So MUCH to do!

Summer isn't over by a long shot in Gunnsion.  There's a lot of activities and events to choose from this weekend. 
Going on since Thursday, the 8th Annual Carvin' Up Colorado Event is taking place at Legion Park on East Tomichi.  At the Park, you can watch talented wood carvers transform tree stumps into works of art with chainsaws.
Friday evenng, downtown on Main Street, from 5pm to 9pm, check out amazing cool cars, dance to live street music provided by the "Hillbillie Hellcats", and enjoy shopping and great dining at the Gunnison Car Club's Friday Evening Cruise-In. The 50's inspired event shouldn't be missed.  When you're throiugh checking out the cars and cool cats at the Cruise-In, head south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory. 

Gunnison Valley Observatory

This evening starting at 8:30pm,  learn about how "Stars are Born" and then view the spectacular Gunnison night sky through a variety of telescopes, including the 30", silver-dome housed telescope. 
Saturday mroning head back downtown for the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, a variety of vendors will be selling fruits, veggies, baked goods, meat, eggs, cheese, wine and more. After the Farmer’s Market head to Legion Park on East Tomichi Avenue (Highway 50) for the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival from 9 am to 4 pm. This festival will be showcasing arts and crafts from about 60 artisans from around the region. While you’re there grab some lunch from some of the many food vendors and watch some more of the Carvin’ Up Colorado wood carvers as their creations come together.
Just across the street on the lawns at Jorgensen Park will be the 26th Annual Open Car Show from 8 am to 3 pm. Strolling on the soft green grass of the Park, you will see anything from exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked-out pickup trucks and of course the classics. The Car Show awards ceremony will be held midday and Carvin’ up Colorado will wrap up with judging at 4 pm.  The Gunnison Observatory will host a second evening of night sky viewing and a program in honor of the car show entitled "How Fast Can You Go?"  Hint..it's REALLT fast!
When you're done having fun at all of the events taking place, be sure and enjoy the great outdoor recreation that Gunnison has to offer. 
Finish out the fun weekend by relaxing under the trees at Legion Park for the Gunnison Arts Center's Sundays at 6" Free Concert.   

Whatcha Gonna Do?

As the old song goes...  And there is a whole lot going on in Gunnison this weekend! 
Start off your weekend with the 1st Friday Gallery Crawl at 5pm in downtown Gunnison.  You can enjoy art, music, refreshments and visit with your friends and visitors.  Find that perfect piece of art for your livingroom!  Pick up a brochure at the Gunnison Gallery, the Gunnison Arts Center or any of the participating galleries or restaurants.  While at the Arts Center, enjoy the free Fridays @ 5" live music on the patio.  Enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite malt beverage and then have dinner at one of Gunnison's great restaurants and cafes.  Whatever your taste - you can find it.  Once your tummy is full, head back over to the Arts Center and enjoy the annual  melodrama production.  This year it's Blame it on the Pony Express".  After the drama, head south out of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatoryand learn about "The Gas Giants".  There is observing of the night sky through the dome-housed 30" and samaller telescopes following the astronomy program.
Saturday morning, enjoy an early morning bike ride or run, then grad a cup of your favorite coffe at one of Gunnison's home-owned coffee houses.  Breakfast at one of the local restaurants should satisfy your hunger pangs.  At 9:30am, stroll over to the Gunnison Farmers' Market and pick up some delicious and healthy produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, crafts of all kinds and even fire baked pizza.
If Archery is your game, the West Elk Archers will be holsing a Benefit Shoot at the Gunnison State Wildlife Area on Saturday.  Put an apple oon your head - JUST KIDDING - and head out and watch.   
Saturday is your chance to out get into Gunnison - your "BaseCamp of the Rocky Mountains".  You can fly fish, lake or stream fish, hike, boat, waterski, sail, kayak, raft, swim, mountain bike, road bike, climg, ride your horse, or just sit in the sunshine and enjoy the summer.  If you want to be nostalgic about the good old days or want to learn something about Gunnison's heritage, the Pioneer Museum on the east end of Tomichi has fascinating displays of Gunnison's early days.  You can even ring the steam locomotive's bell. 
Satuday night you can once again catch the Gunnison Arts Center's Melodrama or watch some falling stars out of the Gunnison Observatory after dark. Down at the Rodeo Grounds, you can also attend the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Fundraiser Banquet and Auction.  Whew - tired yet?
Sunday morning, savor a leisurely breakfast at one of Gunnison restaurants, cafes or coffee houses.  You can also attend services at one of Gunnison's many churches.  Take a bike ride or hike on the miles of maintained trails at the City's VanTuyl Ranch, located at the east end of Spencer Avenue.  Then take the kids fishing at Pac-Man Pond located in Jorgensen Park, 501 East Tomichi Avenue (East Highway 50) 
Finish out the day by packing or buying a picnic supper and settle back in your lawnchairs at the Arts Center's weekly free Sundays @ 6 free concert in Legion Park.  check out the City's website for more information on many of these activities www.cityofgunnison-co.gov  
Have a fabulous August weekend. 

A WHOLE lot going on!

That's right.  There is a whole lot going on in Gunnison! 
The Annual Cattlemen's Days Celebration is taking place at the Gunnison County Rodeo Grounds on South Spruce Street this week and weekend.

4-H ShowHogs

Today, Friday, July 12th, you can enjoy the 4-H Market Goat and then Cattle Show.  At 1:30pm you can see the 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Event.  Starting at 7pm, wear your red, white and blue, to the PRCA "Patriot Night Rodeo".  After the Rodeo you can dance the night away at the Elks Lodge on South Main Street, enjoy the thrills and chills on the amusement rides at the 

Watching the action!

Carnival, or head uptown for libations and live music at one of Gunnison's lively restaurants, bars, and brew pub.  For a break from the noise of the rodeo and carnival, drive south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory for public night sky viewing through the 30" publically owned telescope.  The observatory is open for public viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Go to www.gunnisonobservatory.org  for more information.
Saturday morning, head downtown early to claim your spot along Main Street for the Annual Cattlemen's Parade.  While you're waiting for the colorguard, marching bands, floats, antique cars and more, fill up on all you can eat pancakes at the Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Breakfast in IOOF Park.  After the parade, you can stroll through the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market and get some fresh produce, baked goods, electic arts

Great Food at the Farmers' Market
The Dussault's Fire Baked Pizza

and crafts and a variety of foods.  For lunch, there's great food at one of Gunnison's restaurants, burgers and hotdogs provided by the Kiwanis Club at the IOOF Park or sizzling grilled burgers on the patio of the Gunnison Elks Lodge on South Main Street.  Don't forget to stop in the varierty of shops downtown and pickup some fun, colorful and stylish clothes and gift items.  After lunch at the Rodeo Grounds is the 4-H Livestock Auction.  Saturday evening is rounded out by the PRCA Family Night Rodeo, the dance at the Elks Lodge and the Carnival at the Rodeo Grounds.  For more information on the Cattlemen's Days events go to www.cattlemensdays.com

Cattlemen's Carnival

Sunday morning enjoy breakfast and coffee at one of Gunnison's outstanding restaurants and locally-owned coffee shops, then head into the great outdoors and partake in a wide variety of exciting and fun outdoor recreation activities.   You'll understand why Gunnison is the BaseCamp to the Rocky Mountains!  For more information go to www.cityofgunnison-co  Finish up the whirlwind of weekend activities by grabbing a picnic supper, your lawnchair or blanket and settling back to enjoy the Gunnison Art Center's weekly Sundays at 6 Concert at Legion Park.  It's a great way to finish out the weekend.  Enjoy! 

"Tis Autumn

The leaves are a'changin and the winds are definitly blustery!  The irrigation ditches are off, and the the river water level is "way low".  It must be Autumn in the Gunnison High Country!  And...there is still plenty to do in the Valley. 

This Saturday, October 20th, is the final Gunnison Farmers' Market of the 2012 Season.  There are apples, potatoes, fall root vegetables, leeks and other nutritious fruits and vegetables available at the Market.  Due to the cooler temperatures, the Market has moved indoors to the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Gunnison County Fairgounds, 275 S. Spruce Street (south of Safeway).  The Market opens at 9:30am.   

Gunnison Valley Observatroy

Also finishing out the 2012 season, is the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The facility's last public viewing session of the season will be this Saturday, October 20th starting at 7:30pm.  There will be NO astronomy lecture, just viewing through the GVO's silver dome-housed, 30 inch telesceope.  Other amateur telescopes are also available for viewing.  The crisp, clear, autumn skies make for fabulous night sky viewing.  Remember to dress warmly!  It's chilly in the dome. 

Hartman Rocks Scenery

The Observatory is located 2.1 miles south of Highway 50 on County Road 38 - Gold Basin Road.  (located east across from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area).  The parking lot is on the left (east) side of the County Road. 
And speaking of Hartman Rocks, the multitude of trails are still open for hiking, mountain biking, or motorcycling.  The views of the Gunnison Valley are spectacular from the top of Hartmans!  
If you don't like the cooler weather outside, head indoors to the Gunnison Community Center for climbing, a game of pool, or a dip in the leisure swimming pool.  You can enjoy the many pool slides and water play features or swim laps in the 6-lane lap pool. 

Jorgensen Ice Rink and Event Center

If you're becoming a-tuned to the upcoming winter sports, check out the indoor ice rink at the Jorgensen Ice Rink.  You can play hockey, take a figure skating lesson or just enjoy the ice during public skating.  Both the Community Center and Ice Rink schedules can be found at www.gunnisonrec.com  

Late Summer Weekend

The air is getting crisp and there is a feel of fall in the air.  But...there is still a lot to do outside this weekend!

Tonight, Friday, September 7th is the First Friday Gallery Crawl, starting at 5pm in downtown Gunnison.  Stroll the sidewalks and check out the fabulous and thought-provoking art at the numerous galleries and venues.  Enjoy some music and light refreshments before heading to one of the great restaurants in Gunnison.  There's everything from chinese to italian to mexican to BBQ to vegetarian to fusion to good old american cuisine offered at a good variety of establishments.  Check one out!
As the sun sets, drive south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory.  Tonight and Saturday night's public viewing through the 30" telescope will be started off with a classroom talk on "Stellar Evolution".  Find out how stars are "born" and how they evolve through their lifetimes.  It's fascinating!  You can then see the rings of Saturn or perhaps the "Ring Nebula".  Check out Western State's own constellation - the "W" shaped "Cassiopeia" constellation! 

Saturday morning, ride your townie to the Gunnison Farmers' Market on the 100 block of East Virginia downtown.  The fall harvest is coming in and you can select from a plethora of fresh produce, baked goods, organic beef and meats, wonderful arts and crafts, and wines.  You can also select lunch from a variety of food vendors on hand. 

After picking up your healthy fruits and veggies, get out side and enjoy some of the great outdoor adventures to be had in the Valley!  After all - Gunnison is the Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!  You can't go wrong with a bike ride, trail hike, fishing, boating or admiring the changing autumn leaves!  Have a safe and fun weekend!

Its Almost the Weekend

Tonight, Friday, July 20th at 5pm, the air downtown will be filled with the music of Mark Berenson, entertaining on the Gunniosn Arts Center patio for the Fridays @ 5 Concert Series.  The Arts Center is located on the southeast corner of Tomichi and Main Street in the heart of town.  Libations are available for purchase on the patio. Wind down from your hectic week at this venue. 
After enjoying music and then dinner at one of Gunnison's great restaurants, head south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory.  This weekend's education series is "Galaxies in our Local Neighborhood".  The facility gates open for publlic viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings, at 7:30pm, the lecture starts at 8:30pm and then there's viewing through the Observatory's 30", dome-housed telescope once the skies are dark and clear.  Admission is by donation and remeber to bring a jacket.

Gunnison Farmers' Market

Saturday morning after enjoying delicious coffee and breakfast, stroll over to the Saturday Farmer's Market downtown on East Virginia Avenue.  The Market opens at 9:30am and goes until 1:30pm.  There's fresh local and western slope produce, baked goods, Olathe wine, flowers, arts, crafts, and a even a chair massage can be enjoyed! 
Saturday is also the best day for the public to enjoy the Annual Jack Russell Terrier Trials at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds, south of Safeway.  These frisky and smart dogs are fun to watch and it's free!  Bring the family but leave your 4-footed friends at home. 
The weekend is also a great time to enjoy all of the great outdoor recreation that Gunnison - the Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains - has to offer.  Take your pick of multiple adventures!  There's fun for everyone!
Sunday morning at 9am, is the start of the 38th Annual AAUW Art in the Park at Legion Park.  Stroll around the park, listen to some great music, enjoy breakfast and then lunch yummies, and check out the talented artists and their offerings.  This is a juried art show and there are several new artists participating this year.
Finish our your weekend at Legion Park, with the musical entertainment of "Workin' Progress".  This free concert (donations are collected and greatly appreciated) is hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center.  Enjoy your weekend!

Nothing to do???

There is "oodles" to do in Gunnison right now!  In addition to all of the fun and intriguing shopping and the gastronomic delight or just plain old down-home cookin' restaurants to choose from, there are fun and exciting events to choose from.  Here is just a sample of what's going on...
Thursday, July 12th - 6pm is the Annual Pioneer Banquet at the Gunnison Elks Lodge, 123 S. Main Street.  Afterwards, put on your pink shirt, dust off your cowboy hat, and march your western boots down to the Gunnison Rodeo Grounds on South Spruce Street for the Annual "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" PRCA Rodeo starting at 7pm.  Afterwards, the spinning lights and shreiking kids of the annual carnival will draw you to some fun!
Friday, July 13th (yes, Friday the 13th) morning heralds the 4-H Events at the Rodeo Grounds.  At 7pm, is the PRCA "Patriot Rodeo".  Show your patriotism and wear your red, white, and blue.  The carnival will be in full swing and there will be a Cattlmen's Dance at the Elks Club starting at 9pm. 
If you want a quieter but expansive venue, head south of Gunnison on County Road 38 - Gold Basin Road - across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, both Friday and Saturday nights, for public night sky viewing at the Gunnison Valley Observatory.  Gates open at 7:30pm and admission is by donation.  No reservations are required.  Remember your jacket, it can get cool in the evenings.
Saturday, July 14th, is the busist day yet!   The Gunnison Kiwanis Club will be serving a pancake breakfast at the IOOF Park downtown starting at 7:30am.  They will follow pancakes with burgers and hotdogs starting at 11am.  Enjoy some filling flapjacks and sausage before the parade.  At 9am, over at Jorgensen Park, is the Colorado State Marbles Tournament!  What an exciting and "old-time" event.  These dedicated kids practice all year long for the opportunity to participate in this event.  Go cheer them on!  The weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market will be commence at 9:30am next to the IOOF Park.  Also at 9:30am, starting at the Meadows Park across from the City Community Center, is the "Main Street Mile Race" benefitting the Gunnison Youth Wrestling Program.  The race will end right downtown before the 10am start of the Annual Cattlemen's Days Parade.  There's everything from clowns, to horses, to mini-cars, to fire trucks, to dare-I-say politicians!  Everyone has a great time at this event.  After the parade, at 2pm down at the Rodeo Grounds, is the 4-H Jr. Livestock Auction.  7pm is the action-packed PRCA "Family Night" Rodeo.  And for all of the kids and kid-want-to-be's, the carnival will be in full-swing once again next to the rodeo grandstands.  Finish out the evening with a sashay around the dance floor at the Elks Club.
Sunday, July 15th, will see Cowboy Church, and then horse racing to finish out this year's 112th Cattlemen's Days!  Sunday evening, wind-down on the lawn at the Legion Park Pavilion on East Tomichi Avenue and listen to the music of Russ Chapman at the Gunnison Arts Center's Sundays @ 6 concert series.
Whew!  If you can't find something interesting, informative, yummy, nostalgic, or just plain fun this weekend, you're not really trying!  Yee-haw!

We Made it to Friday!

For those fortunate enough to have a 5-day business week - we've made it to the weekend!  And there is a lot going on in Gunnison this July weekend. 
Starting tonight at 5pm, there's the First Friday's Art Walk and Music summer series.  8 venues are participating tonight.  Start at the Gunnison Arts Center, view the western heritage-inspired art work and listen to the music of Chris Coady on the Arts Center patio.  Then stroll around town to the following participants:  Gunnison Gallery, Castle Creek Guitars, Rocky Mountain Frames, Beth Marcue Studio, Mochas Coffeehouse, Blue Thunder Circle_Art Lab and the Brick Cellar Bar & Bistro.  Enjoy the visually intriguing art work, music and refreshments. 
After the Art Walk and dinner at one of the great Gunnison eateries, head south on Gold Basin Road to the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.  The Observatory is open Friday and Saturday evenings, starting at 7:30pm, for public viewing.  Tonight's topic will be "The Summer Triangle".  Classroom presentations start around 8:15pm and admission is by $5.00 per person requested donation.  Reservations are not required and remember to bring a jacket.
Tonight also is the start of Gunnison's 112th Annual Cattlemen's Days.  This event takes place from July 6th through 15th.  Tonight starting at 6pm at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds is the KICKOFF dinner and dance.  Music will br provided by "Better Late Than Never" and the scrumptous chicken dinner is sponsored by Slogar.  Put on your dancin' boots and start Cattlemen's Days in style!

Rafting on the Taylor River

Saturday morning starting at 9:30am, downtown by the IOOF Park on East Virginia Avenue, is the weekly Gunnison Farmer's Market. After coffee or breakfast at one of Gunnison's morning cafes, visit the market booths and pick up some fresh Western Slope grown produce, baked goods, wine or crafts.  It's always a congenial event. 

Saturday is also the start of the weekend-long Annual Wet Grocer Softball Tournament at the Jorgensen Softball Fields.  This event raises money for local youth recreation scholarships.  These teams always seem to have a great time playing ball. 

Saturday also sees the 4-H Horse Show associated with Cattlemen's Days starting at 8am at the Rodeo Grounds.  For more information on all of the Cattlemen's Days events, go to http://www.cattlemensdays.com/ 

And of course, take advantage of Gunnison - the Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!  There's boating, fishing, kayaking, rafting, rock climing, hiking, wildflower and wildlife viewing, mountain biking, road biking and so much more.  Remember, NO open fires or smoking in compliance with the Stage II Fire Ban.  We want to keep our Base Camp adventures safe!  Have a wonderful Gunnison High Country Weekend! 

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.

Summer is Finally Here!

It was a glorious, busy summer weekend in Gunnison. Friday night kicked off with great live music on the Gunnison Arts Center patio. This was followed by many with a delicious dinner at one of Gunnison's fantastic restaurants, bistros, wine bars and brew pubs.

Friday and Saturday night had awesome clear-sky viewing at the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located south of Gunnison on Gold Basin Road. A tour of the solar system took place with a special visit to the planet Saturn. The Observatory is open every Friday and Saturday night for public night sky viewing.

Saturday morning dawned with clear, sunny skies. The Gunnison River Festival kicked off at the Gunnison Whitewater Park, just west of the City limits, with opening remarks from City Councilor Bill Nesbitt and other dignitaries. Food and product vendors were set up providing great food and information on watersports. Many wet and wild competitions were held during the day. One of the newest sports is Stand Up Paddling (SUP) where the rider stands up and "surfs" the river on a surf board with a paddle. The freestyle competition featured many local and out of town water athletes competing with awesome maneuvers on the river's waves. Downriver competitions and events filled out the weekend on Sunday morning on the upper and lower Taylor River. Closing ceremonies took place at the Almont Resort. A great time was had by participants and spectators alike! Many thanks to the sponsors and volunteers of this fun event.

Saturday morning saw opening day of the annual Gunnison Farmers' Market. The market, featuring local produce, crafts, music and baked goods, takes place every Saturday morning through mid-October. The Market is located on the 100 Block of East Virginia by the IOOF Park.

The weekend ended with some "locally-grown" music at the Arts Center's "Sundays at 6" event at Legion Park. A festive crowd enjoyed music ranging from Waylon Jennins to Jethro Tull to "Funkytown"! Many enjoyed a picnic supper or barbeque along with the music. Gunnison - it's a great place to be!