Lots Going On

It's summer in the Gunnison High Country and there is a lot going on!


The Annual Trough Restaurant Balloon Ascension will take place Saturday, July 2nd through Monday, July 4th. Balloons will be ascending into the clear morning air from Jorgensen Park starting at 5:30am. It's a beautiful sight! Also this weekend long, local businesses will be holding holiday sales. Get out and find a bargain on some unique and useful items!
On Friday, July 1st, kick off the holiday weekend by starting at the Gunnison Arts Center patio for free live music. After a little music, start inside at the Arts Center for the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Beautiful and thought-provoking artwork is displayed in galleries around town with appetizers and libations available. Information on the participating galleries can be obtained at the Arts Center. After viewing art and having dinner at one of Gunnison's fine restaurants, bistros or cafes - head out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory south of town for some clear, night sky viewing. The facility gates open at 8pm with the lecture series starting at 8:30pm. The Observatory is open for public viewing Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer and fall. Go to http://www.gunnisonobservatory.org/ for more information.
Following the balloon ascension on Saturday morning, grab a hearty breakfast at one of Gunnison's friendly restaurants and a latte at one of the coffee shops then head over to the 100 block of East Virginia Ave. (by the downtown IOOF Park) and partake in the Gunnison Farmer's Market. There will be produce, organic meats, eggs, breads and pastries, arts and crafts and jewelry. If you're a local - say hello to your friends and neighbors and if you're a visitor - you'll feel like a friend by the time you leave! Remember - there is night sky viewing at the Gunnison Observatory on Saturday night.
Sunday morning is the balloon rally once again. There are a number of different church denominations in Gunnison for your Sunday morning services. During the weekend days - make the City of Gunnison your "Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains". Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountain and road biking in the great outdoors or head indoors at the Gunnison Community Center for swimming, splashing, games and climbing. The Community Center is located at 200 East Spencer Avenue behind the Wal-Mart in north Gunnison. Rounding out Sunday is the Gunnison Arts Center's "Sundays at 6" live music program at the Legion Park Pavilion. It's free but donations are encouraged and appreciated. Take a picnic dinner (no glass in the park please!) - relax on the grass and listen to the band "Tornado Rider".
Monday is Independence Day! Most of the holiday activities are taking place at Jorgensen Park, located at 500 East Tomichi Avenue (Highway 50). A beer garden and food vendors will be located in the covered outdoor ice rink. The band "Oakhurst" will provide bluegrass music starting at 5pm. WSC History Professor Duane Vandenbusche will detail local history from the Jorgensen Gazebo at 8:20pm. A patriotic ceremony will start at 8:50pm - with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. And - as anticipation grows - blast off of this year's fireworks takes place at 9:20pm.
The City of Gunnison Council and employees wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!