Posts Tagged ‘festival’

Winter Park and The Fraser Valley Chamber Invite Visitors to Welcome Fall with Fitness-Filled Festivals

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

–Get a move on by running, biking, walking or Frisbee-ing your way through spectacular September –

Winter Park, Colo. – Whether you want to challenge yourself in some of the most stunning scenery in the state, or just want to cheer on those who compete while enjoying Colorado’s colorful fall display, Winter Park-Fraser Valley have something special in store this September. 

Sept. 11 – Colorado Crooked Roubaix (www.coloradocrookedroubaix.com)
This race is modeled after the famed, difficult and demanding Paris-Roubaix, an arduous 160-mile bike ride from Paris, France north to Roubaix.  The Crooked Roubaix puts a Colorado spin on the original.  Beginning and ending in Winter Park, the 90-mile, mostly dirt route is a challenging road bike tour through some of the most majestic scenery in the state.  Presented by Wheat Ridge Cyclery, the event is also sponsored by the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce, Specialized Bicycles, MapMyFitness and Pearl Izumi. Space is limited so sign up soon at http://www.active.com/cycling/winter-park-co/colorado-crooked-roubaix-2010.  

Sept. 11-12 – 7th Annual Snow Mountain Challenge Disc Golf Tournament (www.milehighdiscgolf.org)
The Grand County Disc Golf Club and the Mile High Disc Golf Club proudly present this PDGA-sanctioned C-Tier disc golf tournament.  The event features one round of 18 holes at the Snow Mountain YMCA course and two rounds of 20 holes at the Winter Park Resort course.  Cash in on the 20-percent lodging discount offered through Winter Park Resort with rooms starting at $55 plus tax.  Call 970-726-1659 (use code 3gk3ms) or book online at www.skiwinterpark.com.

Sept. 12, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3 – Run the Ranches, various ranch locations (http://runtheranches.com/2010/05/20/run-the-ranches-website-running/)
Grand County and the Fraser Valley have some of the most beautiful and hospitable dude and guest ranches in the country.  This fall visit one of three prestigious ranches hosting the Run the Ranches series, featuring a casual two- to three-mile trail run and a more adventuresome seven- to 10-mile trek.  Events will be held at Drowsy Water Ranch on Sept. 12, Devil’s Thumb Ranch on Sept. 19, and Snow Mountain Ranch on Oct. 3.  It costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids six and up.  Children under six register for free.  Proceeds benefit Headwaters Trail Alliance. 

Sept. 26 – Fraser Valley Fall Duathlon, Grand Park Community Recreation Center (www.fraservalleyrec.org)
Run, bike, run – it is so much fun you just have to do it…twice!  This event is participant-friendly with a two-mile run, a 15-mile mountain bike ride, and another two-mile run through autumn-hued mountain meadows and alpine forest.   Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. Registration starts at $40. 

Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (www.PlayWinterPark.com)
The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit Colorado corporation created to help further and maintain responsible growth in the Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, located in the Rocky Mountains just 65 miles west of Denver.

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Mountain Lodge at Telluride Announces “Picture Perfect” Specials for 1st Annual Telluride Photo Festival

Monday, August 9th, 2010

News Release

Contacts: Neil Hastings, Mountain Lodge at Telluride, 970-369-5000, nhastings@mountainlodgetelluride.com

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Mountain Lodge at Telluride Announces “Picture Perfect” Specials for 1st Annual Telluride Photo Festival

– Special rates and discounted festival tickets available for inaugural event, held Sept. 20-26 —

Telluride, Colo. – Mountain Lodge at Telluride is a picture perfect setting in picturesque Telluride, Colo., home to the inaugural Telluride Photo Festival, being held Sept. 20-26, 2010.  Mountain Lodge, a sponsor and workshop host of the event, is offering special festival room rates, as well as 25 percent off Photo Festival tickets. 

The first annual Telluride Photo Festival is expected to draw some of the world’s most renowned outdoor and adventure photographers to share their photographic passion.  The weeklong event wraps up Telluride’s famed summer festival season, which has earned it the nickname “Summer Festival Capital of the Southwest.”  The Photo Festival is geared toward professional and experienced amateur photographers and includes workshops, seminars, symposiums, portfolio reviews and exhibits.  There are also special programs aimed at fostering skills in young people, as well as amateur and intermediate photographers.

“We are so excited to bring this new event to Telluride, one of the great festival venues in the nation,” said event organizer and photographer Eric Moore. “We have some of the best known landscape, nature, adventure, and sports photographers coming to Telluride to teach their art and share their photography for an entire week,” Moore said.

To learn more about the Telluride Photo Festival, log on to www.telluridephotofestival.com or http://www.prweb.com/releases/photography/festival/prweb3386744.htm

Mountain Lodge at Telluride is the perfect hub for the festival, offering lodge rooms, condominium units and cabins with private balconies or patios, jetted tubs and luxurious robes.  Condo units and cabins boast gourmet kitchens or kitchenettes with granite countertops. Guests will enjoy amenities including concierge services, a steam room,  grocery shopping service, outdoor deck with heated pool and Jacuzzi, and complimentary wireless Internet service.

For more information or to book a reservation for the Telluride Photo Festival, contact Mountain Lodge at Telluride at 970-369-5000 or www.mountainlodgetelluride.com.

Mountain Lodge at Telluride (www.mountainlodgetelluride.com)
Mountain Lodge at Telluride is an exclusive, slopeside, upscale resort featuring an eclectic blend of rustic elegance and western charm. At 9,500 feet in the San Juan Mountains, the locale offers private luxury cabins, condominiums, and lodge rooms as well as executive conference rooms offer space for small meetings and retreats, reception space and full catering service. The View restaurant provides authentic Italian dining in a spectacular, intimate setting.

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Colorado’s Western Slope Celebrates 42nd Annual Palisade Peach Festival, Aug. 19-22

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

 

Contact: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536 (o); 970-531-2336 (cell)

 

Colorado’s Western Slope Celebrates 42nd Annual Palisade Peach Festival, Aug. 19-22

– Grand Junction hotels offer discounts, gift bag and coupons throughout the month of August –

Grand Junction, Colo. – Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau is rolling out the peach carpet for the 42nd annual Palisade Peach Festival, Aug. 19-22, 2010, held in neighboring Palisade. 

Throughout the month of August, Grand Junction hotels are offering special Peach Festival room rates starting at $63 per night.  In addition to the discounted room rates, guests who book a stay during the entire month of August will receive a complimentary breakfast and a welcome bag chock full of coupons. 

The Palisade Peach Festival highlights the Western Slope’s agricultural side and puts a spotlight directly on the world-famous Palisade peaches, which have been growing in the area since the 1800s.  This year’s festival includes tours through the orchards, wineries and distilleries. “Feast in the Fields” is another festival favorite, offering guests the opportunity to dine in the orchards on local cuisine paired with local wines (reservations required).  Some of Grand Valley’s finest musicians will provide entertainment throughout the event.  Here’s a more detailed look at what’s in store during the 42nd Annual Palisade Peach Festival, Aug. 19-22. 

Thursday, Aug. 19:

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Tours of the orchards, vineyards/wineries, brewery, distillery, bike and van tours, and Colorado River Float Trips

6 – 9 p.m. – Ice cream social and street dance

Friday, Aug. 20:

1-8 p.m. – Peach Festival at Riverbend Park:  Music, food vendors, peach cuisine with Colorado chefs, tug of war, an alpaca showcase

7 – 9:30 p.m. – “Feast in the Fields” at Z’s Orchard (reservations required)

5:30 – 10 p.m. – Open Mike Night

Saturday, Aug. 21:

7 – 10 a.m. – Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

8 a.m. – Peach Fest 5-Miler

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. – “Just 4 Fun” Car Show

9 a.m. – Peach Festival Parade

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Tours of the orchards, vineyards/wineries, brewery, distillery, bike and van tours, and Colorado River Float Trips

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Peach Festival at Riverbend Park: Music, food vendors, peach cuisine with Colorado chefs, peach eating contest

11 a.m. – Recipe contest and sample sales

7 – 9 p.m. – Live entertainment and dancing

7 – 9:30 p.m. – “Feast in the Fields” at High Country Orchards (reservations required)

Sunday, Aug. 22:

8 a.m. – Peach Fest Peddle Paddle Peddle

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Palisade Sunday Farmers Market

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Tours of the orchards, vineyards/wineries, brewery, distillery, bike and van tours, and Colorado River Float Trips

 Go to visitgrandjunction.com to see the complete event calendar, activity information and schedule for the 42nd Annual Palisade Peach Festival. 

About Grand Junction

At an altitude of 4,507 feet, and with more than 275 days of sunshine annually, Grand Junction enjoys warm summers and moderate spring, fall and winter seasons. For more information, contact the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau at 800-962-2547 or www.visitgrandjunction.com.

Established in 1990, the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau (GJVCB) is a department of the City of Grand Junction. Proactively marketing the Grand Junction area, the GJVCB serves as a liaison between area visitors, conventions, meetings, weddings, and reunions, and the businesses that will host them. For more information and a visitor guide, call 800-962-2547 or visit www.vistgrandjunction.com.

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Zany Ouray Hosts “A Festivus for the Rest of Us!” on Dec. 19, 2010

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

 

-Third annual Festivus Block Party offers airing of grievances, feats of strength and Festivus miracles-

Ouray, Colo. (July 14, 2010) — For those who think the holiday season has become just a little too commercialized, get away to Ouray on Dec. 19, 2010, when the city hosts its third annual Festivus party.  Ouray’s Festivus is modeled after the classic “Seinfeld” television episode.  In a celebration that would make Frank Costanza proud, the welcoming folks of Ouray transform 6th Avenue into a Festivus block party.

What started out as a fun, community-building event for Ourayans has turned into one of the most treasured celebrations of the season for locals and visitors alike.  The third annual celebration is free to attend and runs from 3-9 p.m. on 6th Avenue in the heart of Ouray. 

Festivus features many vendors offering hot morsels, warm spirits and refreshing beverages. After fueling up on tasty goodies, visitors may try their hand at the “Feats of Strength,” which are sure to offer an entertaining spectacle of odd strength challenges for spectators and participants alike.  As Festivus rolls on, attendees may air their grievances in the “Burn Barrel of Grievances,” where people write down their frustrations and disappointments from the past year and toss the paper in to burn.  Afterwards, everyone feels better – it’s a “Festivus Miracle!”

Throughout the celebration, enjoy the DJ sounds of Mountain Chill and connect with old friends (or meet new ones) around toasty fire barrels and bon fires.  There is plenty of amusement for everyone, including the unadorned aluminum Festivus Pole (with a very high strength to weight ratio, of course!).

To make a weekend getaway out of the Festivus block party, book a room at one of Ouray’s many inns, lodges or motels.  Visitors can easily fill their weekend with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing in the world-famous Ouray Ice Park, or backcountry skiing in the nearby San Juan Mountains.  For a more low-key experience, simply take it easy with a stroll down historic Main Street or a dip in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. 

To learn more about planning an Ouray getaway during Festivus or any time of the year, log on to www.ouraycolorado.com or call 970-325-4746.

About Ouray (www.ouraycolorado.com)
Located at 7,700 feet above sea level in southwest Colorado, the National Historic District of Ouray is surrounded on three sides by 13,000-foot peaks, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of America.”  Ouray is home to several hot springs pools and tubs, including the largest, the million-gallon Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year-round.  Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering rock climbing, hiking, four-wheeling and mountain biking in the summer and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. 

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Contacts:  Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com
Karen Avery, Ouray Chamber Resort Association, 970-316-1443, boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com

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Discounted Party Plaza Tickets Now Available for Winter Park Jazz Festival, July 24-25

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

 

Discounted Party Plaza Tickets Now Available for Winter Park Jazz Festival, July 24-25

–Spectacular views, smooth sounds and delicious food & drink highlight 28th annual festival–

Winter Park, Colo. – Winter Park and jazz have been in perfect harmony for the last 28 years, as the quaint mountain town is transformed into a jazz music hotbed each summer during the Winter Park Jazz Festival.  Discounted Party Plaza Tickets are now available for the 2010 event, being held July 24-25 at Winter Park’s Hideaway Park.

Buy two or more Plaza Party Tickets and receive each ticket for $75, a $25 discount off the regular ticket price.  Party Plaza tickets include: chair seating at the top of the venue, complete with some shade coverage; two complimentary drinks; all-day access, including lunch, at the Stage Left Tent; a private cash bar in the Plaza and in the Stage Left Tent; and a private entrance to the festival. 

This offer is only good with new ticket purchases, but existing Plaza Party ticketholders will receive a free commemorative Jazz Festival T-shirt and two complimentary drinks. 

This year’s Jazz Festival lineup includes performances by Chaka Khan, Brian Culbertson, Craig Chaquico, Dotsero, Boa & The Constrictors, Norman Brown’s Summer Storm, Boney James, Ryan Shaw, Hazel Miller, and Jazz Del Barrio. A special after-hours jazz show will take place on Saturday night at Winter Park Resort’s West Portal Station.  Food and craft vendors, as well as a beer garden, are also on tap. 

Jazz lovers may purchase tickets through the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (800-903-7275) or Ticketmaster (800-745-3000).  For full details visit www.PlayWinterPark.com. 

WHAT: Winter Park Jazz Festival Presented by Winter Park Resort and Jazz @ Jacks


WHEN: July 24-25, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (gates open at 10 a.m.)

WHERE: Winter Park’s Hideaway Park, 78841 U.S. Highway 40

HOW: Guests may purchase tickets through the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (800-903-7275) or Ticketmaster (800-745-3000).
HOW MUCH: Single-day tickets start at $35, discounted Plaza Party Tickets are available for $75 when two or more are purchased.    

Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (www.PlayWinterPark.com)

The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit Colorado corporation created to help further and maintain responsible growth in the Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, located in the Rocky Mountains just 65 miles west of Denver.

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Join the Flock for the Ute Mountain – Mesa Verde Birding Festival

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Cortez, Colorado – The rich and diverse natural habitats of Southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country® are home to a fascinating variety of raptors, seasonal migrants, and year-round residents. Each year the region’s natural diversity is celebrated during the Ute Mountain – Mesa Verde Birding Festival.  The 2010 festival will run from Wednesday, May 12 through Sunday, May 16.

The festival opens on May 12, with a reception for participants and a free Beginning Birding lecture.  Registration also begins Wednesday afternoon and is available throughout the festival.  Saturday’s keynote event is a silent auction and dinner, with keynote speaker Brian Fox Ellis, who portrays John James Audubon.  Since 1980, Ellis had been touring the world collecting and telling stories.  He has been a keynote speaker and/or featured workshop presenter at hundreds of conferences, has published eight books, written 20 musical theatre productions, and contributed articles to a wide range of magazines.

Throughout the festival guided tours will be taken to such diverse ecosystems as McElmo Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Upper Dolores River, and the Mancos River Valley. Participants may expect to see a wide variety of native and migratory species.  During the 2009 festival birders spotted over 124 species of  owls, hawks, hummingbirds, bluebirds, swallows, nuthatches, orioles, finches, geese, ducks, woodpeckers and others. This year’s field trips include a tour to the only place in Colorado where nesting Lucy’s Warblers have been documented, and a special tour to view the wild horses in Disappointment Valley, about 90 minutes outside of Cortez.  Unique birding tours via raft and horseback are also scheduled, as well as a birding and rock art trip into San Juan County, New Mexico.

The town of Cortez sits in the archaeological center of the United States, making it easy to combine festival attendance with side trips to important cultural and historical sites like Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park.  Festival registration is $45, which includes the Wednesday reception, daily lectures and Saturday night’s keynote dinner.  Daily tours are priced separately.  The festival’s webpage at www.utemountainmesaverdebirdingfestival.com has registration forms, tour prices, schedules, and lodging information.  The Mesa Verde Country® website at www.mesaverdecountry.com also has links to festival information, archaeological sites and other Mesa Verde Country® destinations and activities.  Early registration is recommended, as trips fill quickly.

Mesa Verde Country® (www.mesaverdecountry.com)
Mesa Verde Country is the southwest Colorado travel destination surrounding Mesa Verde National Park. The towns of Cortez, Dolores, Mancos and Towaoc, and the entire Mesa Verde Country area, comprise the archaeological center of America.

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Ridgway Brewery Honored at Great American Beer Festival

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

Ridgway Brewery Honored at Great American Beer Festival

-Colorado Boy Brewery Wins Silver & Bronze Medals-

 

Ouray, Colo. (Oct. 13, 2009) – Ridgway’s Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery recently pulled in two medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver. The GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world, boasting 3,308 entries this year.  The Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery won a silver medal for its Irish Style Red Ale called “Colorado Boy Irish” and was awarded a bronze medal in the Extra Special Bitter or Strong Bitter category for its “Colorado Boy IPA.” 

 

Colorado Boy (www.coloradoboy.com) is owned and operated by Tom and Sandy Hennessy, who have been in the brewing business since 1993.  The Hennessys utilize wind power to generate electricity for the brewery, and their hot water comes from solar collectors on the roof. Additionally, all spent brewing grain and yeast is fed to local cattle.

 

In addition to being committed to green practices, Tom is a staunch advocate for the philosophy of “Frankenbrew” – a way to build inexpensive commercial breweries – and has published a video on the topic. 

 

“It is quite an honor to be recognized out of the outstanding field of competitors in each category,” notes Tom Hennessy.  “At Colorado Boy, simplicity is key.  We use a seven BBL system made up of a brew kettle, mash tun, two fermentation tanks and three grundy tanks. We brew one batch per week, which is all that is needed when you only have 25 seats!”

 

Housed in a 1915 brick building in the historic section of downtown Ridgway, Hennessy says the brew house typically has five or six of its ales on tap.  The brewery is in full view from the antique oak bar, so beer lovers can watch the brewing process live while enjoying their pint. 

 

Brewers interested in learning how to build their own small brewery can sign up for a one-week immersion course that covers everything from building and brewing, to licensing and business systems designed to operate a small brewery that is profitable and inexpensive to open. For details call 970.626.5333.

 

The brewpub is open Tuesday-Thursday from 4-8 p.m., Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 1-9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-8 p.m.

 

Colorado Boy Brewery is one of 16 microbreweries in the Southwest Colorado Travel Region, which stretches from the city of Delta in the northwest to Pagosa Springs in the southeast.  For a complete list of breweries download the “Hop to It” brewery tour brochure at http://www.swcoloradoheritage.com/heritage-maps-and-trips/suggested-trips/hop-to-it-brewery-tour.   

 

About Ridgway & Ouray:

Nestled in the picturesque Uncompahgre Valley and surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks of the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains, Ridgway is the “Gateway to the San Juans.”  The town was named for Rio Grande Southern Railroad superintendent Robert M. Ridgway who established the town in 1891.  Ridgway Town Park and surroundings were locations for the movies “True Grit” and “How the West Was Won.”   Visit http://ridgwaycolorado.com to learn more about Ridgway. 

 

Located at 7,700 feet above sea level in southwest Colorado, the National Historic District of Ouray is surrounded on three sides by 13,000-foot peaks, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of America.”  Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering rock climbing, hiking, four-wheeling and mountain biking in the summer and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.  To learn more about the area log on to www.ouraycolorado.com.


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