Steamboat Springs has an identity crisis.
Tugging on one sleeve is its rich Western heritage – in its blood since Day One. On the other is the new “Boat” that has evolved into a cultured resort with art, opera, gourmet mountain dining and symphonies for the soul.
Steamboat’s world is big enough for both. Slide into a pair of jeans, and you’re good to go – anywhere and everywhere.
This summer, the town’s Western roots dominate. Its 100th annual Cowboys’ Roundup Days July 3-6 celebrates Steamboat’s longest standing tradition. There will be cowboys with spurs that jingle, jangle, jingle; Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association action; chariot racing; a parade; barbecue; block party; and fireworks.
And, because Steamboat fits the true test of a Western town – with streets wide enough to drive a herd of longhorns through – 110 pairs of cattle will hoof it down the main street in a Sunday morning drive.
The softer side of Steamboat gets into the Roundup Days action, smoothing out the West’s rough edges. Artlink Steamboat, the town’s connection to community culture, presents Art + The West, a contemporary exhibit and sale featuring Western works by Canadian and American artists.
One piece from the exhibit will be chosen as the official Cowboys’ Roundup Days image and offered in limited edition prints.
Strings in the Mountains celebrates its 16th summer season of musical programs, from classical to jazz. During Roundup Days, music is everywhere – at the Yampa Valley Botanic Park, at the Tread of Pioneers block party with the Boulder Brass Ensemble, and a special performance by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Orchestra, “Made in the USA,” featuring compositions by Copland and Dvorak in the “Strings” tent.
The music festival will host more than 50 concerts this summer – everything including musicians from the New York Philharmonic to Asleep at the Wheel. Emerald City Opera brings cast members from the Metropolican Opera House to the Yampa Valley for August productions of “The Magic Flute.”
Steamboat Springs is having fun with its new-found art image. A 10-day Beaux Arts Festival Aug. 8-17 will exhibit condos for Fido, designed and built by architects with imagination unleashed; they will be entered in the Dog House as Public Art auction, benefiting the Arts Council.
While dogs poke their heads in their own condos, cowboy icons rock ‘n’ roll at PRCA-sanctioned competitions in the town’s Pro Rodeo Series Friday and Saturday evenings through Labor Day.
Steamboat is synonymous with color – the vibrant color of hot-air balloons and artwork during Rainbow Weekend July 12 and 13. Watch about 50 balloons compete in an airborne rodeo, then browse through Art in the Park with its eclectic display of paintings, sculpture, toys, jewelry and clothing.
Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
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If you go
Steamboat Springs is 166 miles northwest of Denver. Take Interstate 70 west to U.S. 40. Continue over Berthoud and Rabbit Ears passes to Steamboat.
For more information about Steamboat Springs, call 970-879-0882 or go to www.steamboatchamber.com or www.steamboatsummer.com.
To make lodging reservations at Steamboat Springs, call 800-922-2722.
For more information about Artlink Steamboat, go to www.artlinksteamboat.org.
To learn more about this summer’s musical programs presented by Strings in the Mountains, call 970-879-5056 or go to www.stringsinthemountains.org.
