Event Season in Buena Vista
Articles - Life In BV

by: Dustin Heron UrbanGoldRush1

April is generally the month when Colorado’s 12,000 or so American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), emerge from six months of hibernation to greet the spring. During the first several weeks after emergence, bears are in a state of “walking hibernation” during which they are active for short periods of time, feed and drink little and generally adapt to the rhythms of normal, waking activity.

It is around this same time thatRodeo1 Arkansas Valley residents, not unlike their black bear neighbors, undergo some behavioral changes. They emerge from their shelters more frequently, often choosing to travel on foot or by bicycle rather than in their climate-controlled motorized vehicles. They are particularly sensitive during this time to snowfall, recoiling indoors during the occasional spring snowstorms which pass over the valley. But generally speaking activity levels in town are increasing and social activities are more common. It is almost as if these people are awareSweetSunny1 that there is a great migration on the way, a massive seasonal influx of visitors to the valley which comes with each spring and summer.

Yes, it is that time of year. The time of year when the calendar says spring but for some reason the snow keeps falling. The time of year when the Aspens and Cottonwoods are laden with buds which refuse to pop and the river slowly starts to rise (albeit controlled by releases from the Twin Lakes Dam).   We’re gearing up in the Arkansas Valley for event season and all the action that it brings after a relatively quiet winter. Here are some highlights in the weeks and months to come.

Area kayakers are already taking advantage of the earliest snowmelt during this year of record snowfall. But the first kayaking event of the season takes place not on liquid water, but up at Monarch Mountain during the Third Annual Kayaks on Snow BoatercrossUncleSamBike competition to take place on Saturday, April 5th. Kayakers compete head to head on a course with banked corners, berms, rollers and small jumps, promising plenty of entertainment for spectators.

Come May, Buena Vista plays host to several river-oriented events as a record snowpack will begin to make its way through town via the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River Clean-up, Green-up on May 10th will have the river in great shape for Paddlefest, a kayaking festival put on by Colorado Kayak Supply from May 16th-18th. Featuring educational activities and gear sales, Paddlefest draws visitors from across the country. On May 24th the South Main River Park will host the first annual Buena Vista Pro Rodeo and party where freestyle kayakers will impress judges and spectators with all manner of aerial acrobatics.

On June 6th and 7th Buena Vista hosts the spectacular BalloonaVista hot air balloon festival which this year will also include an Art Walk featuring the work of local artists. On June 20th, after pedaling the 75 miles from Crested Butte and surmounting Cottonwood Pass, the highest point on the route, 2,000 cyclists participating in the annual Ride the Rockies tour will descend upon Buena Vista. Ride the Rockies is a non-competitive event and will consist this year of a seven day ride from Durango to Breckenridge with Buena Vista being one of just seven host communities along the way.

Buena Vista’s Fourth of July celebration includes a parade starting at 10 a.m. and a fireworks display at the rodeo grounds at dusk. On July 5th and 6th antique, classic and street rod cars will be on show at the Mountain Mania Car Show. The Collegiate Peaks Stampede Rodeo will take place on July 11th and 12th.

30 years ago the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), which passes just west of Buena Vista, was established. On July 19th, 2008, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance will celebrate the 3,100 mile CDT with Trailfest, a day of world-class adventure and fun on the CDT with a base camp in Buena Vista featuring vendors, food, entertainment and kid’s activities.

August is a busy month for gatherings in BV. From August 7th-10th, the Rodeo Grounds will host the Contin-Tail Rock and Gem Show, while Gold Rush Days, a nod to Buena Vista’s gold mining heritage, takes place on August 9th and 10th. There will be gold panning, a Costume parade and gunfights, while on Sunday the third leg of the Triple Crown Burro Race takes place. From August 15th-17th the third annual Collegiate Peaks Music Festival will take place on East Main Street, featuring Colorado music, Colorado beer and Colorado fun. Vendors and more than a dozen musicians will be there, so definitely be sure to check it out. Finally, on August 23rd and 24th will take place the King Boletus Mushroom Festival. If you’re interested in learning to forage and cook these local mushrooms, be sure to sign up for this Buena Vista Heritage event.  

Well if you’ve made it this far, it’s surely clear to you that event season is an exciting time in BV. After a winter of hibernation, we locals sure are ready for it. We’d love to have you join us. For more information on local events, visit the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce website at www.buenavistacolorado.org.  


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