Cherries, peaches and vineyards are a few of the reasons people come to Delta County, Colorado. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find that this agricultural powerhouse just west of the continental divide has a fun-loving culture of its own. Just check out some of Delta County’s summer festivals.
Here’s what is going on in Delta County this summer:
June 3-4 – Gears and Beers, Paonia
This weekend of early-season riding includes a scavenger hunt and other bike games; the Grand Costume Parade; local beers from a number of nano-breweries; live music and general merriment. Tickets are $20 for the Saturday events. The live music at Paradise Theatre – featuring Spore Favore and Joe Alan – is free.
June 9-12 – 33rd Annual Pioneer Days, Crawford
The theme for this year’s western heritage celebration is “Crawford – 100 Years of Pioneers.” The highlight of the event is the Outhouse Races! Also on the agenda: an old-fashioned melodrama; Cowboy Cook-off and Street Dance; free games for the kids; a horseshoe tournament; and a fireworks show over Crawford State Park.
June 17-19 – 52nd Annual Black Canyon Art Exhibit, Hotchkiss
Sponsored by the Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association, this show features wonderful works of art, as well as workshops. The event is held at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss and features an opening reception on Friday night.
Beginning in Mid-June – Sparky’s Farm Market, Hotchkiss
Starting in the middle of June, visitors may pick sweet cherries and other seasonal produce. Local fare is available at the country store. Make like a pioneer at Frontier Village, an old-fashioned Main Street. There are free wagon rides and games for the kids. For information call 970-872-7737.
June 25 – Kids’ Fishing Derby, Grand Mesa
There are more than 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, offering plenty of places to reel in a big catch. The Kids’ Fishing Derby with the baron and the fisherman of Grand Mesa teaches youngsters the love of the sport of fishing. The Division of Wildlife will be on hand to share some fishing information and a few surprises.
July 1-3 – Paonia Cherry Days
Cherry Days is one the oldest, continuously-running, annual outdoor festivals in Colorado. In addition to an old-fashioned parade and fireworks, the celebration includes sidewalk sales, a street fair, food, lots of musical acts, arts and crafts, a 5K run/walk and a bike ride, the Cherry Cook-off, a wine class and street dance.
July 8-10 – Little Britches Rodeo, Cedaredge
This is the longest-running Little Britches Rodeo in the world. Hundreds of cowpokes, ages five to 18 years old, compete for prizes, cash and bragging rights.
July 14-16 – Deltarado Days, Delta
This authentic Western fiesta dates back to 1936 and includes food, live music, parade and family fun, among other things.
If You Go
For more information about Delta County, Colorado, visit Delta County Tourism on Go Colorado, or westerncolorado.org.