Crested Butte is Bud Light’s Whatever, USA

After considering numerous towns across the country for the culmination of its Whatever, USA campaign, Bud Light chose Crested Butte as the ideal place to bring the winners of its video contest (along with one guest each) and a host of entertainers, VIPs and support crew for a weekend of spontaneous fun and memorable experiences in this southwest Colorado mountain town. And no town does an event better than Crested Butte.

More than 150,000 people submitted videos in hopes of being picked to take part in the Sept. 5 – 7 Whatever, USA event. “Crested Butte was selected to host Whatever, USA, for its breathtaking natural beauty and colorful cast of characters that make up the town,” Bud Light said in a statement about the weekend.

“Crested Butte absolutely knows how to do fun,” says the real mayor of Crested Butte, Aaron Huckstep, known to most as Huck. “Not only is our town known for its scenic beauty and colorful downtown, we are a year-round destination that has an incredible number of opportunities for outdoor recreation, festivals, cultural events and sporting competitions that can’t be found elsewhere else like Flauschink, Vinotok, Chainless World Championships, Alley Loop and the Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race.”

Pamela Loughman, executive director of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association, says, “You won’t find another community that is as over-the-top charming and authentic as Crested Butte. The valley’s rich mining and ranching heritage has uniquely combined with a ski town vibe. There is an independent but friendly spirit here that allows people to express their opinion, even if it doesn’t match up with their neighbor’s.”

While the Bud Light event is not open to the public, there is still plenty for visitors to do in Crested Butte and nearby Mt. Crested Butte, Almont, Gunnison, Gothic, Tin Cup and more this weekend.

“We have hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor recreation, many shops and restaurants that are open to the public, and a whole valley to enjoy,” emphasizes Loughman. “We also want to invite those who have become aware about Crested Butte through the Whatever USA campaign to come check out the Gunnison Valley in the near future. The fall foliage season is about to start and the ‘gold rush’ runs through early or mid-October.”

25th Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon in Crested Butte

The 25th annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on Feb. 5 not only is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States, it reflects the athletic and free-spirited nature of Crested Butte, Colo.  This American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes in the heart of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue (a National Historic District since 1974) and winds its way through streets, alleyways and Nordic trail system located on the outskirts of this historic mining town. 

The Alley Loop, also a Colorado Cup Series Race, embraces all abilities and ages competing on skate or classic skis. Course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K are offered, with the 1.5K and 3K races beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the rest starting at intervals beginning at 10 a.m.  New for this year is a 42K classic division that begins at 9 a.m.

While the Alley Loop has a serious side as a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon, locals host parties on their decks to watch racers from across the country and survey the attire of less-serious competitors.  Be on the lookout for pirates, ladybugs, Vikings, lizards, fairies, alley cats, disco kings and queens.  In honor of the Alley Loop’s 25th anniversary, organizers are asking competitors to consider wearing silver. 

Thanksgiving Training Camp in Crested Butte, Colo.

Attention, skiers - Gunnison-Crested Butte has been getting some good snow, approximately a foot at the ski area in the last two days.

And you can work off the turkey dinners and start the Nordic season off right with fun, informative cross-country ski clinics and activities at the Crested Butte Nordic Council’s annual Thanksgiving Training Camp on Nov. 26 – 27. Skate and classic Nordic skiing and racing clinics for various levels will be offered by professional instructors, including three-time Olympian Ingrid Butts, Masters Nordic World Champion Murray Banks, and Ross Matlock, a PSIA Nordic and Telemark examiner.

With all clinics held at elevations in excess of 8,800 feet, camp participants of all levels are sure to get a jump on conditioning for a successful season of competitive racing, recreational touring or fun winter exercise. A silent auction/gourmet dinner, wax clinic, active isolated stretching class, and movie night featuring the film “Fire on the Mountain” that tells the story of America’s 10th Mountain Division also are part of the fun.

Beginner clinics are $40 and intermediate and advanced clinics are $50. Clinics are designed to enhance and improve skills and are limited to approximately 12 people in each, so register early. For more information or to sign up, call Crested Butte Nordic Center at 970-349-1707 or visit www.cbnordic.org.

Win a free ski trip to Crested Butte

Gunnison-Crested Butte is known for being a place you can let your hair down for a little R & R and adventure, whether you like it laidback or extreme. The locals are known for chatting it up with visitors and pointing the way to their favorite places. In keeping with this unique spirit, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association today launched a “Double Dog Dare You” campaign on Facebook to celebrate the 2009/10 ski season.

Become a friend at www.facebook.com/gcbta, explain in 50 words or less why you should be selected to visit Crested Butte this winter, and submit a photo of yourself enjoying a snowsport. The winner will receive three night’s lodging at The Ruby of Crested Butte bed and breakfast, four lift tickets from Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area and a $100 gift certificate for Django’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at the ski base.

The campaign kicks off today and concludes on Nov. 23, 2009.

A winner will be announced on Nov. 25, 2009, the opening day of ski season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and travel must take place before the ski season ends on April 4, 2010.

Crested Butte welcomes spring with Flauschink

The last weekend of ski and snowboard season isn’t a quiet occasion in “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town,” Crested Butte, where the expected rarely happens. Locals and visitors will be flushing out winter and welcoming spring with the 41st annual Flauschink, April 2 - 5, 2008.

Pre-Flauschink festivities begin at Talk of the Town on Thursday, April 2 with a 7 p.m. slide show at the Talk of the Town by Dr. Duane Vandenbusche, a Western State College (WSC) history professor and authority on Gunnison County and Colorado history. A Flauschink tale also will be told by George Sibley, founder of Flauschink and a retired WSC professor. The cost is $4 with a Flauschink button and $7 without a button.

Flauschink officially kicks off with a coronation ball held on Friday, April 3 at 9 p.m. to crown the new king and queen of Flauschink and enjoy an evening of polka dancing with the Pete Dunda Polka Band at The Eldo. The cost is $5 with a button and $8 without a button. “To be a true Crested Buttian, you have to polka. Many people who have been to every Flauschink are there. It is a fun time for the community to get together and dance—something people in Crested Butte do best,” says festival organizer and 1996 Flauschink Queen Michelle English.

The king and queen of Flauschink typically have three things in common: they are involved in the community, enjoy longtime resident status, and are held in high esteem by other locals. A parade on Saturday, April 4, honors the king and queen as they proudly raise scepters made from toilet plungers, gives “Has-Been” royalty the chance to wear their crowns and ride on a float again, and provides a reason to rain down fun on Elk Avenue, Crested Butte’s historic business district. The parade will begin at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, April 5, the festival and ski season will draw to a fitting close with the Flauschink king and queen holding court on the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders pass by Flauschink Hill, above Twister warming house deck, to toast royalty.

Flauschink buttons are sold for $3 at several businesses in Crested Butte to raise money for the festival and to provide discounts on slide show and coronation ball tickets. Also, don’t miss the Flauschink exhibit at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. For more information, call Michelle English at 970-349-7348.

Top 10 Ideas for a Winter Girlfriend Getaway

They don't mean 'girlfriend' like we mean 'girlfriend', girlfriend, but the following list of fun activities is still packed with great ideas.

A “girls” outing filled with let-your-hair-down fun and adventure can do wonders for the soul in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo. Here are 10 great ways to indulge in a winter girlfriend getaway filled with outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, spa outings, cooking classes and more.

Check 'em all out after the jump.


1. Unleash your inner dog-sledding fantasy

There is nothing quite like the freedom of being pulled by a team of dogs in the thick of stunning mountain terrain capped with snow. Dog sledding with Lucky Cat Dog Farm is one of those lifetime experiences not to be missed. Visit www.luckycatdogfarm.com or call (970) 641-1636 for details about lunch tours and short tours.



2. Go to dinner … on a sleigh

· What better way to go to dinner with your gal pals than on a horse-drawn sleigh at Lazy F Bar Ranch south of Crested Butte? Enjoy a scenic, 35-minute ride to a rustic 1950s cabin overlooking the East River and indulge in a five-course meal that most importantly includes five kinds of homemade desserts. Visit www.lazyfbarranch.com or call (970) 641-0193.

· Another option is hopping on an open sleigh pulled by a snowcat at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area and dining at Rustica Ristorante in the Paradise Warming House. Savor a four-course dinner featuring a full bar and handpicked wine list to complement the evening. Call (800) 810-7669 for reservations and prices or visit www.skicb.com.



3. Moonlight ski & snowshoe tour will leave you star struck

· Join the Crested Butte Nordic Center on a Full Moon “Dessert at the Yurt” Ski & Snowshoe Tour to Magic Meadows with warm drinks and delectable desserts served along the way. The last tour will be offered on March 10 beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, and equipment rentals are available for $15. Lunch and brunch at the yurt also are available. Go to www.cbnordic.org or call (970) 349-1707.



4. Bond with your skis and your buddies

Set up a ski or snowboarding clinic just for you and your gal pals at Crested Butte Mountain Resort to learn and laugh together. Go to www.skicb.com or call (800) 544.8448.



5. Create a colorful memory on monthly ArtWalk Evenings

Visit the wide array of art galleries in downtown Crested Butte any day of the week, but the art scene really comes alive during ArtWalk Evenings held on the last Thursday in February and March from 5 – 8 p.m. Light refreshments, music and on-site artists are featured at many of the locations. For more information, visit www.awearts.org.



6. Go to the theatre or tap your toes at a concert

· Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, established in 1972, will be presenting “Rabbit Hole” in February, and “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” in March. For tickets, call (970) 349-0366 or visit www.cbmountaintheatre.org.

· Crested Butte Center for the Arts offers a Winter Season series of concerts and regular art exhibitions. For more information, call (970) 349-7487 or visit www.crestedbuttearts.org

· The Gunnison Arts Center hosts theatre productions, art exhibitions, art classes and more year-round. For information, call (970) 641-4029 or visit www.GunnisonArtsCenter.org.



7. Make your own tracks to dinner
Ride the Red Lady Express Lift at CBMR and ski, snowboard or snowshoe to an extraordinary gourmet dinner at the Ice Bar & Restaurant. Start off with a cocktail on the patio at a bar made from ice and watch the sunset before going inside for a relaxing and delicious dining experience. A member of the professional ski school or ski patrol will escort you back to the base area with headlamps to light the way. Call (800) 810-7669 for reservations and visit www.skicb.com.



8. Ice skate, sled and cross-country ski all in one place

Stop being an adult for a morning or afternoon and relive childhood memories while ice skating and sledding with your girlfriends at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Skates and sleds are available for rent, and the Nordic Center is the launching point for many great cross-country skiing trails with instruction and ski rentals available. A Learn to Skate Ski for Free clinics will be offered at 1 p.m. on March 5. Call (970) 349-1707 or visit www.cbnordic.org.



9. Head to the spa or let it come to you

For spa lovers, we have fantastic news. The slopeside Elevation Hotel and Spa in Mt. Crested Butte reopened for the winter 08/09 season as a fully-renovated property with a brand new, luxury, 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. Look for nine treatment rooms, a full range of spa services all using environmentally friendly products, women’s and men’s locker rooms with steam showers and saunas, a full-service hair and nail salon, a state-of-the-art athletic fitness equipment room and a juice, smoothie and herbal tea bar. Visit www.elevationhotel.com or call (800) 810-SNOW. The Grand Lodge in Mt. Crested Butte also has a spa, and many lodging properties have masseuses on call to set up right in your condo or room or in on-site treatment rooms.



10. Go gourmand at laid-back cooking classes

After a day outdoors or at the spa, what could be a better conclusion than cooking classes? Two of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley’s most popular chefs offer hands-on workshops.

· In downtown Crested Butte, Keely Murphy shows aspiring chefs how to make hearty soups, amazing chocolates, French and Italian cuisine and much more at her catering kitchen. Arrangements Catering & Events offers a schedule of classes and custom classes for groups of eight people. Call (970) 349-0956 or visit www.arrangementsandevents.com.

· Mike Busse, proprietor of Garlic Mike’s Italian restaurant, hosts approximately two classes per month at Interiors with Oohs & Aahs’ demonstration kitchen in downtown Gunnison. People also may gather their own group (minimum of 12) to book their own class. To find out more, call (970) 641-2493 or go to www.garlicmikes.com





Alley Loop Nordic Marathon brings out all kinds in Crested Butte

The 23rd annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on Jan. 31 not only is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States, it reflects the athletic and free-spirited nature of Crested Butte, Colo. This American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes in the heart of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue (a National Historic District since 1974) and winds its way through streets, alleyways and Nordic trail system located on the outskirts of this historic mining town.

The Alley Loop, also a Colorado Cup Series Race, combines Crested Butte’s laid-back atmosphere with the locals’ play-hard nature to create an event that embraces all abilities and ages competing on skate or classic skis. Course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K are offered. Organized by the Crested Butte Nordic Center and sponsored by Cross Country Skier, Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty and the Town of Crested Butte, the races begin at 9:30 a.m.

While the Alley Loop has a serious side as a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon, locals host parties on their decks to watch racers from across the country and survey the attire of less-serious competitors. Be on the lookout for pirates, ladybugs, Vikings, lizards, disco kings and queens. New Belgium Brewing’s Taste of the Alley Beer Garden on the deck of the Brick Oven also offers a great spot to watch the race.

Prizes are awarded at a post-race ceremony to the overall winners and to the “The Croatian” (the lucky racer who finishes with the exact median race time), and there’s an abundance of raffle prizes for racers and volunteers. Visit www.cbnordic.org for race information and online registration instructions or call (970) 349-1707.

All about Crested Butte - what's new for winter 2008?

It’s been a year of adding exciting, new amenities in Crested Butte, a place being recognized for its unique vibe. In 2008, the southwest Colorado ski town was among the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations,” Outside magazine’s “10 Best Towns in America” and Sunset magazine’s “10 Dream Towns.”

This “triple crown” doesn’t mean the town will be slowing down its efforts to offer an authentic, memorable vacation. On the contrary, expanded airline service, major hotel renovations, tasty additions to the dining scene, ski area improvements, and a new 11,000-square-foot spa are the big news for winter 2008-2009.

Read all about it after the jump.



Expanded Jet Service
Travelers now have the option to fly direct to Gunnison-Crested Butte in the winter from new markets that include Salt Lake City and Atlanta on Delta Air Lines and Chicago on American Airlines. American also will continue offering daily, nonstop flights from Dallas/Forth Worth throughout the winter, and United Airlines continues three daily, nonstop flights from Denver. For a detailed winter flight schedule, go to www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.

“The increased air service translates into 15 percent more seats (or an additional 6,000 seats) available for travel into the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport,” says Jane Chaney, executive director for the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association.

Major Hotel Renovations & New Spa
· The Inn at Crested Butte has been fully remodeled and reopened as a boutique hotel with 17 guest rooms. The cozy great room features a stone fireplace that is the perfect backdrop for relaxing after a day of skiing and enjoying complimentary wine and cheese tasting and breakfast daily. Call (877) 343-2111 or visit www.theinnatcrestedbutte.net.
· The ski-in, ski-out Elevation Hotel & Spa with 260 luxury rooms will complete a $25 million renovation of the entire facility in time for the 2008/2009 ski season. A new feature is an 11,000-square-foot luxury spa and fitness center that will be managed by Spa Struck Enterprises, which operates three spas in the Vail Valley. Meeting and event space, an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a sundeck with fire pit, and a new restaurant are other highlights at this property managed by Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area. Visit www.elevationhotel.com or call (800) 810-SNOW.
· The Lodge at Mountaineer Square, Elevation Hotel & Spa and Grand Lodge, all managed by CBMR, are now part of the prestigious Preferred Hotel Group.

New Eats & Drinks
The secret is out that the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley has an incredible food scene. Four new restaurants add to the variety and depth of cuisine to choose from.
· django’s, a small plates and fine wines restaurant, is located in the new Mountaineer Square at the ski base. This happening spot with a great deck will make you think you are in New York, but you can’t miss the Colorado touches. Call (970) 349-7574.
· East Side Bistro opened to rave reviews this summer in downtown Crested Butte. This high-end restaurant serves small plates during happy hour and a wide array of gourmet selections for dinner and brunch. Call (970) 349-9699 or visit www.eastsidebistro.com.
· Maxwell’s Steakhouse is the brainchild of a husband and wife team that previously operated restaurants on the Plaza in Kansas City. Beef is the star on the menu but also look for chicken, seafood, lamb, sandwiches and salads in an “urban cowboy” setting filled with wood and vibrant fabrics and art. A large wine list and wine lockers are available. Call (970) 349-1221.
· Josephine’s has introduced Southern soul food to Elk Avenue in Crested Butte. Enjoy specialties such as catfish, meatloaf, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, mint juleps and barbecued brisket in a family-style atmosphere. Call (970) 349-2099.
· Sugah’s is a bistro specializing in Cajun and Southern soul food for lunch, dinner and brunch in Gunnison, the gateway to Crested Butte. All food is made fresh with no preservatives. Call (970) 641-4990 or visit www.sugahscafe.com.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Inspire Your Passion
· The new Camp CB is the result of staff visiting many of the top children’s ski schools and day care facilities in the nation and incorporating the best ideas at CBMR. Camp CB will intrigue and engage kids through exploration and adventure both on and off the mountain. The former Kids’ World building was taken down to the studs and completely redesigned.
· Snow Igloos will sprout up around the ski area. The solid snow structures will be at the new Camp CB for kids and mid-mountain outside the Ice Bar Restaurant for après ski cocktails.
· The Treasury Center has been upgraded and remodeled to provide improved and expanded guest services, including a new Pizza Zone for quick lunches and snacks.
· The Outpost Building is now a day lodge for guests. Tables and comfortable seating are available for a lunch break or just to warm up.
· A new central ski valet and overnight ski, snowboard and boot valet storage with ski-in/ski-out access is now available free to all CBMR hotel guests and to other guests for a nightly fee.
· Expanded terrain off the Headwall lift into the Teocalli Bowl area, known as Teo-2 and Teo-2.5, will add more expert terrain to the mix. Also, a new intermediate terrain park is being added, and the existing DC Terrain Park continues to be upgraded.
· For more information, call (800) 810-7669 or visit www.skicb.com.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages
To find out more about Gunnison County or to book personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is served year-round by United Airlines with flights from Denver and during the winter season by American Airlines with direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago and Delta Air Lines with direct flights from Salt Lake City and Atlanta.

About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.

Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area’s conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.

Gunnison, a real western town located 28 miles from Crested Butte, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, a four-year institution offering majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country’s newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.




Gentlemen, start your engines

What better place to talk cool cars than leaning under the hood of a brightly painted, fully chromed custom street rod against the cool mountain backdrop of beautiful Gunnison, Colorado? Combine that camaraderie with an arts and crafts festival across the street for a winning combination of the 21st annual Gunnison Car Show and the High Octane Arts & Craft Festival on Aug. 22 – 24.

Longtime automotive TV show host Sam Memmolo, currently executive producer and host of “Two Guys Garage” on SPEED, will be at the Gunnison Car Show on Aug. 22 and 23 to receive the Lee Iacocca Award. He also wrote and hosted the successful TV shows “Shadetree Mechanic” and “Crank & Chrome,” both on TNN. Memmolo and his wife, Diana, live in Georgia and are hot rod collectors. Also new for 2008 is that the Gunnison Car Show will be the first car show in the United States to be carbon free.


Prime vintage and custom cars will be on exhibit and on the roads of the Gunnison Valley during the 21st Annual Gunnison Car Show, Aug. 22 – 24. The event, sponsored by the Gunnison Car Club, includes a cruise-in, free street dances on Gunnison’s Main Street, an open car show, poker run, and breakfast cruise to Crested Butte.

The show’s theme is “Cool Cars. Cool Mountains.” It celebrates the combination of Gunnison’s comfortable August temperatures and the many custom and collector cars on exhibit. The show traditionally attracts vehicles from throughout Colorado and from several surrounding states. “The show is all about family fun,” says Gunnison Car Club President Mike Callihan. “In addition to hundreds of great cars, there are many, many fun things for the entire family to enjoy.”

Schedule
The car show kicks off in downtown Gunnison on Friday, Aug. 22 from 5 – 9 p.m. with a ‘50s-style cruise-in and concert. A portion of Main Street will be closed to regular traffic during the event, so there’s plenty of room for more than 150 show cars to park where they can be viewed by the public. The popular Kansas City band “The RumbleJets” will be playing for a free street dance for the public.

The full car show runs from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at beautiful Jorgensen Park. Surrounded by trees, green grass and water, this is an “open” event, which means any vehicle in any condition—from barely moving to full blown restoration—is welcome. It’s not unusual to see exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked out pickup trucks and a gaggle of British cars all parked together on the lawn.

Food, games and contests are also a big part of the day that typically showcases more than 300 vehicles. Judging of the cars continues until midday, when an awards ceremony is held. A poker run through the streets of Gunnison after will be held after the show, followed by a street dance on Main Street featuring Gunnison’s own Rock Bottom Band.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, approximately 125 cars leave Gunnison at 7:30 a.m. to drive the scenic 28 miles to Crested Butte’s Elk Avenue, the town’s colorful historic business district. Elk Avenue is closed to traffic on this morning so that the vehicles are available for viewing while their owners enjoy a gourmet breakfast at one of Crested Butte’s fine restaurants.

Admission to the award-winning Gunnison Car Show is free to the general public, but there is a registration fee for cars that are entered. Car show proceeds are donated to community causes. For more information and to register, check out the Gunnison Car Club’s website at www.gunnisoncarclub.com.

Going Green
The Gunnison Car Show will be the first car show in the nation to be carbon free. Using data from MIT and University of Washington and the guidance of staff from www.carbonfund.org, organizers determined that the 330 cars that typically attend drive a combined total of 99,000 miles getting to and from Gunnison, generating 63 tons of carbon. With other elements of the festival such as generating electricity for bands, restaurants preparing meals and more considered in the analysis, the event’s total carbon impact is nearly 81 tons. In response, the Gunnison Car Club has purchased carbon-offset credits from www.carbonfund.com, which will be used to plant trees.

The club also is working to reduce solid waste. For example, food vendors must recycle, use compostable paper products and provide a written plan about how they will reduce their solid waste impact.



Introducing the Crested Butte Land Trust Wine and Food Festival

The inaugural Crested Butte Land Trust Wine & Food Festival promises to showcase hundreds of different wines and amazing cuisine through a variety of events from wine seminars and chefs’ events to a grand tasting in Crested Butte, Colo., on July 25 – 27, 2008. A full schedule and event information is available at CrestedButteWine.com and there's lots more information after the jump.


The festival is produced by Colorado Mountain Events, LLC. Its exclusive beneficiary is the Crested Butte Land Trust, whose mission is to protect open space and wildlife habitat, preserve the valley’s ranching heritage, and provide access via trails.

“Crested Butte is Colorado’s best mountain town with unrivaled views and some of the most spectacular scenery in the West,” explains Jeff Hermanson, president of the Crested Butte Land Trust and part-time Crested Butte resident. “I cannot imagine a better location to host a series of food and wine events; it is the perfect way to reintroduce visitors to this magical place.”

The events include a series of 50-minute wine seminars where wine novices and aficionados alike can learn the nuances of wine during a classroom-style session. These seminars will be held all three days of the festival and are sold a la carte. Topics include sake for wine lovers, wine 101, wine and food pairing, bourbon tasting, Australian wines, beautiful Bordeaux, rose renaissance, Italian favorites, wine and chocolate, great reds of Spain, champagne and more. The cost is $30 per seminar, and participants must be at least age 21.

The chefs’ events consist of three dinners and one brunch where two chefs—one from Denver and one from Crested Butte—team up to create multi-course meals with wine pairings in private homes in the Crested Butte area. Participants must be at least age 21.

Friday, July 25: Chef Andrea Frizzi of Il Posto (Denver) and Chef Tim Egelhoff of Timberline (Crested Butte), dinner limited to 10, cost is $500 per person
Friday, July 25: Chef Elise Wiggins of Panzano (Denver) and Leo Novak of Rustica and Fete Catering (Crested Butte), dinner limited to 10, cost is $500 per person
Saturday, July 26: Chef Richard Sandoval of Tamayo, Zengo and La Sandia (Denver) and Chef Mike Marchitelli of Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle (Crested Butte), dinner limited to 10, cost is $500 per person
Sunday, July 27: Chef Tyler Wiard of Elway’s (Denver) and Chef Jason Vernon of Soupcon (Crested Butte), brunch is limited to 20, cost is $250 per person

For the signature event, the grand tasting will feature more than 250 varietals from around the world for guests to enjoy. On Saturday, July 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., the grand tasting will be held at the base of the Crested Butte ski area, adjacent to the Silver Queen lift. Tickets are $65 in advance and $80 day of event (21 years of age and older only), and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.crestedbuttewine.com/grand_tasting.htm or in person at the Crested Butte Land Trust office (308 Third Avenue, Crested Butte) or Sip Fine Wine & Spirits (1920 Market Street, Denver) beginning June 3, 2008. Questions should be directed to 303.809.0404.

The festival has partnered with Crested Butte Mountain Resort to provide room and ticket packages. Room rates start at $159 per night. Guests may go online to http://crestedbuttewine.com/lodging.htm or call 888.280.5724 to reserve their package.

For working members of the media, there is a discounted lodging rate and media credentials. These can be obtained by contacting Festival Director Margaret Ebeling at margaret@larimersquare.com.

About Crested Butte Land Trust
Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT) strives to keep the Gunnison Valley unique, as too many of Colorado’s ski area valleys have lost their ranches, vistas and wildlife habitat. CBLT believes open space has the unique ability to benefit everyone and provides an economic value for the community that is far reaching and long lasting. The more than 4,000 acres CBLT has preserved protect crucial wetlands, wildlife habitats, unrivaled views, recreational opportunities and the valley’s ranching heritage. To see the organization’s accomplishments, go to http://www.crestedbuttewine.com/cblt.htm or www.cblandtrust.org.

About Colorado Mountain Events, LLC
Colorado Mountain Events, LLC is a Denver-based event production company whose goal is to create a premier summer event focused around wine and food in Crested Butte. The festival has a series of objectives:
§ Creating a signature food and wine event to entice the local community to attend the series of events, create a local sense of pride and provide positive economic impact.
§ Raising awareness of Crested Butte as a distinctive Colorado tourism destination.
§ Raising funds for and marketing the works of the Crested Butte Land Trust.
§ Enhancing business for current food and beverage operators in Crested Butte and establishing the town as a formidable location for new businesses.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages
To find out more about the area’s summer calendar of events or to book personalized vacation packages, visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During the summer, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.

About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.

Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Crested Butte Academy, a private college preparatory boarding and day school with special emphasis on world-class alpine, snowboarding and high altitude distance running programs. Gunnison, a real western town, is home to the beautiful, high-country campus of Western State College, a four-year institution offering 22 majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields, and the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.



Crested Butte Music Festival goes all month long

July in Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado, means the kickoff to the month-long Crested Butte Music Festival and many great art events. Read on to find out lots more after the jump.

Known for its free-spirited and fun nature, Crested Butte, Colo., would never be content offering a music festival that was cut from the same cloth as other music festivals. The 11th annual Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF), July 4 – July 31, will be far from typical with offerings such as “Have a Beer with Beethoven” in a local barn, home soirées, a polka band and dance, and Russian musician Andre Gorbachev playing the balalaika.

2008 Theme Highlights Crested Butte’s Roots
The theme “Discover the Roots of Paradise” was selected for 2008 to showcase music from the nationalities of the first settlers in Crested Butte. “Andre and his Russian music will be a perfect fit. About 50 percent of the population of Crested Butte around 1900 was immigrants, mostly from the Austrian–Hungarian Empire at the time,” says CBMF Artistic and Managing Director Alexander Scheirle.

Since Czechs and Slovaks made up the majority of Crested Butte’s early population, a polka band has been scheduled and Scheirle has secured the talented conductor Charles Olivieri-Munroe, Canadian born and now based in the Czech Republic. Olivieri-Munroe has won major conducting competitions such as the Prague Spring and Danish Malko and is “one of the leading musicians among the new generation of conductors in the world,” Scheirle notes.

Crested Butte also had a large Italian population around the turn of the century. CBMF’s featured opera will be one of the most famous Italian masterpieces, “Falstaff” by Giuseppe Verdi. The opera cast will feature Keith Miller, Jon Truitt, David Malis and other outstanding performers.

A History of Showcasing Unusual Instruments
CBMF has earned a following for bringing in talented musicians who play unusual instruments. This year, Andre Gorbachev will bring his balalaika from Moscow to Crested Butte. The balalaika is a stringed instrument of Russian origin that has a triangular body and three strings (sometimes more). Gorbachev has won every competition in the world for the balalaika. Chinese erhu player Ma Xiaohui, California glass armonica musician William Zeitler and Swiss alphornist virtuoso Arkady Shilkloper have delighted CBMF audiences over the past three seasons.

Festival Highlights
The ambitious festival calendar features 33 performances in 28 days, including a wide array of symphony, chamber, opera, big band, bluegrass, country and dance. The concerts take place mainly in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, with one opera performance taking place at Western State College’s Taylor Auditorium in Gunnison. In addition to showcasing the talents of several well-known musicians from around the nation and world, CBMF will feature up-and-coming performers through its Opera Young Artist Program in Paradise, a three-week opera school for vocal students.

Here is a brief overview of festival happenings.

· Patriotic Opening Concert – July 4 (University of North Texas - College of Music)
· FREE Family Concerts – July 5 (Dance), 12 (Balalaika), 19 (Percussion), 26 (Opera)
· Big Band – July 5 (University of North Texas – College of Music)
· Orchestra – July 6 (Have a Beer with Beethoven), 13 (with Andre Gorbachev), 20 (evening of Czech, Hungarian, British and Italian music)
· Home Soirées – July 7, 14, 21, 28, 30
· Repertory Dance Theatre of Salt Lake City – July 8
· Opera Student Recitals & Masterclass Performances – July 9, 12, 15, 17, 22
· Chamber Music – July 11, 18, 25, 29
· Bluegrass Bands – July 12 (The Badly Bent), 17 (Spring Creek)
· Celebration Gala – July 19 (featuring cowboy music singer Michael Martin Murphey and his band)
· Polka Band & Dance – July 22
· “Falstaff” Opera – July 24, 26, 27
· Country – July 31 (The Triple Nickel Band)

For a full schedule, locations of performances and ticket prices, call (970) 349-0619 or visit www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com.

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Crested Butte Arts Festival on Elk Avenue. Photo by Tom Stillo.

Art Festivals & Gallery Walks Celebrate Originality in Gunnison-Crested Butte
Art Events Calendar for Summer/Fall 2008 Announced

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (June 30, 2008) — The arts are a permanent part of Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado’s culture. The communities have been nurturing and growing four longtime art festivals set against the beauty of the Colorado Rockies: 36th annual Crested Butte Festival of the Arts, 35th annual Gunnison Art in the Park, 20th annual The People’s Fair, and 17th annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival.

Also throughout the summer and fall, Crested Butte’s ArtWalk Evenings and First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music bring art enthusiasts on a tour of the galleries and other businesses displaying artwork. First Fridays is held the first Friday of the month, May – September, and ArtWalk is the last Thursday evening of the month, June – September.

There is no admission charge for the festivals or gallery evenings.

SCHEDULE OF ART EVENTS
July 4 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music
July 24 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios
July 27 35th Annual Gunnison Art in the Park, Legion Park
August 1 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music
August 2 -3 36th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, Elk Avenue
August 23 High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, Gunnison’s Legion Park
August 28 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios
August 29 – Sept. 1 17th Annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival, Gunnison Arts Center
August 30 20th Annual The People’s Fair, Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
September 5 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music
September 25 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios

GUNNISON
First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music, May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5
Gunnison’s art and music scene are coming together for First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music. Held from May through September, view great art and meet artists at several galleries and businesses. The 5 - 7 p.m. event also features live music outside the venues and at downtown’s IOOF Park. On July 4, First Friday will run from 2 – 8 p.m. For more information call (970) 641-1501. First Fridays is coordinated in partnership with the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce.

35th Annual Gunnison Art in the Park, July 27
Gunnison’s Legion Park serves as the backdrop for the 35th annual Gunnison Art in the Park, organized by the local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW). On July 27, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., approximately 60 artists will exhibit and sell their creations during this juried event.

Gunnison Art in the Park enjoys a large number of return exhibitors, with at least one artist not missing any of the event’s 35 years. Exhibitors will feature jewelry, stained glass, wood items, sculpture, baskets, fabric art, furniture, photography, pottery and more.

Live entertainment, a face painting station for kids, and food and beverage booths by the Gunnison Literacy Action Program also are part of the fun. Proceeds from the event benefit AAUW’s local scholarship program for nontraditional students attending Western State College in Gunnison; AAUW’s national education foundation; and a local project that is selected annually.

For more information or booth registration, contact Ronda Connaway at (970) 641-2638.

High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, August 23
The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce invites arts and crafts lovers to experience the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival being held in conjunction with the Gunnison Car Show on Aug. 23. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Legion Park, located across the street from Jorgensen Park, where the car show will be held on the same day.

High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival (previously known as the Big Blue Marketplace and The Festival of Crafts & Arts) will showcase arts and crafts from around the region. Also enjoy a barbecue lunch and refreshments prepared by F Bar Catering. Fun for the whole family will be available.

For individuals interested in registering for a booth to sell arts and crafts or food, contact the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce at (970) 641-1501 or visit www.gunnisonchamber.com. The deadline for booth applications is August 1, 2008.

17th Annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival, Gunnison Arts Center, August 29 – Sept. 1
Quilting has long been part of the heritage of Gunnison County. Gunnison Arts Center (GAC), in partnership with Gunnison Quilters and the local quilt guild, celebrate the art of quilting annually with the Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival. Now in its 17th year, there is a full lineup of activities over Labor Day and quilt documentation the following weekend.
· August 13 – September 13 – A Quilt Exhibit featuring the festival’s quilt contest entries will be on display at GAC. Entries must be submitted from Aug. 4 – 7. Free admission.

· August 29 – Welcome Reception with quilt viewing, contest awards, refreshments, and speaker Vi Colombe, award-winning quilter from Mission, S.D., telling how she puts the pieces of her life as a Native American woman into Star quilts. 5 p.m., GAC, Free

· August 29 & 30 – A Lone Star Wall-Hanging Workshop will be taught by opening speaker Vi Colombe. This two-day workshop is limited to 20 participants. 9 – 4 p.m., Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $80

· August 29 – 30 – Readers’ Theatre featuring “Pieces of Women’s Lives,” written by local playwright Linda Lucido. 8 p.m., GAC, free

· August 30 – At the Orphan Block Calendar Class, participants will learn how to turn an orphan block into a quilted holder for a wall calendar from Yvonne Hollenbeck, an award-wininng quilter, author, musician and cowboy poet. 9 a.m. – noon, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $20

· August 31 – Museum Tours & High Tea is an excursion to Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Pioneer Museum in Gunnison followed by high tea at the home of Enid Holden. Transportation provided. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., $20

· September 1 – The Closing BBQ & Poetry Show & Tell features great food and Yvonne Hollenbeck will present “Pieces of Women’s Lives” through heartwarming and humorous poetry and special quilts. Noon, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $25

The various events can be purchased a la carte or through festival packages. Also, the Colorado Quilting Council will document a limited number of Colorado quilts on Sept. 6, preceded by a reception and talk on the evening of Sept. 5. For more information, call Gunnison Arts Center at (970) 641-4029 or visit www.gunnisonartscenter.org.

CRESTED BUTTE
ArtWalk Evenings, July 24, August 28 & September 25
ArtWalk Evening takes place the last Thursday of June, July, August and September from 5 – 8 p.m. in Crested Butte. ArtWalk is organized by Artists of the West Elks and features stops at several studios and galleries. Light refreshments, music and on-site artists are featured at many of the locations. For more information, contact Rebecca Weil at (970) 349-9247or visit www.awearts.org.

36th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, August 2 - 3
The Crested Butte Arts Festival (CBAF) is the biggest weekend of the summer, drawing world-class artists from all 50 states and several international exhibitors. Second homeowners, annual vacationers and visitors from New Mexico, Utah, Texas and Colorado’s front-range choose Arts Festival weekend as the prime time to visit Crested Butte. The CBAF is one of the top five art festivals in Colorado and ranked among the 60 best shows in the nation by The Harris List.

The festival features 175 artists, selected through a very competitive jury process, will exhibit their one-of-a-kind works in ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood.

Open-air fine arts and crafts booths, with their distinctive white tops, line the three-block center of Crested Butte’s National Historic District, surrounded by the town’s one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, boutiques and eateries. New additions to the festival include “Art Alley” a hands-on arts & crafts tent for children ages 2 - 12 and their parents, Artists of the West Elks co-op booths featuring the work of more than 20 local Gunnison Country artists and an Artists Demonstration Tent with selected exhibiting artists demonstrating their craft during festival hours.

In addition, there will be musical entertainment on the Ragged Mountain Stage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and a variety of gourmet food selections available at the festival's Culinary Court.

For more information, call (970) 349-1184 or visit www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com.

20th Annual The People’s Fair, August 30
The Saturday of Labor Day weekend always marks the return of The People’s Fair in historic downtown Crested Butte. Hundreds of locals and visitors will stroll Elk Avenue on Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to take in this homespun cultural experience and to soak in the last of the high country summer.

The People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of booths showcasing regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, and preserved foods from local gardens as well as fun for kids, tasty fair food and more. Reasonably priced items make this art fair affordable for everyone and a must for treasure hunters. Along with 80 vendor booths, The People’s Fair coincides with the annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale on Elk Avenue, making the day a shoppers delight!

Food booths will be located next to the Company Store, across from the music venue at the corner of Elk Avenue and Third Street. Entertainment will perform from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Nonprofit organizations from the Gunnison Valley will be on hand to provide information about a variety of topics and raise money for their organizations. Always a big attraction is a vast selection of music CDs on sale to raise money for Crested Butte’s public radio station, KBUT. Crested Butte Friends of the Library typically features more than 400 square feet of reading material at its annual book sale. High Country Citizens’ Alliance raises funds by tempting taste buds with its bake sale.

Since 1988, The People’s Fair has been made possible by the volunteer efforts of the artist members of The Paragon Gallery, a cooperatively owned arts and crafts gallery in downtown Crested Butte, located at 132 Elk Ave. The Paragon Gallery has been featuring the work of Gunnison and Crested Butte residents since 1971. For more information about the fair or to receive an application for booth space, please contact The Paragon Gallery at (970) 349-6484.

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VISITOR INFORMATION & PERSONALIZED VACATION PACKAGES
Two well-respected arts centers—Gunnison Arts Center and Crested Butte Center for the Arts—also bring a wealth of cultural offerings to the communities throughout the year. For more information about the Gunnison Arts Center, call (970) 641-4029 or visit www.GunnisonArtsCenter.org. The Crested Butte Center for the Arts can be reached at (970) 349-7487 or www.CrestedButteArts.org.

To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte events and attractions or to book personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s official reservations center at (800) 814-8893 or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During the summer and fall, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.

ABOUT GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.


Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Crested Butte Academy, a private college preparatory boarding and day school with special emphasis on world-class alpine, snowboarding and high altitude distance running programs. Gunnison, a real western town, is home to the beautiful, high-country campus of Western State College, a four-year institution offering 22 majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields, and the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.