It is a busy upcoming Independence Day weekend in Gunnison. Everyone is invited to the ribbon cutting of the new Legion Park playground structure at 5:30pm today, Friday, July 2nd. Aimee Wesley from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) will cut the ribbon. After the dedication, head downtown for the free "Fridays at 5" on the Arts Center patio. After relaxing to the great jazz music of the "Carl Mienecke Jazz Explosion" and enjoying some liquid refreshments, head inside the Arts Center and start your "Gunnison Gallery Crawl". This month the Arts Center is hosting the Francis King Western Art Collection from the Sangre de Cristo Art Museum in Pueblo. Also included in the first Friday of the month Gallery Crawl is the Brick Cellar, Gunnison Art Gallery, Rocky Mountain Frames, Mochas and the Blue Thunder Artists Coop. Have dinner at one of Gunnison's fine restaurants and then head south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory. Tonight, Friday July 2nd marks the beginning of the Summer Lecture/Viewing Series. Local astronomer Mike Brooks will be speaking on "Globular Clusters" and public viewing will take place through the publically-owned 30" cassegrain telescope and through smaller amateur telescope set up on the facility grounds. There is a requested donation charge of $5 for adults and $3 for children. The publically-owned GVO runs solely on donations and grants. The GVO will offer the program again on Saturday night. The gates will open both nights at 8pm. Bring a jacket - it gets chilly after dark.Just after dawn on Saturday morning, ride your townie bike over to Jorgensen Park to watch the ascension of the annual Gunnison Balloon Rally. Stu and Diana Barton of the local Trough Restaurant are to be commended for hosting this annual event over the 4th of July. Balloonist from mostly New Mexico and Colorado come to Gunnison to enjoy the cool mountain air. bring your camera - it is a beautiful site. After a hearty breakfast at one of the local eateries, grab some coffee from one of the wonderful coffeehouses and visit the Gunnison Farmer's Market. Stock up on organic fruits and vegetables and delectable bakery goods, buy a bottle of West
ern Slope Wine, and peruse the arts and crafts. Local food vendors offer some tasty vitals. While you're downtown stroll through the downtown sidewalk sales for some great deals on unique items. Many other businesses in town will also be holding 4th of July weekend sales. Be sure and check them out! Saturday morning at 9am is the start of this year's Jack Russell Terrier Trials at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center (rodeo grounds) Watching this fun-filled event of these intelligent and energetic pups is free to the public.
ern Slope Wine, and peruse the arts and crafts. Local food vendors offer some tasty vitals. While you're downtown stroll through the downtown sidewalk sales for some great deals on unique items. Many other businesses in town will also be holding 4th of July weekend sales. Be sure and check them out! Saturday morning at 9am is the start of this year's Jack Russell Terrier Trials at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center (rodeo grounds) Watching this fun-filled event of these intelligent and energetic pups is free to the public.Saturday afternoon is your opportunity to enjoy a swim and splash with the 
kids on the slides or water features at the Gunnison Community Center pool. If swimming is not your cup of tea - try the fishing in Pac-Man Pond at Jorgensen Park or walk, run or ride the trails at the City's VanTuyl Ranch or Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. You can finish out your Saturday activities by catching the 3-D movie at the Ruby Cinema at the Student Center at Western State College.
kids on the slides or water features at the Gunnison Community Center pool. If swimming is not your cup of tea - try the fishing in Pac-Man Pond at Jorgensen Park or walk, run or ride the trails at the City's VanTuyl Ranch or Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. You can finish out your Saturday activities by catching the 3-D movie at the Ruby Cinema at the Student Center at Western State College.Sunday is Independence Day! And a busy day it is. Very early, the balloons will once again be flying over the City. Starting at 12 Noon until 4pm, there will be activities at the IOOF Park. There will be food, games and activities. The bands "U-47" and "Iola" will be providing great music. At 4pm, head over to Jorgensen Park. From 4 to 9pm, activities will be centered in the outdoor covered ice rink. There will be a "food court" of local food vendors and a beer garden with beer provided by Gunnison's CB Brewing Company.Live music will be provided by the "Pimp Valley Drifters" and the "Bruce Hayes Band". At 9:15pm, the 58th Annual Rotary Fireworks will commence. Kick back on the lawn of Jorgensen or Legion Park and enjoy the show.
Just a reminder - while many, many City employees will be working this weekend to make it a safe and enjoyable weekend, City offices are closed for the long holiday weekend on Monday, July 5th. We'll be open Tuesday morning to serve you. Refuse routes normally picked up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, July 6th.
For everyone's safety, Highway 50 (Tomichi Avenue) will be closed at 5pm on Sunday, July 4th and traffic will be detoured around the parks areas via North Adams Street, East Georgia Avenue and North Colorado Street. Plan accordingly ahead of time where you want to park. Parking and driving will not be allowed along Tomichi Avenue. In addition, the road around the south and east side of Jorgensen Park will be closed all day, Sunday, July 4th.
Also remember, that all fireworks that leave the ground or explode are prohibited in the City. Violators could be ticketed. For everyone's safety do not bring any fireworks with you to the Rotary event - just enjoy the show. Have a fun and safe Independence Day weekend.
