It'll be a fun-filled, fabulous weekend in Gunnison. Starting Thursday evening, and continuing un
til 5pm on Saturday evening, the 5th Annual "Carvin' Up Colorado" takes place at Legion Park. Eleven wood carvers from Colorado,Nebraska, Washington, and Oklahoma will turn "leftover" logs into works of art. This year's theme is "Outdoor Colorado". The tree stumps are from the 100 block of North Wisconsin and even the City's 2009 Christmas Tree! What a great way to recycle our trees!
til 5pm on Saturday evening, the 5th Annual "Carvin' Up Colorado" takes place at Legion Park. Eleven wood carvers from Colorado,Nebraska, Washington, and Oklahoma will turn "leftover" logs into works of art. This year's theme is "Outdoor Colorado". The tree stumps are from the 100 block of North Wisconsin and even the City's 2009 Christmas Tree! What a great way to recycle our trees! Friday evening will be busy downtown. Free music will start at 5pm on the Gunnison Arts Center patio - just off Tomichi Avenue. Then head "uptown" to the first four blocks of North Main Street for the start of the 23rd Annual Gunnison Car Show. The Friday night cruise-in starts with car registration at IOOF Park at 5pm. The cars will be on display in the street while "The Rev Tones" provides rockin' music on the stage in front of Gunnison Savings & Loan. Opening ceremonies start at 6pm on the stage with presentation of the flag, singing of the Naitonal Anthem and presentation of a City proclamation to Wil Cooksey - "The Man Who Saved Corvette". Enjoy dinner and a brew at one of Gunnison's great restaurants and stroll among the cars and pick out your favorite!
The Gunnison Valley Observatory will be holding public vie
wing at Friday evening starting at 8pm. There will not be a mini-lecture on Friday, just viewing through the 30" telescope and smaller amateur scopes set up at the facility. The scope is the largest, publically owned and publically accessible telescope in Colorado.
wing at Friday evening starting at 8pm. There will not be a mini-lecture on Friday, just viewing through the 30" telescope and smaller amateur scopes set up at the facility. The scope is the largest, publically owned and publically accessible telescope in Colorado.Saturday morning will see the Gunnison Farmers' Market taking place from 9:30am-1:30pm, on the 100 Block of East Virginia by the IOOF Park. After stocking up on fresh produce and other tempting products, head over to Jorgensen Park (500 block of East Tomichi) to see up to 500 cars entered in the Gunnison Open Car Show. The Car Show runs through 3pm, when prizes and awards will be given. Across the street at Legion Park, the tree carving continues with prizes awarded at 5pm. On Saturday from 9am to 4pm, the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival takes place at Legion Park. It's a chance to stock up on beautifully crafted items - maybe start that early Christmas shopping (yikes!)
Out at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area (south of Gunnison) - the 8th Annual 24 Hours in the Sage Bike Race takes place starting at High Noon. Over 250 expert moutain bike riders will participate in the challenging 12 hr. and 24 hr.!!! bike challenge over the beautiful and exciting Hartman Rocks trails. Go out to watch and cheer on these amazing athletes.
Back in Gunnison, Western State College and the Community welcomes back the WSC students with the annual WSC WOW event. Starting at 5pm, students and community members will gather on the first three blocks of North Main Street to enjoy games, fun, eating contests, and music provided by the bands "Iola", "Hillside Avenue", and "Dressy Bessy" .
Over at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be holding their annual Fundraiser Banquet. There is always great auction items to bid on. Ticket information is available at 641-1087. The Gunnison Observatory will be hosting a "by-reservation only" viewing event at the observatory on Saturday night starting at 8:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance during the day at the Car Show at Jorgensen Park. "Cars in the Stars" will be the mini-lecture during the "by-ticket only" viewing event. Just think - Galaxy, Nova and ?? Subaru.
After all of the Saturday excitment, the Car Show participants will hold a Sunday morning breakfast run from Gunnison to Crested Butte starting at 8am at the Wal-Mart parking lot. Sunday, after breakfast at one of Gunnison's yummy restaurants, head out for fishing, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, rafting, more fishing, swimming or games at the City Community Center, mini-golf at the local course or full golf at Dos Rios Club, or strolling through the historic buildings, sculpture garden and art galleries of Gunnison. The Gunnison Arts Center will be holding a Historic House Tour from 1 to 4pm. More information on tickets can be found at www.gunnisonartscenter.org Finish out Sunday by grabbing your picnic basket, lawn chairs or blanket, and refreshments and head over to the Gunnison Arts Center Sundays at 7 music at the Legion Park pavilion. Have a relaxing, enjoyable, fun and safe weekend!
