First Summer Weekend

Summer officially began early last Wednesday evening.  It's HOT-HOT-HOT! down in the cities but we have delicously warm days and pleasant evenings and this first weekend of summer is lining up to be a fun one! 

Tonight Friday, June 22nd, is the start of the 10th Annual Gunnison River Festival.  The Opening Night Extravaganza, starts at 5:30pm at Legion Park.  There'll be river games, food vendors, and the rollicking fun music of "Tornado Rider". 

"SUP"  Stand Up Paddling

 Saturday morning, June 23rd, the River Festival activities move onto the water.  Listed below are the day's activities:
8am - SUP/Kayak/Canoe Flatwater Race on Blue Mesa Lake starting at Elk Creek Marina.
9am - Competitive Down River Raft Race from Rocky River to the Whitewater Park
9:30am - all day Kids Zone Educational and Interactive Area at the Whitewater Park
9:30am - Fly Casting Accuracy Challenge
10:30am - Canine Big Air Competition by the 2nd water feature at the Whitewater Park
11am - Rafting Community Floats from the Gunnison River North Bridge to the Whitewater Park
11:30am - Inflatable Whitewater Rodeo from the 1st to the 3rd water features at the Whitewater Park
12:30pm - SUP (stand up paddling) Downriver Expo X from the 1st thru the 3rd water features at the Whitewater Park
1pm - Freestyle Kayak Competition on the 3rd feature at the Whitewater Park
2pm - Kayak Boater X on the 1st thru 3rd water features at the Whitewater Park

Freesyle Kayaking

3pm - Citizens Hooligan Race at the 2nd and 3rd water features at the Whitewater Park
Come out to Legion, Blue Mesa and the Whitewater Park and enjoy the festivities.  Parking at the Whitewater Park is limited.  Ride your bike or walk for easier access!  For more information go to http://www.gunnisonriverfestival.com/ 

When the sun sets and the day's activities wind down, head south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory to view the stars under Gunnison's clear night sky.  The Observatory is open Friday and Saturday evenings for public viewing.  The facility gates open at 8pm and admission is by suggested $5.00 donation.  The Observatory hosts one of the largest (30") publicly-owned and accessible telescopes in Colorado.  Volunteer astronomers present short educational astronomy lectures in the classroom and once darkness falls, star gazing starts.  You may even get to see a meteor speeding over head.  The Observatory is located at 2804 County Road 38 (Gold Basin Road) across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.  Head west on Hwy 50 and turn left just before the Gunnison River Bridge.  Follow CR 38 for about 2 miles and the Observatory is on your left.  Bring a jacket, nights can get chilly. 

Saturday, June 23rd, is the start of the 2012 Gunnison Farmer's Market.  The market, featuring organic produce, meats and dairy products, wine, locally made crafts and prepared foods, is open from 9:30am to 1:30pm on the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue - right downtown!  Meet and greet your friends, pick up some healthy farm goods, listen to lively music and then visit the downtown shops and restaurants.
Sunday afternoon at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds, will be the Western Slope Water Summit, hosted by the Gunnison County Farm and Livestock Bureau. The informative session runs from 1 to 5pm. 
Sunday evening, finish off your weekend by relaxing on the lawn at Legion Park, listening to the music of "BOOMCHICK".  The concert is part of the Gunnison Arts Center's "Sundays @ 6" Concert Series.  Pick up a picnic supper at one of Gunnison's great restaurants or grocery stores to enjoy with the music.