In addition to stunning scenery, outstanding recreational opportunities, and gorgeous weather, Colorado’s Grand County has plenty of special events for every interest. Here’s just a sample of what’s on this summer in Grand County:
• Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater (Grand Lake, June-September) presents outstanding professional music theater all summer long in Grand Lake’s historic Community House. The 2009 summer repertory includes well-known favorites “Brigadoon ” and “Pirates of Penzance” as well as new musicals featuring the music of Elvis Presley (“All Shook Up”) and the 1940’s (“The Andrews Brothers”). (970.627.3421 or www.RockyMountainRep.com)
• Granby Farmers’ Market (Granby, June-September) Every Friday from 3 to 7 PM, vendors offer the best locally- and regionally-grown produce, food, crafts, and live music. The monthly “First Friday Frenzy” includes a beer garden. (970.887.2311 or www.granbychamber.com)
• Kremmling Days (Kremmling, June19-21) Fun in the sun, including live music, a parade, beer garden, vendor fair, Kid Zone, mud race and a BBQ. The perennial favorites Kremmling Classic Trail Run and Cliff Golf Classic tournament are also part of the celebration. (970.724.3472 or www.kremmlingchamber.com)
• 7th Annual Blues from the Top (Winter Park, June 26-28) Enjoy the best blues around, with performances by Tab Banoit, Jimmy Hall, Deanna Bogart, Tommy Castro, and more. 2 days of outdoor performances at Hideway Park and evening performances at several venues throughout the valley. (970.726.4118 or www.grandblues.org)
• 3rd Annual Fly-Fishing Festival (Granby, July 11-12) Fly-fishing fun and education at Edgewater Resort on the Fraser River. Demonstrations, competitions, free workshops and fee classes in fly-fishing, fly-tying, casting, and more. Other activities include a pancake breakfast and kids’ Build-a-Boat workshop. (970.887.2311 or www.granbychamber.com)
• 62nd Annual Western Weekend & Buffalo BBQ (Grand Lake, July 17 – 19) This summer tradition includes great food, entertainment, book sale, music and a parade. (970.627.3402 or www.grandlakechamber.com)
• 18th Annual American Red Cross Fat Tire Classic (Winter Park Resort, July 17-19) Three days of outstanding mountain biking competition to benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled and the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter. (www.fattireclassic.org) Bring your cruiser too, for the Cruiser Bike Beach Party at Hideaway Park on that Saturday evening. (970.726.4118)
• Winter Park Jazz Festival (Winter Park, July 25 – 26) Cool jazz under warm skies at the new Hideway Park Events center. Saturday’s line-up includes Fourplay, War and Warren Hill. Sunday’s line-up includes Boney James, Sax for Stax and the Rippingtons. (970.726.4118 or www.winterpark-info.com)
• Middle Park Fair & Rodeo (Kremmling, August 7-9) First held in 1912, today’s Middle Park Fair represents the best in traditional and modern county fair fun: 4-H judging, cookie and pie contests, junior and open rodeos, kids events, BBQ, and a demolition derby. (970.724.3472 or www.kremmlingchamber.com)
• Fraser River Days & Lumberjack Show (Winter Park and Fraser, August 9-10) The Scheer Lumberjack Show will feature logrolling, axe throwing, chainsaw cutting and other competitions. This is a free event for the whole family. Other weekend activities include fly-fishing, guided hikes, environmental education seminars, raptor demonstrations, and living history performances. (970.726.4118 or www.winterpark-info.com)
• 17th Annual Salute to American Veterans Rally/Festival (Countywide, August 14 -16) More than 40,000 motorcycles are expected in this tribute to US Veterans and members of the US Armed Forces. The POW/MIA Recognition Ride© – Colorado’s largest procession of motorcycles – will roll from Granby to Winter Park as the finale to the Veterans parade, and are followed by the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony. Other weekend activities will include a poker run, veteran’s parade, aircraft flyovers, wild west gunfighters, tattoo competition, live music, food vendors, and display of the 400-foot-long Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. (970.726.4118 or www.winterpark-info.com)
For additional information on Grand County, and an online trip planner, contact the Grand County Tourism Board at www.grand-county.com or 800-729-5821.