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© Copyright 2008, Mountain Kids
Magazine, LLC

Summer 2008
Gunnison/Crested Butte Colorado Family Activity Guide

Kid Friendly Activities
in the Valley - Special Events, Festivals and Concerts

Whether it’s rodeos, art fairs, bike races, or hunting for wildflowers and mushrooms, Crested Butte and Gunnison know how to celebrate and take pride in doing so as many times as possible during our beautiful summer months. If you’re visiting for more than a couple of days, chances are that at least one of these events will take place during your stay. And if you live here, well, try not to wear yourself out.



Lake San Cristobel 5K/10K
Kick off the summer with a 5K-baby jogger stroll in this annual event. The race will be held June 7 in Lake City. Infants can join in the fun in backpacks, and if your kids are up to it, why not run/walk with the other racers! Visit www.lakecity.com or call (970) 944-2527 for further information.

In the past, Lake City has hosted numerous festivities for families including Alfred Packer Days, Ghost Tours, and an All-American Fishing Derby. Information was not available at the time of printing, so please visit their website for updated information on family fun.

Pioneer Museum Open House
The Pioneer Museum in Gunnison hosts their annual Open House on Father’s Day, June 15. Admission is free and refreshments are served. The museum is open to the public seven days per week, opening Memorial Day and closing September 30. The museum hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 1-5 on Sundays. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children, kids 6 and under are free. There are 16 buildings full of attractions. The Pioneer Museum is located at 803 E. Tomichi Ave., (Hwy 50 on the east edge of town, across from Jorgensen Park). Please call (970) 641-4530 for more information.

Fat Tire Bike Week
This weeklong event of bike races and clinics take place from June 18-22 and is fun for the whole family. Children ages 10 and up are welcome on the beginner guided rides, and all ages are welcome to join in the several events around the town Crested Butte and in the Expo Area throughout the week, which includes live music, a pig roast, a bike rodeo and a beer garden for mom and dad. For more information visit www.ftbw.com.

Gunnison Valley Observatory
Gunnison is a little close to the stars! The long-anticipated Gunnison Valley Observatory telescope has arrived and is operational. The distinctive dome-topped, publicly owned observatory, located at the base of “W” Mountain at 2805 County Rd. 38 (South on Gold Basin Road), houses a telescope with a 30-inch mirror to view the moon, planets, stars and other astronomical wonders under Gunnison's clear, stable skies.

Everyone is invited to a free grand opening celebration starting at sunset, approximately 8:30 pm, on Saturday, June 28th. Public viewing through the new telescope and a variety of “support” telescopes will be available that evening. An astronomy education program will also be offered that evening. For those who can't make it to the festivities on Saturday, public viewing through the main telescope will be available on Sunday evening, June 29th as well.

Following the grand opening weekend, the observatory will be open to the public, at sunset, every Friday night during the months of July through September, for open telescope viewing for a nominal fee. In addition, the Gunnison Valley Observatory will be offering a unique astronomy Lecture Series Program on select Saturdays throughout the summer and early fall. The Observatory, including the classroom and telescope, will soon be available for reservation for private educational sessions, research programs, and star parties.

Scarlet Sisters “The Lost Circus”
The Gunnison Library will be hosting this interactive circus for kids. The circus is sponsored by Friends of the Library and takes place on the last day of the summer reading program July 30 at 9 a.m. at the Gunnison Public Library. For more information, call (970) 641-3485.

Alpenglow Free Concert Series
These concerts are held Monday evenings from June 30 through August 11 at 5:30pm on the soccer field (conveniently located next to the playground) in the Town Park in Crested Butte. Past performances have included bands playing bluegrass, swing music, steel drums, reggae, and many more. What to bring? Your whole family (except for the dogs!), a picnic, snacks, a nice bottle of wine, blankets, jackets, lawn chairs, and your dancing feet.

Sundays at 7
These free concerts take place in Gunnison at Jorgensen Park every Sunday June 1- August 3 at 7:00pm. Bring blankets, jackets, picnic dinner, beverages, lawn chairs, and get ready to be entertained and enjoy a social gathering with neighbors. What a great way to top off a fun weekend!

Wildflower Rush
This bike race set in beautiful surroundings offers Cross Country, Downhill and Super D divisions for both kids and adults on June 20-22. For more information and for registration, visit www.ridecb.com.

Live! From Mt. Crested Butte
The Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association presents Live!From Mt. Crested Butte. Each Wednesday, beginning July 2 ending August 20, Crested Butte Mountain Resort will have free live music from 5:30-7:30 at the new Mountain Stage located next to the Red Lady Express chairlift. Visit www.skicb.com for a full line up.

Gunnison Balloon Rally
This annual event starts Friday July 4 and runs through Sunday, July 6 in Jorgensen Park. Balloon pilot enthusiasts from all over the country participate in this weekend event. Spectators must rise early as the crews get the balloons ready at 6am and usually take flight by 7am.

Independence Day Celebration
This is the ultimate All-American Fourth of July experience. In Crested Butte, the morning commences with the Gothic-Crested Butte 1/2 Marathon. Cheer on the runners as they pass the finish line in downtown Crested Butte and head over to the fire hall on 3rd and Maroon St. for the Firefighter’s Annual Pancake Breakfast. The parade commences at 11am (Crested Butte Time) and includes a huge variety of floats including bikini clad rafters, war veterans, and “monkeys” jumping through flames on their bicycles. There are scheduled activities planned throughout the day which we will update on our website, or you can check the local papers. After the parade, hang out and dance on Elk Avenue, engage in the many activities scheduled, or take a rest before the Patriotic Big Band Concert at 4pm in the Town Park. Following the concert – at dusk – is the fireworks display. There is also a fireworks display in Gunnison at night. On this holiday there are croquet games set up on lawns all over town, and Bar-B-Q aromas on every corner. This is an absolutely unforgettable experience for the entire family – it’s what every Fourth of July should be.

The Gunnison Balloon Rally starts early – around 6am in Jorgensen Park. The balloons usually take flight by 7am.

Fireworks with Altitude
This family friendly Fourth is sponsored by the Gunnison Rotary Club, Gunnison County and the City of Gunnison. There will be games, food, live music and contests in Jorgensen Park. Admission is by donation,and the proceeds benefit the Gunnison area Rotary Club projects. There is seating on the grass – you may want to bring chairs and blankets. Events start at 3pm and the fireworks are held at dusk.

Crested Butte Music Festival
The Divine Family Young Peoples Concerts are a series of free concerts designed for children ages 4-12 held on Saturday from 11am to noon. The schedule is as follows: “Surprise Packages” July 5th, “Balaaika!” July 12, “The Magic of Percussion” July 19 and “Little Red Riding Hood” July 26. These will all be held at the center for the arts except for the July 19 performance, which will be at the Mountain Garden on Mt. CB. The Music Festival has evening performances July 4-31 and children 6 and older are welcome for a ticket price of $10.00.

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Taking place from July 7-13, this event offers twice daily flower identification walks. If you have small children, please carry them in a backpack. Also offered are Wagon Rides to Peanut Lake, which are fun for the whole family and take place daily. For more information on times and fees for the Wildflower Festival, please call (970) 349-2571 or visit their website at www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com

Cattlemen’s Days
Located in Gunnison at the Rodeo Grounds, this “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeo” gives local cowboys and cowgirls, and competitors from around the country, a chance to show off their roping, riding, and racing skills. This week long celebration of our Western Heritage includes a carnival, rodeo, 4-H exhibits, horse shows and races, a parade, dances, and even a breast cancer fundraiser titled Tough Enough to Wear Pink. This year’s celebration commences July 5th with a 4-H horse show. The carnival at the rodeo grounds starts Wednesday July 9th through Saturday, July 12th. Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo – a fundraiser that keeps the money locally for women with breast cancer – is held on Thursday, July 10. Saturday, July 12 kicks off with a parade in Gunnison at 10am. It is also Family Night at the rodeo grounds. Kids get in free for general seats and $5.00 for a grandstand seat with a paid adult ($15.00 grandstand/$12.00 general admission) For more information on exact times of events and admission prices, visit www.cattlemensdays.com.

PowerAde Pinnacle Bike Race Series
Created by Crested Butte Mountain Resort, this regional racing series for kids and adults is held on Thursday evenings starting at 5:45 from July 10 – August 7, 2008. The popular race series is geared for fun and competition from beginner to expert riders, for a total of 12 racing categories. The races consist of varying lengths and difficulty to challenge riders of all abilities on Mt. Crested Butte’s network of trails and quality single track. The event features a free Shimano Youth Series for kids, which is designed to give children the opportunity to compete in a fun, positive environment. For more information call
(970) 349-2221 or visit www.ridecb.com.

33rd Annual Lake City Arts and Crafts Festival
This festival will be held in the Town Park on July 15 from 9-5 and features talented artists, craftsmen, live music, and a variety of delicious food. Visit www.lakecityarts.org for more information on this event and a myriad of other events. Call (970) 944-2706 for further information.

Art in the Park
This will be the Thirty Third year for this juried art show held in Gunnison at Legion Park on July 27. The festival features the work of talented arts and craftsmen and runs from 9am to 4pm. Come join in the fun during this annual event.

Pitkin Days
Held in Pitkin, Colorado the last weekend of July (July 26,27) this event is overflowing with great activities for kids, most of which take place on Saturday. In the past these have included a Fun Run/Walk, Children’s Fishing contest, Horseshoe and Frisbee Contests, Free Throw Contest, Potluck, Seed Spitting Contest, Children’s balloon toss, egg toss, and sack races, tug-of-war, and a Winner’s Ceremony.

Stepping Stones Fun Fest
The fundraiser for the Tuition Assistance Program of the local pre-school takes place on Saturday, July 5 starting at 10am in the Town Park of Crested Butte. Festivities for this town favorite include a petting zoo, food, games, prizes, a dunk tank, and bump ‘n jump rides, face painting, and more.

Western Slope Motor Sports 5th Annual Mud Race
This annual event takes place at the Rodeo Grounds in Gunnison August 2nd at 6pm. To get a good seat, you should be there by 5pm. There are 7 classes in this competition including tough trucks and monster trucks. To register your vehicle and for more information, call Gunnison Muffler at (970) 641-6007.

Crested Butte Arts Festival
Come to downtown Crested Butte on August 1 and 2 to see artists from all over the country, selling just about anything one could think of. Many booths sell kiddie accessories like puzzles, hats, wooden toys, and children’s clothing. There is a face painter and a magician as well. The Rubber Ducky Race, which is a Rotary fundraiser, takes place on Coal Creek on Sunday, so head over to the creek to cheer on your ducks and maybe win some cool prizes, too.

CB Farmers Market hosts "The Great Apricot
Chuck-Off Field Games"!
Bring a partner to Crank's Plaza at Fifth and Maroon (Town Hall) Sunday, August 3rd to sign up for the Field Games.
Events include a Human Wheelbarrow Relay, 3- Legged Race and "The Great Apricot Chuck-Off". Furthest apricot chucked back and forth between two partners without dropping or smashing the 'cot wins!

First prize in the event is 2 free tickets to the Telluride Blues & Brews Saturday Night Music & Microbrewery Grand Tasting. 2nd & 3rd place will receive Market Bucks good for shopping at the Crested Butte Farmers Market. Sign up at 11:00AM at the Crested Butte Farmers Market located THIS WEEK ONLY at Fifth and Maroon. Participation in the Field Games is FREE! For more information contact Kevin McGruther at (970)901-0711, powderfarmer@gmail.com or online at www.cbfarmersmarket.org

Gunnison River Festival
Gunnison-Crested Butte will showcase hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and rugged recreation during the Gunnison River Festival and River Awareness Week which promise to deliver plenty of river fun and learning from August 14-18, 2008. Activities for children include a Foamy Boat Race in Gunnison Whitewater park from 11:30-12:30 on Saturday August 16. A Kids Climbing Competition at the IOOF Park in Gunnison from 1:30 – 3:00 will also be held on the 16th. Also on that day is a “Kids Zone” at the Trinity Baptist Church downtown Gunnison from 11:30-6:00pm,and a Townie Bike Race from 3-4pm downtown Gunnison. Activities include raft racing, kayak competitions, music, a dutch oven cook off, and more. For more information, visit their website at www.gunnisonriverfestival.com or call the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce at (970) 641-1501.

Gunnison Car Show
The 21st Annual event takes place August 22-24 in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Head down to Main Street in Gunnison on Friday for the “Cruise In” and a 50’s style party with live music and dancing from 5-9. On Saturday, check out the Open Car Show and the activities, food and music in Jorgensen park. The entire crew does a breakfast cruise to Crested Butte on Sunday Morning.

High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival
This festival is held on August 23 in Legion Park from 9-4. It will be featuring arts, crafts, antiques and collectibles. It is held in conjunction with the Gunnison Car Show. Call The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce at (970) 641-1501 for further information.

People’s Fair
This event celebrates local artists of all kinds in downtown Crested Butte on Saturday, August 30th. Enjoy live music and great food as you shop from booths that include local painters, jewelry makers, used records and cd’s, adult and children’s clothing, and even fresh honey, jams and pies. Supporting the locals has never been so much fun!

Kids 1K Tootsie Roll Race – Gunnison Valley Hospital
This sixth annual race, held on Saturday, September 27, begins immediately after the Run for Rehab at the hospital in Gunnison. Children ages 2-10 will run, walk, or stroll with their parents down a balloon-lined straightaway, and receive a ribbon and oversized Tootsie Roll at the finish line. Cost is $5.00. For more information call (970) 641-7297.