Griffin House at the Wright Opera House in Ouray this August!

The 1st Summer Music Series at the Wright in Ouray Presents Griffin House on August 11, 2012

When the Friends of the Wright formed to create a Board of Directors in 2007, they had a vision of restoring this historic venue to its former grandeur, rekindling the dreams of Ed and Letitia Wright who originally built the Wright Opera House in 1881. This years Summer Music Series is just one of the many steps these desicated volunteers have taken to realize their goals.

Each month this summer, at least one well known performer has filled the house, fans are amazed at the acoustics in this old theatre, and the experience of enjoying such talented musicians in such an intimate setting. This August brings a talented artist who has toured with the likes of John Mellencamp and the Cranberries, and been featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show.

Originally from Springfield, Ohio, Griffin House has been reffered to as one of Nashvilles greatest treasures. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Woody Guthrie, and the Mermaid Avenue albums by Wilco and Billy Bragg, his music posesses heartfelt lyrics and guitar.
Signed by the Vancouver based label Nettwerk in 2004, he released his first album after only five days in the recording studio with his band, and has spent the majoriy of the last few years touring,recording several “direct-to-fan” releases, a pair of EPs (House of David Vol. 1 & 2) and the 2006 digital release Homecoming. In 2008, House released Flying Upside Down, produced by Jeff Trott and featuring Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench.
There is just one more concert in the series this summer, but don't worry! The Wright has a full Fall and Winter Schedule as well.
So, make it a point to enjoy a show in one of the most historic venues in the country, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Soak in the hot springs while you are here, or head on out to Main Street for a shopping experience you wont soon forget. A weekend in the Switzerland of America, with great music, and small town charm is an experience you will not soon forget.

And don't forget to ask us about our Summer Concert Series Special for this or any other show you want to come and see!

 

 

Artists' Annual Alpine Holiday comes back to Ouray County this August

Artists and Art Lovers Gather for the Best Art Show in Southwest Colorado!

The Ouray County Arts Association works within Ouray County to provide support, participation, awards and awareness of local artists. the 52nd Annual Artists' Alpine Holiday is the longest running juried art show in Western Colorado. With a following of about 1500 people each year, this nine day exhibit has gained the reputation of being one of the finest art shows in Colorado.

This exhibit is open to all artists, and is known to attract work from talented artist all over the United States. Cash awards totaling $7200.00 are just the tip of the iceberg for artists, with Purchase Awards, Student scholarships, and of course, all works are available for sale to the public.

This year, the Photography juror is Kathleen Norris Cook. With over thirty years of photography experience and several publications, this award winning photographers most recent book, Spirit of the San Juans, is just one of many marvelous demonstrations of her talent.

The Fine Arts Juror, Jeanne MacKenzie, is one of the founding members of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters. Her award winning art paintings are featured in several fine art galleries in Colorado and Arizona.

 

The schedule is as follows:

July 29 Agent Delivery of Artwork to the
Ouray Community Center
340 6th Ave. Noon - 4 PM
July 30 Individual Delivery of Artwork to the
Ouray Community Center
340 6th Ave. 10 AM - 4 PM
July 31 - Aug 1 Judging
Aug 1 Purchase Awards
Aug 2 Benefactor / Sponsor's Early Purchases.
General Reception 7 PM. Aug 3 - 4
Exhibition 10 AM - 9 PM
Aug 4 Quick Draw Challenge 10 AM
Quick Draw Art Auction 7 PM
Aug 5 - 10 Exhibition 10 AM - 7 PM
Aug 11 Exhibition 10 AM - 5 PM. Art cannot be removed early. No exceptions
Aug 12 Pick up Artwork Noon - 3 PM
There will be a $15 / day storage charge for art not picked up by 3 PM.

Whether you are an artist, or just enjoy viewing specatcular pieces of work from around the country, this show is definately on not to miss! And of course, there are so many other great things to do and see while visiting Ouray..... Take a jeep tour, hike one or two of our famous trails, explore an old mine, shop Main Street or explore an old gold mine before soaking the night away in our soothing mineral hot springs!

 

 

 

Melodrama at the Wright in Ouray, Colorado every Monday this July!

Local talent takes guests on an extravagant adventure every Monday in July!

Regardless of whether you are a theatre aficionado, or just looking for an entertaining evening during your visit to Ouray, “Crooks and Skullduggery at the Hardlife Hotel” is sure to please.

The best part of a melodrama is audience participation. As each member of the cast is introduced, we are expected as an audience to cheer, or boo. Heckling is encouraged to a certain degree, and as the energy of the audience increases, so does that of the cast, making for a wonderful night of fun and camaraderie.

Ouray County Rural Schools

Today Ouray and Ridgway are Ouray County’s only two school districts, but over 100 years ago Ouray had 13 independent school districts ranging from Colona in the north to Red Mountain in the south. 

School District No. 6 included the southern end of the county with schools in Ironton, Guston and Red Mountain Town. In1891 District 6 attendance was 128 students.  Although the Guston and Red Mountain Town schools were only a mile a apart, all the students could not attend one school due to the bad roads and the depth of the snow. Residents of Red Mountain Town boasted of having school at the highest altitude of any school in Colorado.

Just slightly further north and on the other side of Hayden Mountain was District No. 13 which had schools at the Camp Bird Mill (Level 14) and at Sneffels near the Revenue Mill. Barbara Spencer, who just celebrated her 95^th birthday, taught grades 1-8 at the Camp Bird School in the late 1930s. She lived in the Mill Boarding House. The school closed in 1942 when the last two pupils moved to Ouray. District No. 12 served the Dexter Creek area with one school near the Calliope Mine.

Most rural schools were north of the City of Ouray in the ranching and farming areas of the county. District No. 3 was founded in 1878 with the Piedmont School. It closed in 1943 and still stands today on County Road 23. Verena Jacobson taught there in the late 1920s. On the other side of the valley was district No. 4 with the Portland School founded in 1878.  The building today has been remodeled into a private residence.

Further north of Ridgway District No. 5 was the “Old Dallas School” founded in the town of Dallas in 1883. Directly to the west was District No. 2, referred to as the Upper Dallas district.  It had three schools: Upper Dallas Mesa, Upper Dallas and Pleasant Valley. The Pleasant Valley School continued until 1940.

Two schools served district No. 7 on Log Hill Mesa.  The Pine Grove School was founded in 1884 and lasted until 1941.  The school was moved north of Montrose and eventually taken apart and moved back to Log Hill, but it has yet to be rebuilt.  The Pinon Grove School on Log Hill was built in 1912 and closed in 1947.  Log Hill resident Jeannie Logan moved it to her property and made it into a guesthouse.

District 9 served the families living along Cow Creek. The original Cow Creek School, built in 1889, was replaced with a new building in 1914.  It lasted as a school until 1951. The building still stands on Owl Creek Road.

District 10, organized in 1897, was served by two schools.  The Alkali School was located seven miles north of Ridgway.  It closed in the late 1930s and the building demolished. The site is currently under the Ridgway Reservoir. Mayfield School was located near the confluence of the Uncompahgre River and Cow Creek. It closed in 1939 and was moved one-half mile north to a local ranch where it still serves as a storage building

The Jutten School and the Uncompahgre School, both located about nine miles south of Montrose, which served some Ouray County residents but the schools were located in Montrose County. District No. 8, the furthest north in Ouray County, served the Colona area with Brower School that served this area until 1915 when the two-storey Colona School was built. This beautiful building still exists today as the Colona Grange and efforts are being made to restore it. School District No. 1, Ouray, and School District No. 11, Ridgway will be separately discussed in future articles.

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.

4th of July in Ouray, Colorado - A Full Night of Fun!

Celebrate the Fourth of July surrounded by the majesty of the San Juan Mountains!

So, you may be wondering..."What to do in Colorado on the Fourth what with the fireworks cancelled?" Well, you've come to the right place! Long before fireworks were a prevalent part of the Independence day celebration, Ouray has provided a full day of family fun and entertainment, and this year may well be one of the best yet.....fireworks or not!

Ouray and the surrounding towns in Southwest Colorado provide a truly original experience on the Fourth of July. Virtually unchanged since its birth in the 1800's, this tiny mountain town provides an historic taste of our countries special day. Traditions in Ouray on the fourth have lasted through the years, changing only slightly.

First thing in the morning, join your fellow running enthusiasts at Fellin Park for the Ourayce 10K, part of the Ouray 2012 Race series. The race will finish up just in time to converge on Main Street, which will be closed at 10:00 am for the annual Fourth of July Parade. Cheer for all of the different organizations and individuals marching, or, enter yourself!

After the parade, the fun is just beginning. Family fun and games start at 11:00 am, and are an all day event at Fellin Park. The Ouray Elks, among others will be offering great barbeque options, from burgers and brats to some of the best ribs ever. If you're looking for an escape from the outdoor activities, all of the restaurants and shops will be open and ready to provide you with a great experience of small town hospitality and good cheer.

Highway 550 will close down for the second time of the day at 2:00 pm when the annual water fights commence. A tradition started in the late 1800's, with as many rocks as there was water shooting from the fire hoses, these hearty miners stood for up to an hour against each other with no protection but a ladies bathing cap. These days, competitions are timed and teams wear protective gear, limiting the number of injuries but certainly not the amount of fun audiences have watching competitors push their endurance to the limits.

Dinner is a difficult decision in Ouray on the Fourth of July. All of the local restaurants offer a fabulous variety of dining options with the celebratory air of the day. Enjoy margaritas on the deck, or prime rib in an old fashioned saloon.

The Wright Opera House will be offering a free viewing of ET at 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm, which is a great way to wind down after a day of frivolity and fun.

Of course, the night isn't over yet! Not by a long shot! Also starting at 4:00 pm, Mike Gwinn and the North Fork flyers will begin a free concert in the park! All of the activities and booths open throughout the day will stay open at Fellin Park until the JEEP GLOW PARADE at 9:00 pm. Bring your Jeep to the Ouray “Switzerland of America” Overlook on Hwy 550 at 8:15 to line up for the “glow” parade, starting at 9:00 PM. Glow sticks and decorations provided by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association. Donations accepted.

Whether this is the first or the fiftieth time you experience the Fourth of July in Ouray, it will be a day to remember!

Fishing in SW Colorado Near Ridgway and Ouray

In August 2010, the Alpine Triangle, near the towns of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City, in the San Juan mountains in SW Colorado were named one of the "Best Wild Places" by Field and Stream magazine.  There are pictures from their three day adventure vacation into the area as well as some details outlining their route.  Day 2 included a trip over Cinnamon Pass into Lake City.  Day 3 began with a jeep ride into Ouray and Ridgway. 

Guiding services can be provided by Tony Chelf (pictured above), also known as the Fly Fishing Cop (He was an officer with the City of Ouray Police Department for 30 years and he retired last summer).  He knows the areas well and is a former President of Trout Unlimited Gunnison Gorge Chapter.  If you would like further information on fishing in the area, contact the Fly Fishing Cop at  (970) 596-4697.

You can also head to Ridgway, ten minutes north of Ouray.  RIGS is a fly shop located in Ridgway, Colorado.  They provide guide services year round in the vicinity of Ouray and Ridgway too.  They sell Tenkara fly fishing rods and they are the only seller in Colorado to do so.  These rods are used in the traditional Japanese method of fly-fishing where only a rod, line and fly - but no reel - are used.    RIGS even maintains a fish report for the rivers and streams near Ouray and Ridgway.

Fishing in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and their full and comprehensive brochure for the 2012 fishing season for the state of Colorado is online.  This link is a great place for anglers to begin trip planning to southwest Colorado.  It includes information on licenses, gold medal waters, and fish species.  Enjoy your Colorado Vacation in the San Juan Mountains as there are so many things to do in Ouray and beyond!

Five Roads from Ouray to Telluride

With over 500 miles of accessible 4WD trails at our doorstep, is it any wonder Ouray is know as the Jeeping Capitol of the World?

When driving to Telluride in the winter, or in a sedan, or if you're in a hurry, it is a circular route down Highway 550 to Ridgway, turn on to Highway 62, then a few miles further down the road, turn onto Highway 145 which takes you to a town very similar to Ouray, but a mountain range away. The entire drive is forty-seven miles and takes about an hour.

 

 

Of course, thats not the only way to Telluride, just the fastest. Imogene, Black Bear, Ophir and Last Dollar are some other options, but not for the faint of heart (except perhaps for Last Dollar).

Black Bear Pass is the shortest in miles, but takes alot longer than the highway. A short twelve miles of sharp twists and narrow turns, this level five trail is not for the faint of heart. In fact, most rental companies strictly forbid the use of their vehicles on this one. Definately take a tour though!

Imogene is a level four jeep trail traversing 17 miles of spectacular scenery. This is propably the second most popular trail in the area, taking drivers over rough terrain to the summit of 13,100 feet. Both of these typically open around July Fourth so the early opening of these roads is exciting indeed! Perhaps I will let someone drive me over them this year!

Ophir Pass is considered one of the easier four wheel drive roads in the area. Summiting at a little over 11,000 feet, this level three trail travels past waterfalls, and a mountain lake as it eventually drops you into the small town of Ophir, a few miles away from Telluride. As you enter into the 'city limits' of Ophir, you are greeted with a welcome sign which proclaims the population down to house pets. Super cute!

Are you a John Wayne fan? Last Dollar Road takes travellers past the Ross Ranch, one of several film locations from True Grit in and around Ouray County. Accessed about 10 miles outside of Ridgway, at the top of Dallas Divide, this level one trail gives drivers a sense of the majesty of the back country without the extreme switchbacks and sheer drops of some of the more difficult roads.

 Do them all, perhaps not in one day, but each road is its own adventure and well worth the drive. After that, no worries! Take a drive to Silverton over Corkscrew or head on over to Lake City on Engineer, or explore some ghost towns in Red Mountain Town.

History of Southwest Colorado: Freighting to the Ouray Mines

120 years ago the population of Ouray was at its peak and silver mining supported the town.

Getting the ore down from the mines and supplies back up to the mines was carried out by freighting outfits who employed dozens of men and kept hundreds of horses, mules, burros (donkeys) and wagons. The standard ore wagon had a five-ton capacity and was pulled by six horses or mules (see attached photo).

The wagons of course could only be used on roads, but many of the mines were located on narrow trails. Long teams of mules or burros could be seen every day on the streets of Ouray preparing to head to the mines. Horses were too skittish for hauling to the mines on narrow trails and mules were much more sure-footed. A mule could carry 200-400 pounds of material while a burro could carry 75-150 pounds. Burros have the advantage that they would feed themselves by eating natural vegetation while mules needed to have food provided. Some of the items freighted to the mines included food, coal, machinery, rail, lumber, explosives and tools. Lumber was hauled up to the mines tied at one end to a burro and dragging on the other end. It would be ordered six inches longer than needed so the damaged end could be cut off.

Dave Wood’s Magnolia Line was the most important of the early San Juan freighting businesses. He followed the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad’s railhead and provided freight service from there to towns further west. In 1884 Wood built his own road, still known today as the Dave Wood Road, from Montrose to Telluride. He served towns until the railroad arrived: Ouray in 1886 and Telluride in 1892. At one point he had over 500 head of horses, mules and oxen at work. When a newcomer to Colorado asked him how long he had lived in these mountains, Wood replied, ”Madam, I hauled these mountains in here.” In spite of his great success he went bankrupt during the Silver Panic of 1893.

Even after the railroad arrived in Ouray in 1886 freighting was still needed to get materials to the mines. The largest freighting company to serve Ouray’s mines was owned by John Ashenfelter. His company served Ouray from 1882 until his death in 1910 and was the exclusive freighter for the Camp Bird and Revenue Mines. Ashenfelter’s business occupied both sides of 8^th Avenue in the block west of Main Street. He had two large barns, wagon and grain warehouses, three livery stables, corrals as well as blacksmith and carpentry shops. At the height of his business he had 24 six-horse teams, many dozen pack mules and a herd of 80 burros. Ashenfelter also ran a daily four-horse stage up the Camp Bird Road. In 1899 his stage was the scene of the only reported stagecoach robbery in Ouray County.

Ouray was also served by many smaller livery stables. They did a brisk business in renting buggies, wagons and horses. It was common practice for miners at the Camp Bird and Revenue Mines to walk into Ouray on a Saturday and then hire a horse on Sunday to ride back to the mine. The horse would then return riderless to the livery stable.

John Donald came to Ouray in 1886 and started a packing business with a string of burros. He did most of the ore packing for the mines on Gold Hill north of Ouray. He eventually bought what remained of the Ashenfelter stables in 1920. The Fellin brothers established a freighting business in 1911. They did most of the hauling for the Atlas and Mountain Top Mines. The Fellin brothers purchased John Donald’s business after his death in 1933. Fellin trucks continued to haul the Camp Bird ore to the railroad until the 1960s.

Other livery stables included Union Livery Company which was located on Main Street and had wagons and carriages on the first floor and stables in the basement with large corrals in the back. A. A. Moore established the Free Coinage livery in 1898 at the corner of 9th Ave and Main Street. Today’s Ouray Livery Barn traces its history back to 1883 when the O. K. Stables were established. In 1893 Charles Rowley, who had married John Ashenfelter’s sister, purchased the O. K. Stables and operated it until his death in 1930.

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.

August 2012 Events in Ouray and Ridgway, Colorado

Southwest Colorado sparkles with activities this August!

As the summer season hits its stride, all of the trails have been travelled enough to make them seem easy. Flowers and waterfalls are still everywhere you look, and the local restaurants are ideal for a refreshing cocktail or meal after a day of perusing the variety of original gift ideas in our many local shops.

Monday, July 9, 2012 through August 14, 2012 - San Juan Memories Photo Show

The San Juan Memories Photo Show features Western Slope photographers who have focused on the San Juan Mountains. Show is at the Ouray County Museum from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Elks Bingo

Ouray Elks summer Bingo. Open to the public. 7 PM in the lodge room. 970-325-4510 for information.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Evening of History: "Big Horses, Wild Cows, and Outhouses -- Stories of the Lester Israel Family," presented by Ginny Harrington

Ginny Harrington, former Ouray County Historical Society Director, will present an evening of History on some of the more historic Ouray County Ranches. Note that this event takes place on Wednesday August 1st at the Ridgway Town Hall.

Friday August 3, 2012 through Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 52nd Artists' Alpine Holiday

This 9-day event is the 52nd Artists' Alpine Holiday starting on Friday, August 3, 2012 and running through Saturday, August 11, 2012. In addition to the art show, there will be daily art demonstrations, door prizes, classes, etc. The entire show is free to the public.
Friday 8/3 & Saturday 8/4 - Show open 10:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 8/5 through Friday 8/10 - Show open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8/11 - Show open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday August 3, 2012 - WISE Melodrama at the Wright Opera House

Melodrama from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Come on out and enjoy!

Saturday, August 4, 2012 - WISE Melodrama at the Wright Opera House

Melodrama from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Come on out and enjoy!

Sunday, August 5, 2012 - WISE Melodrama at the Wright Opera House

Melodrama from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Come on out and enjoy!

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Mt. Sneffels Marathon/ Half-Marathon (and Kids Run)

There will be three races again this year; a half marathon, which will begin at Fellin Park in Ouray, over County Road 17 and on to Ridgway, a full marathon, beginning in Ridgway, over the same course and back to Ridgway, and a one mile Kids Fun Run

Saturday, August 11, 2012 and Sunday, August 12, 2012- Ridgway Arts & Crafts Rendezvous

The Ridgway Town Park will be teeming with the artistic talent of the area as local artists and entertainers gather to share at this event. Head down to the park from 8:00 am and spend the day enjoying free live music, and perusing the booths of local talent.

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Summer Music Series at the Wright:Griffin House

Enjoy this truly gifted singer/songwriter as he takes you on a heartfelt tour through musical bliss! 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Wright Opera House.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - Elks Bingo

Ouray Elks summer Bingo. Open to the public. 7 PM in the lodge room. 970-325-4510 for information.

Thursday, August 16, 2012 through Sunday, August 19, 2012 - Third Annual Ouray Canyoning Festival

The Ouray Canyoning Festival offers a great opportunity to discover canyoning/canyoneering, explore new canyons, make new friends; to share ideas and information; and to learn new skills and techniques.

Thursday, August 16, 2012 - ROCC Talk - History of the Utes

Free ROCC Talk: HISTORY OF THE UTE PEOPLE - Roland McCook will speak about the history of the Ute People. He is a member of the Uncompahgre Band of the Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Utah. Mr. McCook is a descendent of Chief Ouray and Chipeta, He speaks fluent Ute and has extensive experience conducting historical and archival research on Ute tribal history. There will be coffee and cookies at 6:45.

Friday, August 17, 2012 - Vignettes of History~ War & Angels

Appetizers at 4 pm at Venue Roscoe Fox, dinner at 5:30 pm in the Tundra Dinning Room of the Beaumont Hotel, followed by feature presentation in the Wright Opera House at 7:00 pm: Judy Winnick portrays "Irena Sendler, Angel of the Warsaw ghetto" A one act play by Judy Winnick.

Friday, August 17, 2012 through November 17, 2012 - OCHS Otto Mears Exhibit

Visit the Ouray History Museum any time between 10:00 am to 4:30 pm to learn about the builder of the Million Dollar Highway, to name just one of the accomplishments of thiss historical figure.

Saturday, August 18, 2012 - Guided Tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery

Enjoy a guided tour of the Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn about the famous and the infamous former residents of Ouray County. $10 per person. Call 970-325-4576 to pre-register

Tuesday, August 21 through September 28, 2012 - OCHS Quilt Show

The annual Ouray County Historical Society Quilt show runs from August 21st to September 28th. The show features more than three dozen quilts which were either stiched or quilted prior to 1966.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Elks Bingo

Ouray Elks summer Bingo. Open to the public. 7 PM in the lodge room. 970-325-4510 for information.

Thursday, August 23, 2012 - Classical Cafe - an informal classical music concert

This is the opening concert of the 2012 San Juan Chamber MusicFest season. Max Levinson, piano; Allison Eldredge, cello; and Nurit Pacht, violin, will introduce classical music in an informal concert, set in cabaret style.

Friday, August 24, through Saturday, August 26, 2012 - Ouray Heritage Weekend

This weekend-long celebration of Ouray’s unique history include many heritage events throughout Ouray County like a mule race, special programs at local museums and fun, family events that highlight the areas rich mining, culinary, mountaineering, and cultural heritage.

Saturday, August 25, 2012 - Grillin' & Chillin' Brew & Music Festival

2012 will be the sixth year that Ouray celebrates regional craft brews, energetic music, fantastic food, BBQ competitions, the non-profit community and family-friendly fun. Visitors can taste their way through more than fifteen regional ales and get to chat personally with the brewers, who consider this their one of their favorite brew fests. National recording artists keep spirits high all afternoon and compliment the high-pitched giggles of kids flying across Fellin Park on a zip line.

Saturday, August 25, 2012 - Guided Tour of Ouray's Main Street

Enjoy a guided walk of Ouray's Historic Main Street. Learn about the history of each building and the colorful characters who roamed the streets of Ouray 100 years ago. $10 per person. Call 970-325-4576 to pre-register.

Saturday, August 25, 2012 - San Juan Chamber MusicFest -- Chamber Music Concert

Chamber Music Concert presented by Ouray County Performing Arts Guild
Max Levinson, Artistic Director and Piano
Allison Eldredge, cello
Nurit Pacht, violin

Sunday, August 26, 2012 - Family Classical Music Concert

Family Concert appropriate for children preschool through high school. Come and learn a bit about the wonderful, rich heritage of classical music.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - Salon Dinner Concert

Dinner Salon Concert -- Finale to the San Juan Chamber MusicFest 2012. Gourmet Dinner provided by Secret Garden Catering and intimate dinner concert in a lovely Ridgway home. Reservations are essential -- call 970-626-2970.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Elks Bingo

Ouray Elks summer Bingo. Open to the public. 7 PM in the lodge room. 970-325-4510 for information.

Friday, August 31, 2012 - Ouray County 4-H Fair & Rodeo

Come on out and support the 4-H Members and our great community!!!!
2012 Ouray County Fair Schedule TBD. 

Ouray and Ridgway offer a wide variety of fun for the entire family! Give us a call at the Box Canyon lodge and let us help you plan your perfect vacation adventure!

Ridgway Colorado presents 5th Annual Riverfest!

The perfect way to celebrate Summer in the San Juans is on the river with games and fun for the whole family!

The Uncompahgre River flows through Ouray, carrying mineral deposits from the high country, and eventually opening up to a deeper cleaner flowing body of water once it hits Ridgway. Here, you can see people all up and down the river fly fishing, and preparing for some whitewater rafting. the people of Ridgway definately have reason to be proud of their portion of river, and work diligently to preserve and protect this resource.

For several years now, the Mosaic Community Project has hosted a watershed celebration in Ridgway, Colorado. This is a zero-waste event centered around water activities.

This year, on June 30, 2012, activities will include a whitewater rodeo, down-river races, the Junk of the Unc race, and fun at the Kid’s Eddy. A regional watershed information tent will provide an essential educational component. Live music, local food vendors, and a beverage tent will round out the day.

The 2012 River Event Schedule will be as follows:
9-11:00 am - Registration
11:10 am - Safety Briefing
11:20 am - Wildwater Kayaks
11:30 am - Hard shell kayaks
11:40 am - Inflatables
2:00 pm - Whitewater Rodeo
2:30 pm - Junk of Unc
3:30 pm - Awards Ceremony

River event registration will take place at Rollans Park on Saturday, June 30th from 9am-11:00am. Please come prepared with your ACA membership number and registration fee. All river event participants will need a PFD and a helmet to enter. Stop by the registration table (next to the stage) to sign up for your event, sign a waiver and receive your festival t-shirt. Cost is $20.00 for one boat, and $30.00 for two boats. An additional $5.00 will be applied for each non-ACA member.
Whether you are participating in the competition, or just bringing the family to watch and enjoy the free entertainment, this is definately a day on the river not soon forgotten! There will also be a silent auction throughout the day, and half of the proceeds will benefit the UWP, and the other half will benefit MCP.

And of course, what better place to celebrate clean water than surrounded by the majesty of the San Juan Mountains? Make it a weekend of fun with hiking, scenic drives and four-wheeling, followed by a relaxing soak in the soothing mineral hot springs. Your adventure awaits!