort Collins – 22nd Colorado Brewers’ Festival
June 25 & 26 – Historic Downtown
Festival highlights 32 Colorado Breweries and 58 Colorado beers. Food, fun and three stages featuring 20 Colorado bands. New format this year – advance tickets $10, $15 at the gate plus $1/each for beer sample tokens (4 oz. samples), commemorative festival mug.
***Fort Morgan – Glenn Miller Swing Fest
June 23 – 26 – City Park, Fort Morgan Airport, Country Steak Out
Fort Morgan celebrates one of its favorite sons Glenn Miller and the Big Band Era during a weekend of concerts in the park, history tours, WWII military re-enactors, champagne brunch, dances and music, music, music. Saturday night dance to the the music of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Pied Pipers.
***Golden – German Heritage Festival
June 25 & 26 – Colorado Railroad Museum
The weekend combines the best of two worlds – German heritage and historic railroading. While passengers experience a ride on a narrow gauge train pulled by an 1880s steam locomotive the German village entices with traditional food, music, and dance.
***Grand Junction – Country Jam USA
June 23-26 – I-70, Exit 11, 22 miles west of GJ
Music, music, music – Country Jam comes to the Western Slope for an incredible weekend of country music, camping, food and adult beverages under bright Colorado skies. This year’s lineup includes Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, Western Underground, Clint Black and Lady Antebellum plus more than a dozen others.
***Greeley – Greeley Stampede
June 24 – July 4
With roots dating back to the late 1800s Greeley winds up for 11 days of rodeos, concerts, carnivals, mutton bustin’ in the park, Western art, monster trucks, demolition and roller derbies, parades, royalty, fireworks and so much more it’s impossible to do it all. But its easy to enjoy events of your choosing.
***Gunnison – Gunnison River Festival
June 24 – 26 – Whitewater Park – Fri. & Sat.,
Taylor Canyon & Almont – Sun. 
Water, water everywhere for the 9th annual family-friendly River Festival. Saturday starts with the River Parade followed by raft rodeo, freestyle kayaking and big tricks. New this year is a surf wave. The 2011 Hooligan event is canceled due to high water. Action moves to Almont on Sunday with races on the Taylor River. In addition to water events there’s plenty of food, beverages, music, art and “Fun Zone” for kids.
***Hugo – Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo
June 24 & 25 – Lincoln County Fairgrounds
Competitors are teams of working cowboys, ranch owners and ranch hands. Events center on skills traditionally required for Western ranching – bronc riding, team branding, team sorting, trailer loading, wild cow milking, and team doctoring. Plus an open horse show, Western trade show and outdoor dance.
***Vail – Bravo! – Vail Valley Music Festival
June 26 – August 3 – Venues throughout the Vail Valley
The 24th season kicks off with a FREE concert by Bravo’s new Artistic Director, world renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott on Sunday evening at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. See the Dallas Symphony , Philadelphia Orchestra, New York philharmonic plus world-class soloists and groups.
More Festivities
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 16, 2011
Posted by Nancy Yackel under
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Colorado Weekend Ten To Do
June 17 – 19, 2011
Focus on Dads this weekend with stereotypical manly interests – car shows, barbeque or the buzz of a chain saw. Add plenty of food, wine and music for a successful event.
Aspen – Food & Wine Classic
June 17 – 19 – Around Town
Indulge at the yearly premier Food and Wine Classic. Over 80 seminars, tastings, demonstration, panel discussions led by top chefs – Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Jacques and Claudine Pepin; and, wine experts including Thomas Keller and David Lynch plus many more.
Breckenridge – Kingdom Days
June 18 & 19 – Breckenridge and Area
The Kingdom of Breckenridge celebrates its 152-year heritage with Wild West gun fights on Main Street, gold panning, historic hikes and walking tours, storytelling and mine tours. Gather a team, build an outhouse, then push or pull it to the finish in the 5th annual outhouse races. Dozens of FREE events, activities for all ages.
Craig – Whittle the Wood Rendezvous
June 15 – 18 – City Park
A dozen carvers from around the country compete for cash prizes while turning tree stumps into 3-dimensional works of art. The craftsmen rev up their engines starting Wednesday; work continues until Saturday afternoon judging. Saturday brings arts, crafts, food vendors, car and motorcycle show, and live music, ending with awards and a FREE public concert by the Outlaws.
Denver – Greek Festival
June 17 – 19 – Alameda Ave. & Leetsdale Dr.
One of Denver’s largest and longest running ethnic festivals features traditional Greek music, folk dancing and tons of good food (love the Greek fries). Events include a Greek boutique and tours of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Don’t miss the homemade desserts including baklava. OPA!
Frisco – Colorado BBQ Challenge
June 16 & 18 – Main Street
Frisco’s Main Street fills with more than 60 teams competing in the 18th annual event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Tastings, entertainment, games, cooking demons and pig races ensure a smokin’ good time.
Glenwood Springs – 114th Strawberry Days
June 17 – 19 – Throughout Town
Colorado’s oldest community festival, 114-years-old, includes carnival, entertainment, parade, arts festival and pie eating contest. FamilyFest focuses on interactive, entertaining and creative experiences including mural painting, pony rides and petting zoo. The century long tradition of FREE strawberries and ice cream continues on Saturday.
Hotchkiss – 52nd Black Canyon Art Exhibit
June 17 – 19 – Memorial Hall Gallery
The Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association hosts the annual show that includes painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, graphics pastel and fine craft. Show judge Virginia Unseld holds a Travel Journal workshop on Friday afternoon.S
Salida – New Belgian FIBArk Whitewater Festival
June 14 – 19 – Riverside Park
America’s oldest, boldest and largest whitewater festival in its 63nd year with events from international competitors to pancake breakfast, carnival to mountain bike races. With lots of fast moving snow melt 2011 should be an exciting year for “First In Boating on the Arkansas”.
Steamboat Springs – Rocky Mt. Mustang Roundup
June 16 – 19 – Meadows Parking Lot & Downtown
Mustangs of the motorized variety not wild horses. Scenic Mountain Tour on Thursday, Autocross events on Friday, Show ‘n Shine along Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat from 10:30am-3pm on Saturday – FREE to the public. Awards breakfast Sunday morning.
Telluride – Bluegrass Festival
June 16 – 19 – Telluride Town Park
Hugh festival weekend in Telluride’s summer of festivals. Ten thousand fill venues all over the mountain valley. Music, music, music from returning favorites and rising stars – dozen of groups playing the main stage or jammin’ around campfires.
Above all remember and celebrate Dad!
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 9, 2011
Posted by Nancy Yackel under
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Eight Great Weekend Ideas
Crawford – Pioneer Days
June 9-12 – Town Hall & Town Park
“Crawford – 100 Years of Pioneers” is the theme for the 33rd annual Pioneer Days celebration. Events start on Thursday evening with an old fashioned melodrama and end Sunday in a BBQ in the park. In between the days are filled with a parade, outhouse races, games, entertainment, pancake breakfast, cowboy cook-off, and street dance. The volunteer fire department puts on a Saturday night fireworks display over Crawford State Park.
June 10–12 – Animas River, Whitewater Park &
Santa Rita Park
Get wet and wild as Durango celebrates the recreational opportunities provided by the Animas River coursing through the city. River rodeo and river slalom races, costumed river parade, workshops, beer garden and music. New this year are Boatercross competition and Up-Down Paddleboard Race.
Friday afternoon river cleanup followed by an appreciation BBQ. Friday evening Reel Paddling Film Festival with award winning whitewater short films.
Estes Park – Wool Festival
June 11 & 12 – Fairgrounds at Stanley Park
In its 21st year one of the largest all-natural fiber markets in North America focuses on everything from on the hoof to off the loom. Demonstrations, vendors, sheep dog herding, sheep shearing and children’s tent with hands-on activities – something for everyone. Competitions for sheep, llama, alpaca, Cashmere & Angora goats.
Two days of workshops on June 9 & 10 precedes the Wool Festival.
Greeley – Greeley Blues Jam
June 10 & 11 – Downtown, Island Grove Park
Free music downtown on Friday – family appropriate until 8pm. The evening becomes more adult oriented with Colorado blues bands playing until midnight in downtown restaurants and bars.
Family friendly all day Saturday at Island Grove Park, age 12 and under free. At the “Blues 101 Stage” learn about the style of music considered our national heritage. In case of rain the event will move indoors to the Events Center. Camping available at Island Grove Park.
Larkspur – Colorado Renaissance Festival
June 11 & 12 + Weekends through July
Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 35th annual popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food – including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until July 31, each weekend is themed; such as, Wine Revelry, Love and Romance, and Mardi Gras Style Carnivale. Opening weekend features a "Buy One get One Free" coupon offer from Wendy’s Restaurants.
Lyons – Oskar Blues Lyons Outdoor Games
June 10-12 – Throughout the Town
Oskar Blues Brewery sponsors an active weekend of outdoor sports, live music, BBQ and beer. Competitions, exhibitions and opportunities to learn from elite pro athletes in kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking dirt jump, pump track and short track skating. Dog competitions, chainsaw carving and a 5K Dash and Bash.
Palisade – Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival
June 10-12 – Riverbend Park
A weekend of music along with workshops, jam sessions and activities for the kids on the banks of the Colorado River. Enjoy local wines, beers and spirits while listening. Onsite camping is available. Sunday afternoon culminates with Grascals, the 2010 SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year.
Trinidad – Santa Fe Trail Days Festival
June 10-12 – Historic Downtown
A weekend celebrating Trinidad’s past includes Hispanic Art, car show, pancake breakfast, reliving the “Old West”, live music and evening street dances. Sport events range from a 5K race and golf to a competitive horseshoe tournament and the first ever Coal Car Race.
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
Eight More. . .
*Aspen – Outside in Aspen
June 10-12 – Adventure Base Camp
*Boulder – Boulder Jewish Fest
June 12 – Courtyard Lawn & Pearl Street Mall
*Breckenridge – Breckenridge Film Festival
June 9-12 – Various sites around town
*Brush – Morgan County Antique Tractor & Power Show
June 11 – AMA Complex
*Centennial –Centennial Airport Open House
June 11 – Centennial Airport
*Estes Park – Rocky Mountain Brewfest
June 11- Estes Park Brewery
*Golden – Wild West Auto Roundup
June 11 – Washington Avenue
*Parker – Parker Days Festival
June 10-12 – Streets of Parker
National Get Outdoors Day – June 11, 2011
Nationwide events encourage active outdoor recreation at more than 100 sites sponsored by a coalition of federal agencies, non-profit organizations and related businesses. Colorado events scheduled in Denver’s City Park, Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins and Morrison’s Dinosaur Ridge.
June 4, 2011
Crested Butte Restaurant Week
June 3-11, 2011
It’s a great week for foodies in Crested Butte. The magic number is 8885, saluting the town’s altitude. Parties of four can savor multi-course meals for $88.85; smaller parties will pay $22.21 per person. Each restaurant presents special week-long deals – sometimes including wine or alcoholic beverages. Taxes and gratuities are not included. Establishments that do not serve dinner plan to feature multi-course lunches at $8.85 per person.
We see many of our CB favorites on the participant list – Donitas for killer margaritas and Mexican, pasta and desserts at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle and good old reliable The Last Steep. Participating restaurants in Mt. Crested Butte include local favorite, Avalanche Bar & Grille, 9380 Prime and Woodstone Grille.
Lodging specials at B&Bs, lodges and hotels start at $88.85. The snowpack is receding, there are even some wildflowers popping up. It’s time to break out the hiking boots and mountain bikes to work up a healthy appetite for delicious dining during Crested Butte Restaurant Week.
Photos provided by Eric Yackel.
June 3, 2011
Spring Festival & Children’s Fair
June 4 & 5, 2011
El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows) will hum with a multitude of activities during Spring Festival & Children’s Fair, June 4 & 5, 2011. The living history museum/ranch located south of Santa Fe interprets rural life in the Southwest during the 18th and 19th centuries.
A large volunteer staff dresses in clothing appropriate to the period. They share culture and heritage through stories, role playing, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Visitors can make tortillas, grind corn, make a corn husk doll or other arts and crafts, and sample bread baked in the traditional hornos.
Festival presentations include traditional music and dance, sheep shearing, blacksmithing and puppet shows. Sunday morning begins with a special mass and San Ysidro procession. Events run until 4pm both days.
Late spring is a perfect time to walk the 200-acre rural setting and festival weekends offer additional rich experiences.
June 2, 2011
2011 Festivals & Special Events
El Rancho De Las Golondrinas
Any weekend visit to the living history museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas provides historic and cultural experiences from the 18th and 19th century. Annual festivals and events promise even more reason to spend a day at the outstanding facility celebrating colorful
Southwestern heritage.
*June 4 & 5 – Spring Festival & Children’s Fair
Sheep shearing, animals born this spring, entertainment plus lots of games, puppet shows and hands-on activities for kids.
*June 25 & 26 – Fiber Arts Festival: From Sheep to Blanket
Follow the steps to create traditional New Mexico textiles from sheep shearing to elaborate embroidery. Original fiber arts for sale.
*July 2 & 3 – Santa Fe Wine Festival
Meet vintners and sample wines from 16 New Mexico wineries. Purchase your favorite varietals, agricultural products and handmade arts and crafts.
*July 16 & 17 – Viva Mexico! Celebration
Celebrate the culture, cuisine and crafts of Mexico through music, arts and food.
*July 23 & 24 – Herb & Lavender Fair
Tour herb gardens and attend lectures on growing lavender. Hands-on activities plus lavender and herb product vendors.
*Aug. 6 & 7 – Summer Festival: Frontier Days & Horses of the Old West
Mountain men and women demonstrate skills necessary in settling the West and relate tales of the era. Peruvian Paso horses from La Estancia Alegre.
*Aug. 13 & 14 – Survival: New Mexico
Practice fire starting, building shelters, using an atlati, making adobe and other survival 
techniques required in Colonial and Territorial New Mexico.
*Sept. 3 & 4 – Fiesta de los Ninos: A Children’s Celebration
A family weekend honoring youngsters with games, crafts and entertainment. Children 12 and under admitted free.
*Sept.17 & 18 – Santa Fe Renaissance Fair
A Renaissance Fair with Spanish flair – defend a Spanish Galleon, games requiring knightly skills, flamenco dancers, turkey legs, ale and mead.
*Oct 1 & 2 – Harvest Festival
Celebrate the seasons bounty with wine making, grape stomping and stringing ristas at the most popular yearly event.
June 2, 2011
Colorado Weekend Dozen To Do
June 3 – 5, 2011
June 4 & 5 – Statewide
The Colorado Division of Wildlife allows fishing
without a license the first full weekend of June. Bag
and possession limits and special regulations apply,
check website for full details.
June 4 – Majestic View Nature Center
& Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Free family event focusing on Arvada’s 125 miles of trails and
wildlife featuring a 5K walk, 20-mile bike ride, nature exhibits, live
raptors, Eco-Fair and self-guided nature walk.
June 4 & 5 – Larimer Square
Free street painting festival with over 200 artists
including six madonnari – professionals in this
medium. Youth challenge, kids corner and musical
entertainment.
June 4 & 5 – Civic Center Park
Free admission to multiple stages of local talent,
arts, children activities, crafts, food, wine pavilion.
In 40 years this event has grown from 2,000
attendees to 250,000.
June 3 – 5 – Casey Jones Park
Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders and
the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. Saturday
morning parade, evening dance and mutton bustin’ for
the younger set.
June 4 – Historic Downtown Louisville
The 21st annual Taste of Louisville promises tempting flavors from
local restaurants. The day includes a 5K race, half marathon, arts
and crafts fair, and Louis-Palooza band concert.
June 4 – Manitou Springs Soda Springs Park
Sample wines from 25 Colorado wineries, tasting
tickets $30, non-tasters admitted free. Food and wine
related booths, wines for purchase by bottle or case,
entertainment.
June 3 – 5 – Reservoir Hill
The hills are alive with the sounds of folk and bluegrass from
morning to late night. On-site camping, workshops and kids tent.
June 3 – 5 – Nature & Raptor Center
Dozens of bluegrass groups perform on two stages.
Nature activities, arts & crafts, storytellers, camping,
Saturday night dance.
June 3 & 4 – Village Mall/Fanny Hill
A smokin’ weekend of chili, beers and music.
Competition sanctioned by the International Chili
Society, summer ale competition, European and exotic
beer tasting with over 50 participating breweries.
June 4 & 5 – Telluride Town Park
Morning balloon risings plus Saturday evening GLO on
Main Street.
June 2 – 5 – Vail Valley
Celebration of outdoor adventure sports – pro
athletes and amateurs complete in 8 sports and 24 disciplines
including kayaking, trail running, standup paddling,
amateur climbing, World Cup Bouldering. Adventure
Film School, photo competition, free concerts, art,
expo areas and interactive family zone.
Click on each event name to open website.
Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.
June 1, 2011
Posted by Nancy Yackel under
Travel | Tags:
Travel |
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Ready for New Travel Adventures
After 17 months of mobility issues, two surgeries, months of rehab and a six month hiatus from the website I’m ready to get back to work reporting on new activities and adventures plus regular updates. June 1st seems a good time to look forward to summer plans, both locally and across the country.
Photo and new header provided by
Crested Butte, Colorado resident Eric Yackel
Following a banner year of snowfall the mountains in Colorado promise to be a popular summer destination. Wildflowers should be plentiful and exceptional. Rafters anticipate ample snowmelt for an exhilarating and extended season. Festivals fill summer days with everything from classical music to extreme sports.
Let’s all get out there and Travel USA.
k, Centennial Park 
