Folk Sensation 'Red Horse' to play in Ouray, Colorado

Wright Opera House Summer Concert Series Presents Red Horse this June

Concerts in the Park in Ouray and Ridgway are becoming a standard in the warmer months, and with venues such as the Wright Opera House making a strong comeback, hearing popular performers in an historic theatre seems much the norm. This summer, The Friends of The Wright Opera House are proud to present the 2012 Summer Concert Series; featuring an exciting line up of entertainers sure to please!

The summer concert series consists of five performers visiting Ouray through September.
On June 9, 2012, the folk sensattion Red Horse will wow crouds with a collaboration of three talented Folk singer songwriters sure to have you tapping your feet.
In July, 2010, Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson and John Girka, all well known and popular folk singers, decided to team up, creating a group teeming with talent. these performers complement one another with lilting harmonies and a distinctive soud which enhances the unique talents of each member.

Eliza Gilkyson, a Grammy nominated artist, has become one of the most respected musicians in roots, folk and Americana circles. Inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2003, and recognized with 3 Austin Music Awards and 4 Folk Alliance Music Awards, one of which was for “Song of the Year” for her tune “Man of God.”

World renowned singer-songwriter John Gorka has recorded eleven solo albums, six on Red House Records. His latest, So Dark You See, featured the song “Ignorance & Privilege,” which was highlighted as one of the top folk songs of 2009 by NPR Music. His award-winning songs have been recorded and performed by such notable artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith and Mary Black.

Described by the New Yorker as 'a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs', Lucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer songwriter having recorded seven albums with Red House Records, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the Year by the Association for Independent Music.

 

This second concert in the series will start at 7:00 pm at the Wright Opera House. Of course, with seating for only 220 guests, these intimate shows do fill up fast, so be sure to call and get your ticket soon!

 

 

 

Ouray Colorado: Current Status for 4WD and Jeep Trails - May 15, 2012

Head on out to Ouray and Southwest Colorado for an adventure in the high country!

Even with the bit of moisture we had last week, more and more four wheel drive trails are opening each day! The Aspens are green, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom! Spring is ideal for a once in a lifetime experience in the high country, no matter how many times you go. The weather can change in the snap of a finger, taking you from a balmy 70* to blustery snow in a matter of minutes, so be sure to bring layers, and believe it or not, sunscreen! 

Alta Lakes - CLOSED

Black Bear Pass - CLOSED
Blue Lakes Trailhead - Open
Brown Mountain - CLOSED
Cinnamon Pass - Open to Lake City
Clear Lake - CLOSED
Corkscrew -Open
County Road 2 to Animas Forks - Open
County Road 9 - Open
Cow Creek - Open to second water crossing *Use extreme Caution!*
Engineer Pass -Open to the top on the San Juan County Side and dry to Mineral Point on the Ouray County side.
Fall Creek Road to Woods Lake - Open
Gladstone - CLOSED
Governors Basin - CLOSED
Hastings Mesa (Hwy 62 to Hwy 145- Top of Dallas to Sawpit) - Open
Horsefly (From Montrose County to Montrose) - CLOSED
Hurricane/California - CLOSED
Imogene - CLOSED
Iron Springs (Hwy 145 through to Hwy 62)- Open
Last Dollar Road - Open
Little Cone Road (CR G49) - closed
Maggie/Minnie - CLOSED
Miniehaha (CR 51) - Open
Old Lime Creek - Open
Ophir - Open
Owl Creek Pass - Open
Picayune - Open
Pittsburgh Mine Road - open
Placer - Open
Red Mountain Town - Open
Shrine Road (CR 6) - Open
Skyline - CLOSED
South Mineral Campground road - County road 7 - Open
Yankee Boy - Open
Stony Pass - Open

Weather can change in a flash in the high country in May. As always, use caution on all trails any time of year, and dont forget your camera!

Ouray and Ridgway Colorado: June 2012 Events

Dance the first night of June away to the musical styling of Funkdafari

Mike Gwinn from the North Fork Flyers will be performing on the Patio during Happy Hour. (Weather permitting)

Celebrate summer at a free concert in the park! Dance with the Pimps of Joy time with Phoebe Hunt from the Belleville Outfit. Local brew by the Ouray Brewing Co. poured by the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department.

A benefit to raise funds for Ridgway’s Summer Concert Series of free concerts in the park this July, enjoy live music with the Jeff Solon Jazz Duo, raffles, wine tasting from a wide array of diverse wine selections, fabulous appetizers to compliment each variety of wine, and a free commemorative wine glass! Tickets are $25.00 per person.

"Crooks and Skulduggery at the Hardlife Hotel...or Meen E Moneybags stinks up Ouray" Cheer the hero, boo the villain, and worry about the damsel in distress. Learn a little history. Fun for whole family.

Famous in their own right, the Honey Don't is a duo who is also half of the popular Sweet Sunny South Bluegrass Band.

"Crooks and Skulduggery at the Hardlife Hotel...or Meen E Moneybags stinks up Ouray" Cheer the hero, boo the villain, and worry about the damsel in distress. Learn a little history. Fun for whole family.

Thursday, June 28, 2012: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Mountain Air Music Series Presented by the Ouray Hot Springs Pool - Chuck Prophet at Fellin Park

The last in the Ouray concerts in the park series, don't miss an evening tapping your feet to live music on Thursdays in June! Local Brew provided by the Telluride Brewing Co. poured by the Ouray Ice Park.

Friday, June 29, 2012: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Trio Solisti Chamber Music Concert at the Ouray County 4-H Center

Trio Solisti from New York is one of the finest chamber music trios in the country. We are honored to host them in Ouray County for the 10th year. Adult tickets are $20 available at local outlets and $22 at the door.

Saturday, June 30, 2012: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm - Ridgway River Festival at Rollans Park

A FREE watershed celebration. Activities will include a whitewater rodeo, down-river races, the Junk of the Unc race, and fun at the Kid's Eddy. LIVE MUSIC, local food vendors, and a beverage tent will round out the day. 

Boasting access to over 500 miles of scenic four wheel drive trails, varying from simple dirt roads accesible in a common sedan to rough tracks almost invisible to any but the most seasoned off road enthusiast, it would take weeks, if not months to explore all Ouray County has to offer. End your days of adventure with a soothing soak in our all natural mineral hot springs, blessedly free of the scent of sulfur, and nights filled with music and culture.

 

 

Women in Ouray History

Although the written history of Ouray County primarily relates the stories of men, numerous women made important contributions to the early development of Ouray County.  Una Whinnerah, Kitty Heit, Helen Croft, and Cora Orendorf, all born in the 19^th century, may not immediately come to mind when the history of Ouray is discussed but they made very important contributions.

Una Whinnerah (1874-1957) came to Ouray in 1877 where her father, Charles Wheeler, worked as a surveyor. Charles died when Una was 16 and her mother, Abbie, married Charles’s brother Walter who was a partner with Richard Whinnerah in a surveying business.  Richard and Una were married in 1902. Una was an excellent photographer in an era when men dominated the field.  She used large glass plate negatives to record Ouray County life in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. Albert Schenider and Frank Massard used many of her photos on postcards that were sold in the Post Office Drug Store. Over 300 of her glass plate negatives have been preserved in the Huntington Library in California. They provide a glimpse of late Victorian and Edwardian life in Ouray.

Kittie Heit (1849-1915) built the St. Elmo Hotel in 1898 beside her Bon Ton Restaurant which she had acquired in 1890.  Kittie came to Ouray in 1886. During the recession brought on by the Silver Panic of 1893 Kittie provided rooms to unemployed miners free of charge.  During the Telluride labor strife of the early 1900s Kittie again opened her doors and gave the displaced miners free lodging and food. She died suddenly of a heart attack in 1915.  The Ouray Heraldsaid that during her residence in Ouray she had been a regular “mother” to hundreds of miners and no one could possibly be missed more than she.

Helen Croft (1895-1966) was the daughter of Ouray surveyor George Hurlburt.  She received her law degree from the University of Colorado and, after practicing law in New Mexico for thirteen years, she served as Ouray County Judge from 1935 to 1940.  She was appointed to fill an uncompleted term and then became the first woman elected Judge in Ouray County. In 1940 she married Roger Downer whom she had known all her life. She moved to Nevada where Roger and his brother Malcolm ran an assay business. After Roger’s death she returned to Ouray and again served as County Judge from 1952 to 1960.  In the 1950s she and her second husband Bud Croft operated Crofts Auto Court which survives today as the Alpine Lodge. In 1961 Helen published The Downs, the Rockies, and Desert Gold which gives the history of her former husband Roger Downer and his brother Malcolm who made their fortune in Ouray mines and then ran an assay business in Nevada for 40 years.

Cora Almond Orendorf (1885-1954) graduated from Ouray High School and attended both the University of Denver and the Normal College at Greeley.  She taught at the Piedmont School north of Ouray for two years before her marriage to Marshall Orendorf in 1912.  Marshall operated the commissaries at both the Revenue and Camp Bird Mines and later owned stores in Ouray, Silverton and Norwood.  The couple lived at the Camp Bird Mine for three years.  During the depression Marshall lost all of his businesses and died deeply debt in 1938.  Cora then ran for Ouray County Superintendent of Schools and held that elected office from 1939 to 1948. She was superintendent of Ouray Schools for more years than any other superintendent since the office was established in 1878.

About the Author:  Don Paulson is the curator at the Ouray County Historical Society and Ouray County Museum.  He is also a retired Professor of Chemistry where he specialized in organic chemistry.  Don is an active member of the Ridgway Railroad Museum, and an avid hiker, 4WD (jeep) enthusiast, and photographer in addition to his duties as curator for the museum.

Make it a Memorial Day Weekend to remember in Southwest Colorado!

Annual Balloon and Classic Car Festival in Scenic Ridgway, Colorado not to be missed.

There is no way to describe the awesome beauty of watching over twenty hot air balloons acsend over the valley of Ridgway at night, glowing in a magnificent display, and this is just a small portion of the Annual Balloons-N-Vrooms Festival in Ridgway, Colorado. Two dozen hot air balloons complement an auto show featuring over 100 classic autos from all over the region, with a wonderful bazaar at the Ridgway Town Park, showcasing jewelry, art and an assortment of treasures from local proprietors. Don't eat before you go though! There will also be booths offering a variety of culinary delights and brews!

The schedule of events for this three day spectacular are as follows:

Friday, May 25 - Event Opens at 4:00 pm until 9:30 pm

Car Cruise - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join the crowds and watch a parade of classic cars from all over! Ooh and aah at each of these examples of auto excellence!

Music by Ralph Dinosaur - 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Dance and celebrate in the park to the rock n roll antics of this performing icon of the Western Slope!

Balloon Glow - half an hour after sunset

Look toward the intersection of Hwy 550 & 62, or take a break from the frivolity at the park for a moment to drive over and watch as 2 balloons lift off with special glows. Definately a sight to remember.

Saturday, May 26 - 7:00 am - 9:30 pm

Mass Balloon Lift - 7:00 am

Bright and early, watch a variety of balloons off in the bright morning sun.

Pancake Breakfast - 7:30 am - 9:30 am  at the Ridgway Firehouse

Enjoy a great full breakfast to get you going for the festivities of the day!

Tethered Balloon Rides - 7:00 am - 10:00 am

If taking a hot air balloon ride has always been on your bucket list, but you didn't want to go on a full ride, then this is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Art and craft festival - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wander the booths at the park and find that special something either for that special someone or for yourself!

Car Show - 10:00 pm - 4:00 pm

After you picked your favorite car or truck out of the parade last night, see if you can find it...or perhaps a new favorite!

Live Music - 10:30 am - 8:00 pm

All day as you enjoy the art show and looking at the cars, dance to the beat of a number of local and regional talents!

10:30 - 12:00 Bassie and Walter
12:30 - 2:00 Midnight Mesa
2:45 - 4:15 North Fork Flyers
5:00 - 7:30 Stronghouse Blues Band

Sunday, May 27 - 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mass Balloon Lift - 7:00 am

Bright and early, watch a variety of balloons off in the bright morning sun.

Car Show Cruise to the Divide Ranch & Country Club; Brunch

Follow the cars to the Divide Country club and enjoy spectacular views as you enjoy a lovely brunch.

Art and craft festival - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wander the booths at the park and find that special something either for that special someone, or yourself!

Live Music - 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

Steve Felberg 9:00am - 11:00am
Gregory Eagle And The Sky Ponies 11:00am - 1:00pm
Doug And Heather 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Cimarron 3:00pm - 5:00pm

While you are in the area, take a scenic drive, hike a couple of trails, fish in the river or the reservoir, and of course soak the day away in our natural mineral hot springs!

 

Ridgway Colorado Concert Series - Love Your Valley Fest

Saturday, May 19, 2012, spend a day in Southwest Colorado with family, friends and frivolity!

Love Your Valley Music and Brew Festival, 2012

Every summer, the city of Ridgway hosts free concerts in the park on Thursdays with family friendly music performed by a variety of talented and well known artists. The music genre leans in the Americana roots direction, with acts playing bluegrass, folk, funk, swing, country, alt-country, jazz and their own combination of those styles. Booths are open throughout the park, offering a variety of snacks and microbrews, as well as the offerings of local shops.

To fund these free events, Ridgway holds a couple of events, the first of which this year being the "Love Your Valley Fest". The event itself is free, with live music performed by Shed, a variety of activities sure to please adults, children, and dogs, and a number of microbreweries on site offering a sampling of their most popular brews!

For only $20.00 per person, those over 21 can try brews from regional breweries such as Steamorkws, Telluride Brewery, Silverton, Ouray, New Belgium, Ska, Colorado Boy and the list goes on! And don't forget the ROCC Parking Lot Sale in the Ridgway Community Center Parking Lot right next to the Park! Booths of local treasures and trades will be lined up for you to shop till you drop! Sale runs from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Love Your Valley Fest runs from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2012, giving everyone plenty of time to sample and enjoy everything this fabulous festival has to offer!

Pamper Mom in Ouray, Colorado this Mother's Day!

Mothers Day in the San Juan’s is sure to please any mom!

Mother's day is fast approaching. It is a time to celebrate the hard work and love of a mother. Whether a new mom, or a Great-great Grandmother, nothing compares to a Day set aside just for her. Southwest Colorado offers a variety of ways to show your appreciation for that special lady or ladies in your life. Whether you come up for the weekend, taking long leisurely drives through the spectacular scenery, soaking in the soothing mineral hot springs, and strolling through the many shops on Main Street, or come up for a few hours to enjoy a lavish brunch, there are a number of fabulous options to entertain and spoil!

 

From 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, Enjoy Prime Rib, made to order eggs & omelets, Eggs Benedict & other assorted breakfast and lunch delicacies at the Beaumont Hotel, truly an experience to remember. Complimentary Champagne or Mimosa for Mom! $26.99 Adult - $16.99 Children 12 & under. 

 

 

For a plated Champagne Brunch, take mom to the Bon Ton St. Elmo between 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Allow the staff in this beautiful historic restaurant to spoil you and all of the moms in your party as you choose from a variety of decadent dishes sure to please! Prices vary based on menu choices.

Sponsored by Ouray County Performing Arts Guild, Surprise her with a Mother's Day Salon held in a beautiful home in Log Hill, in Ridgway, Colorado! Program will be a selection of cabaret and Broadway tunes sung by Ruth Francisco Wilson, soprano, of Cortez. This is truly a special day to treat your mom, daughter, wife, or anyone you care about. Luncheon will be southwestern in flavor, prepared by Secret Garden Catering of Ouray. Tickets are limited, so reserve your space soon. $40 per person. Call970-626-2970.

At 1:00 pm, join the Ouray Elks Lodge for the Annual Mother's Day Ceremony.  Honor moms who are still with us and those who have passed in a short program, then enjoy a free brunch and carnations for that special lady.

Once everyone has eaten their fill, walk off some calories with a short trek to the Box Canyon Falls Park, or a relaxing soak in the mineral hot springs may be just what the doctor ordered. No matter, what you choose, Ouray is definitely the place for a perfect Mother's Day!

 

 

 

 

A full season of concerts and entertainment in Ouray, Colorado!

Music and fun are on the menu at the Wright Opera House in the San Juans!

When asked, people born and raised in Ouray Colorado love to share stories of the glory of the Wright Opera House when they were young, in fact, stories of the entire area and all of its history are often just a hello away.
The Friends of the Wright, a non-profit organization, works with the ultimate goal of revitalising the Wright as a venue offering a rich and full spectrum of entertainment and culture to all of Southwest Colorado. Each year, this goal seems closer to achievement, with a larger calendar of entertainment, and increasingly exciting concerts and series on the horizon.
As we enter into the summer of 2012, the future looks brighter than it has in years for this historic theater. The Friends of the Wright and all of their supporters have worked diligently to once again act as the center of activities for the City of Ouray and Ouray County.

Friday, April 27, 2012, 7:00 pm - Colorado Childrens Chorale Concert

Sponsored by the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild, the Colorado Children's Chorale will be performing for one night only in Ouray. Come enjoy this award winning troupe of children from all over the front range for a show to remember! Tickets are $15.00 for adults, and $5.00 for Children - available at Buckskin Booksellers at the Beaumont in Ouray, and Cimarron Books and Coffee in Ridgway and at the door or online.

Sunday, April 29, 2012, 4:00 pm - "Gotta Dance!" - Spring Dance recital & Solo Dance Exhibition

Join the students and teachers from Weehawken Creative Arts for a traditional recital and dance showcase (rather than a familiar storyline), featuring Weehawken Company Dancers in solo performances and will also have numbers from Weehawken’s tap, contemporary ballet, teen hip-hop and modern dance classes. Tickets for “Gotta Dance!” are on sale now through Weehawken at 970.318.0150 or online for $10 each. There is an online member rate of $8 for Weehawken Members.

Friday, May 18, Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, 2012 - "The Jungle Book" - Weehawken Spring Dance Show

Weehawken's larger spring production enjoy a full ballet and dance program set to the familiar storyline of “The Jungle Book.” This show will run on May 18 & 19th at 6 pm and in a matinee on May 20th at 2 pm. General Admission Tickets: $15 non-member adult / $13 member adult (online only) / $8 child. The Sunday matinee will also offer $10 Senior Tickets.

Saturday, June 9, 2012, 7:30 pm - Red Horse, Concert in the Opera House Singer Songwriter Summer Series

Featuring Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky, this second concert in the summer concert series at the Wright will be an evening to remember.

Monday, June 18, and each Monday through July 30, 2012, 7:00 pm - " “Crooks and Skulduggery at the Hardlife Hotel or Meen E. Moneybags" , Melodrama at the Opera House

Every Monday through the summer, the Board members of the Wright Opera House are pleased to present a melodrama written by Melissa Stacy, combining local history with a fun interactive story.

Wednedsday, July 4, 2012 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - Melodrama at the Opera House

Special presentations of " “Crooks and Skulduggery at the Hardlife Hotel or Meen E. Moneybags".

Friday, July 6, 2012 - Jude Johnstone -- Concert – Summer Music Series

The third in the series, yet another lgreat performer not to be missed!

Saturday, July 21, 2012 - Sara Hickman – Concerts – Summer Music Series.

The Wright Oopera House Summer Concert series will offer two performances by Sarah Hickman; one at 2:00 pm on Saturday July 21, specifically designed for children, and an evening performance at 7:30 pm. Enjoy one or both!

Fri/Sat, Aug 4, 2012, 7:30 pm - WISE Bi-Annual Melodrama – Fund Raiser for Scholarships

Help us help local kids, and have fun at the same time!

Sunday, Aug 5, 2012, 2:00 pm - Women in Support of Education

More information to be announced.

Saturday, Aug 11, 2012, 7:30 pm - Griffin House – Concert – Summer Music Series

Don't miss the next installment of the Summer Concert series featuring this talented artist!

Friday, Aug 17, 2012, 7:30 pm - “Vignettes in History”

Sponsored by the Ouray County Historical Soceity, a series of vignettes featuring the colorful past of Ouray.

Saturday, Aug 18, 2012, 7:30 pm - John Adams & Band – Concert --Tribute to John Denver

Celebrate the talent of John Denver with the Friends of the Wright Opera House!

Sat, Sept 1, 7:30 pm - David Wilcox – Concert – Summer Music Series.

Yet another talented performer in this beautiful venue not to be missed!

Sun, Sept 9, 2:00 pm - Jeff Solon’s Swing Band – Concert – Wrighteous Jazz Series 12 piece band with special appearance by vocalist Joyce Simpson

The first in the Wright Opera House Jazz Series to run through the winter months!

Fri, Sept 21, 7:30 pm - Gabriel Gladstar – Concert

The final concert in the summer concert series, enjoy the music of another fine performer!

 

Of course, there are always possible additions and changes, so we will keep you posted, and of course the entirre staff at the Box canyon Lodge & Hot Springs is happy to arrange your Ouray adventure!

Ouray Colorado Calendar of Events: May 2012

May blossoms in Southwest Colorado!

As the four wheel drive roads begin to dry and the snow melts from the high peaks, the rivers swell and waterfalls roar. Wild flowers begin to bloom, and more and more of the famous four-wheel drive jeep trails are cleared and accessible for another season of adventures in the high country. May is a spectacular time to visit the San Juan Mountains and Ouray, Colorado!

  

April 1 - May 15 - Tax Professional Special

To reward accountants, tax preparers and CPAs, the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs has special rates for accountants to help them relax after the busy tax season finally ends.

Location:  Ouray Colorado, Box Canyon Lodge

Thursday April 19 - June 30 - Bridal Exhibit at the Ouray Museum

Bridal Exhibit, "A sampling of Bridal Gowns 1883-1966," opens and runs through June 30th.

Location: 420 6th Avenue, Ouray, CO

Thursday April 19 - July 5 - Otto Mears Exhibit at the Ouray Museum

Otto Mears Exhibit opens. Most Ouray County residents are familiar with the name Otto Mears. He is most famous for building toll roads and railroads. However, Otto was involved in many other endeavors including founding newspapers, mining investing, military service, Colorado politics, and numerous others. Learn about the career of this famous Colorado entrepreneur. The exhibit closes July 5th and reopens August 17th thru November 19th.

Location: 420 6th Avenue, Ouray, CO

 

Wednesday, May 9 – Ouray County Historical Society Benefit – A Taste Of France

Join your fellow history, wine and French food enthusiasts for a four course meal featuring traditional French cuisine, complimented by a selection of French wines exclusively imported for the Beaumont Hotel and unavailable anywhere else in the United States.

Ages 21 and up only for this event. Price is $75.00 per person. Seating is limited so please make your reservation soon at 970-325-7000.

Location: Beaumont Hotel – Historic Grand Ballroom, 505 Main Street, Ouray

Friday, May 11, 2012 – Box Canyon Falls Opens for the Season

The Box Canyon Falls Trails and Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in May, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, and 8:00 am to dusk after Labor Day. Experience the splendor and beauty of this park just a short walk from your front door.

Location: Ouray Hot Springs Pool, 1230 Main Street, Ouray 

Saturday, May 12, 2012 – Flat Rowdy with Friends of the Ridgway Library

Join this fun and original fundraising benefit for the Ridgway Library!Flat Rowdies are all over Ridgway this month; pick your favorite, then head over to the Ridgway library on May 12 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm to bid at the Live and Silent Auctions and enjoy some fantastic appetizers and cocktails. Tickets are $20.00 for early purchase, and $25.00 at the door. Children 10 and under free.

Location: Ridgway Public Library Community Room – 300 Charles Street, Ridgway

Sunday, May 13, 2012 – Mother’s Day Brunch

Spoil the Moms in your life with a decadent Brunch in the beautiful Grand Ballroom of the Beaumont Hotel from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Price: $26.99 adult, $16.99 children 12 & under. Reservations recommended.

Location:  Beaumont Hotel – Historic Grand Ballroom, 505 Main Street, Ouray

Sunday, May 13, 2012 – Mother’s Day Sunday Salon

This Mother’s Day from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, enjoy a program of Broadway, film and cabaret selections performed by Ruth Wilson Francisco, Soprano. The afternoon begins with a gourmet lunch served by Secret Garden Catering in the lovely home of Julia Johnson, followed by an intimate and wonderful music program.

Price: $40.00 per person. Tickets are limited, please make reservations.

Location: Private Home on Log Hill, Ridgway CO

 

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - Ridgway Love Your Valley Fest

Spend the day in Ridgway at this free festival featuring live music and several local breweries! To sample all of the brews, the cost is only $20.00 per adult, but there is much much more to enjoy! Activities for children, adults, and even some especially for your furry friends, this should be an event to remember! 

Price: Free Event, Brew Sampling is $20.00.

Event runs from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: Ridgway Town Park, Ridgway CO

 

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - Live Music at O'Brien's Pub & Grill

Dance the night away to the musical stylings of Kinetic. A great night awaits!

Event runs from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am

Location: O'Brien's Pub & Grill, Ouray CO

 

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - ROCC Parking Lot Sale

Location: ROCC Parking Lot, Ridgway, CO

 

Thursday, May 24, 2012 - Studio tour at Artist Ann Dettmer's

Join Weehawken Arts for a studio tour at home of artist Ann Dettmer - painting demonstration and light refreshments. Contact Susan Opdahl at 970-325-4005

Location: Private Residence, Ouray, Co.

 

Friday, May 25 through Sunday, May 27, 2012 - Balloons n' Vrooms

One of Colorado's most scenic events with colorful hot air balloons and beautiful classic cars amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains. Food, local brews and fun for the whole family. Free concert in the park.  

Location: Multiple Locations, Ridgway, Co.

Monday, May 28, 2012 - Compassion 5K

Beginning in Felin Park in Ouray, Colorado, this is the second annual Compassion Run, operating in conjunction with the Compassion Weekend in June which raises funds for families in need in Ouray County. 

Location: Fellin Park, Ouray, Co.

 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride to travel through Ouray May 2, 2012

Scenic Southwest Charity Tour travels the Million Dollar Highway!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 27, 2012) – The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announced today the course for its April 28 – May 4 cross-country motorcycle trek. More than 175 riders will join the 18th anniversary ride beginning in Napa, Cal., and travel over 2,500 miles before finishing at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded by former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kyle Petty, the Charity Ride raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp created to benefit children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.

In 2012, for the first time riders will pass among the sprawling redwood forests of California and travel both "The Loneliest Road in America" (U.S. Highway 50) and "The Million Dollar Highway" (U.S. Route 550). In addition to 25 planned fuel stops, the 2012 Charity Ride route will make overnight visits in Redding, Cal.; Reno, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Grand Junction, Co.; Albuquerque, N.M.;and Lubbock, Texas.

Two-time Daytona 500 winner (2009, 2012) Matt Kenseth, former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker, Texas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Eddie Gossage, NASCAR legend Harry Gant and former NBA star and NASCAR team owner Brad Daugherty also plan to participate for all (or part) of this year's ride.

"The Kyle Petty Charity Ride makes a real difference in children's lives," said Walker, who's participating in his seventh event in 2012. "It's not only the kids we visit with along the route, it's the donations that help sponsor thousands of trips to Victory Junction that make this ride so special."

Past notable riders include Robin Pemberton, Vice President of Competition, NASCAR; 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart; NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip, Geoff Bodine, Steve Park, and Kenny Schrader; supermodel Niki Taylor; PGA golfer Davis Love III; Orange County Chopper co-founder Paul Teutul, Sr., among others. Since 1995, more than 7,000 riders have logged 10.1 million cumulative miles alongside Petty and donated more than $14.5 million to primary beneficiary Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children.

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route can contribute through the "Small Change. Big Impact." program, which accepts donations at the Ride's pit stop locations. The public can also make a $10 donation by texting RIDE to 27722. Reply to the confirmation text with the word YES to confirm the donation, and $10 will appear on the user's wireless bill or will be deducted from a prepaid balance. Online donations are also accepted at http://www.kylepettycharityride.com/donate.php.

The 2012 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is made possible by sponsors Coca-Cola, Pilot Flying J, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products, Freightliner, Krispy Kreme and FGX International.

To follow Petty and the riders live, fans should visit facebook.com/KPCharityRide or follow Kyle and the ride on Twitter:@kylepetty and @kpcharityride. For detailed information on Ride pit stops, or for more information on Victory Junction and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, visit kylepettcharityride.com.

2012 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule
Day 1 Saturday, April 28 Napa, Cal., to Redding, Cal.
Day 2 Sunday, April 29 Redding, Cal., to Reno, Nev.
Day 3 Monday, April 30 Reno, Nev., to Richfield, Utah
Day 4 Tuesday, May 1 Richfield, Utah, to Grand Junction, Co.
Day 5 Wednesday, May 2 Grand Junction, Co., to Albuquerque, N.M.
Day 6 Thursday, May 3 Albuquerque, N.M., to Lubbock, Texas
Day 7 Friday, May 4 Lubbock, Texas, to Fort Worth, Texas
For more media information, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com/press_kit.php.

About The Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Led by NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. The Charity Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Now in its 18th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $14.5 million to Victory Junction and other children's charities, with 7,000 participants logging more than 10.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles. For more information about the Charity Ride, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by the Petty family in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C., with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, Kan. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction's mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.