Gunnison's 4th of July Fireworks

The 61st Annual Gunnison Rotary Club's Indpendence Day Fireworks Event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 4, 2012, starting at dusk.  The Rotary Club of Gunnison is working closely with Gunnison Emergency Services, the Gunnison County Sheriff's Department, Gunnison Fire Department and the City of Gunnison, to ensure a safe fireworks display.
Since all private fireworks have been banned by the State of Colorado, Gunnison County and the City of Gunnison, a central, County and City-approved, closely-monitored fireworks display will ensure a safe and traditional Independence Day celebration for our citizens and visitors.
The fireworks are launched over irrigated wetlands and grounds, including Jorgensen Park, that will be watered prior to the event.  City and County fire trucks with trained peronnel, will be on-site prior to, during and after the event.  Conditions will be closely monitored daily until the first shell is launched.  Should conditions be deemed dangerous or if emergency equipment and personnel are not available for the event, the fireworks display will be cancelled.  Safety is the number one priority for the event.
For more information contact Fire Marshal Dennis Spritzer at 970-641-8153 or City Manager Ken Coleman at 970-641-8171.  Have a safe and happy Independence Day.

Wet and Wild Weekend

There were thrills and spills on the River this weekend!  Friday night saw the opening festivities of the Gunnison River Festival.  Music in Legion Park, provided by "Tornado Rider" started off the fun.  There were women on stilts, dancing toddlers, burgers grilling and hoola-hoopers!  Saturday morning

Saturday Farmers' Market



Fun at Legion Park

 was the opening of the annual Farmers' Market located downtown adjacent to the IOOF Park.  Even though it's early in the growing season, there was a variety of produce, crafts, wine from the Mountain View Winery out of Olathe, Colorado, and yummy baked goods.   

Kayak competitors

 The River Festival continued at the Whitewater Park just west of town.  Since it was a hot day - 90

Hooligan Race Winner

degrees is HOT for Gunnison, lots of folks cooled off in the River.  With this year's lower water flows, it's a perfect place to have some water fun.  The river was full of rafts, kayaks, kids, bikinis, buff bods, and a variety of dogs! 

One of the highlights of the festival was the citizen's Hooligan Raft Race.  An assortment of hand crafted rafts floated through
the three water features at the park in hopes of staying upright and with all of the participants on the raft at the end of the race!  Logan McDonald, riding an exerciser-glider strapped to his raft, made it through the water feature waves - almost - and won the race.   

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.

Smoke to the South

Several folks have called Gunnison Communications inquiring about the smoke visible in the sky to the south of Gunnison.  The plume of smoke is from the Little Sand Fire, located in southern Colorado by the town of Pagosa Springs.  The wind shifted for a time this afternoon and directed the smoke plume from that fire northward towards Gunnison.  There is NO FIRE in the immediate vicinity of the Gunnison Valley at this time.

Again, be aware there is a Gunnison County and State-wide Fire Ban in effect.  Open burning is not allowed and the use of fireworks is strictly PROHIBITED. 

For more information on the Fire Ban, contact Fire Marshal Dennis Spritzer at 970.641.8153. 

It's the Weekend

Start your Gunnison weekend at 5pm by heading over to the Gunnison Arts Center "Fridays @ 5" courtyard patio and enjoy the music of "The Porchlights".  Then enjoy some of Gunnison's great restaurants, cafes, bistros, diners, taverns and brewpub.  You'll always see someone you know or make some new acquaintances! 

Gunnison Observatory at night

Tonight, Friday, June 15th, is the 2012 season opening of the Gunnison Valley Observatory.  The observatory, located south of Gunnison at 2804 CR 38 (Gold Basin Road) across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, will be open every Friday and Saturday evening for public viewing.  The gates will open at 7:30pm and classroom presentations on astronomy topics will commence.  This weekend, learn about "Saturn and the Gas Planets".  When the stars come out, there'll be viewing of the night sky through the dome-housed 30" telescope and through smaller telescopes on the patio.  Be sure and bring a jacket, evenings can be cool.  Admission is by donation.
Saturday and Sunday will see talented athletes participate in the annual "Diamonds in the Rockies" girls' fast pitch softball tournament at the Jorgensen Park fields.  The Gunnison girls teams will compete as well as teams from all across Colorado.  Go out and enjoy the action! 
In between games, visit some of Gunnison's retail shops.   You can find everything from a new townie, flyfishing rod, jewelery, stylish clothes and shoes, and most everything else you can imagine.  You can also stretch your legs and swim, hike, rock climb, bike, fish, raft, kayak, walk, boat on the river or the lake, waterski, and just enjoy the Gunnison High Country.  We're your Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!  Once the sun sets, you can catch a movie at the Ruby Cinema, located in the Western State Center on campus or on Friday and Saturday night, you can enjoy "Old time Radio Theater" at the Gunnison Arts Center, located on the southwest corner of Main (Hwy 135) and Tomichi (Hwy 50).  Doors open at 7pm. 
Finish off your busy weekend by vegging out at Legion Park and listening to the GAC "Sundays @ 7" concert.  Bring your lawn chair, blanket and some munchies while you listen to the music of "Better Late Than Never".  Enjoy your weekend!

Ride the Rockies Start



"Workin' Progress" revving up the Ride the Rockies crowd



This year's Ride the Rockies Bike Tour start in Gunnison was a BIG success!  The 2500 riders and their support friends and families enjoyed the downtown festivities on Saturday afternoon and evening.  The City of Gunnison's bright yellow information tent was up and many volunteers answered a wide variety of questions for the visitors and promoted the big USA Pro Cycling Race later this summer.  The local band "Workin' Progress" entertained everyone with great music.  Food vendors and the local restaurants provided a delicious variety of "carb loading" goodies for the riders.  Most of the food vendors sold out by the end of the evening. The Gunnison Community School lawn was the site of the "tent village" on Saturday evening.  Potable showers and restrooms were set up for the riders' use.  Many riders limbered up for the long bike tour by riding in town and around the Gunnison Valley. 



Volunteer Shawn Meldrum answering
riders' questions about Gunnison



An opening ceremony, including remarks from Gunnison Mayor Jonathan Houck, took place at 7:30am Sunday morning before the riders headed west (into a strong head wind!) out of town on Highway 50, past Blue Mesa Reservoir, across the dam, over Black Mesa and ended the day in Hotchkiss.  Comments from the riders about Gunnison were very favorable!  We hope to see many of them back for vacations and biking adventures in the Gunnison Valley. 

Ride the Rockies Gather!

The participants in the 27th Annual "Ride the Rockies" Bike Tour gather in Gunnison Friday and Saturday.  The 442 mile road bike ride starts with an opening ceremony at 7:30am on Sunday, June 10th. The riders will then head west on HIghway 50 and then ride over Black Mesa next to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Paonia.  The bike tour travels over five mountain passes, through two National Parks, and travels over the highest continuous paved byway in the U.S. (Trail Ridge Road) before it ends in Ft. Collins on Saturday, June 16th.
Some of the riders will be camping and staging at the Gunnison Community School lawn at the NW corner of N. 11th Street and West Spencer Avenue.  Others will enjoy the comforts of the local hotels and motels. 
The City of Gunnison and Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce are providing entertainment for the riders on Saturday, June 9th from noon until 9pm at the IOOF Park in downtown Gunnison.  The festivities will include rockin' music by classic rock band "Workin Progress".  Food vendors will include Inner Fire Pizza, Creative Catering, F-Bar BBQ, Lucky Dog's Gourmet Hot Dogs and of course beer.  The riders will have the opportunity to check out Gunnison's fine shops and sporting goods emporiums, enjoy the delicious and varied restaurants and cafes, sip some locally brewed coffe or locally brewed beer, and enjoy the laid back Gunnison summer vibe.  Locals are welcome and encouraged to come downtown and check out the action.
Ending the weekend events, it'll be time to kick back and enjoy the Gunnison Arts Center's "Sundays @ 6" free concert featuring "Doctor Robert" at the Legion Park Pavillion.  Bring your lawn chair or blanket to relax and revive.

Relay for Life

The Annual Relay for Life Event, that supports the American Cancer Society and locals touched by cancer, will take place starting tonight, Friday and Saturday, June 8th and 9th, at Jorgensen Park in Gunnison.  Opening Ceremonies will take place at 6pm and includes a cancer survivor "lap" around the relay course.  The moving and beautiful "Luminaria Ceremony" will take place at 9:00 P.M.  Luminarias glowing in the dusk, shine to remind everyone of the fight against cancer.
The Relay for Life Honors cancer survivors and remembers those we've lost to the disease. Funds raised support the American Cancer Society in its search for a cure.  Go over to Jorgensen Park and show your support for the walkers. 

Used Vehicles for Sale

The City Fleet Department has three used vehicles for sale.  Sealed bids will be received at the City Shops, 1100 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison until 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 26th.  All vehicles are sold as is.  For more information or to set up a viewing of the vehicles, call Fleet Manager Pat MacIntosh at 641-8328.

2 - 2001, 4-door, Chevy Impalas
1 - 2002, 4-door, Chevy Impala

Busy So Far

It's not even officially summer yet, and there's been a lot happening in Gunnison.  Even with the strong blustery winds, everyone seems to be enjoying our Valley.

Fishermen Cody & Sparky Casebolt



Amerigas Fishing Derby "Grillers"



Mayor Houck at the Start



Saturday, May 26th saw the City-sponsored annual Kids Outdoor Recreation and Fishing Derby.  A variety of wonderful community organizations set up educational booths for the kids to learn about everything from archery to turkey calling to experiencing wildlife.  Each participant received a fishing pole and had the opportunity to catch fish in PacMan Pond.  With the 30+ mph winds, the kids did well to cast with the wind from the west side of the pond!  The event culminated in lunch grilled by the dedicated volunteers from Amerigas on the "Big Giller".  Thanks to all of the participants for making this annual event a fun experience for all of the kids!

Saturday and Sunday morning heralded the Rage in the Sage Weekend "Gunnison Growler" mountain biking races.  Saturday was the 32 mile half-growler that started at 9am.  Mayor Jonathan Houck started each morning's race with a shotgun blast.  He says it's one of his favorite "Mayoral" duties of the year.   Sunday's race was the "Full Growler" 64 mile bike race and it started bright and early at 7am.  Monday morning, a contingent of hearty souls undertook the 25k and 50k running races on the Hartman Rocks trails.  What a "refreshing" way to start the day!  A great deal of thanks goes out to the race organizers, "Gunnison Trails",  all of the course volunteers on all three days, and of course, the dedicated race participants.  We hope to see you all back later this summer for more fun in the Gunnison Valley!

Start of the Half 32-Mile" Growler Mtn Bike Race



Baseball Skills Challenge

City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation is hosting the Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge Competition on Thursday, June 7th at 5pm at the Jorgensen Park Softball Fields.  This is for boys and girls ages 6 - 13 (as of 12/31/12).  There is no cost to register but a registration form must be filled out by parents or guardians for each child and must accompany each child in order to participate.  Registration begins at 4:30pm on Thursday, June 7th at the softball fields.  Skills are in base running, hitting and throwing.  No metal spike shoes are permitted, only sneakers or plastic, rubber cleats will be allowed.  Competitors may use their own bat if they choose.  Bats will be available at the compeition. 
The top scorers from each age group will compete in the Sectional Competition in Grand Junction and the top Sectional Scorers from each age group will then advance to the State Championships in Lakewood, Colorado in August.  Get Registered and Play Ball!