Cowboys and bikers
The “Iron Pony: Spirit of the West” exhibit is being showcased at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. The hall will be celebrating the legacy of the cowboy and the biker’s independent spirit, passion for freedom and loyalty of their ponies and compadres. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the region will exhibit their bikes and artwork for the show. Approximately 60 motorcycles, mostly Harley-Davidsons, will be on display through Oct. 31. For information, contact Larry McCormack at 719-528-4712, Jeana Temple at 719-528-4763 or visit prorodeohalloffame.com.
Big Easy Benefit
Venture to Vail on Saturday for the Big Easy Benefit, featuring Voices of the Wetlands All Star Band. A benefit for the musicians of New Orleans and to raise awareness of the Gulf Coast Wetlands, there also will be a Voices of the Wetlands CD release party. The event takes place from 12:30-7 p.m. at the Ford Amphitheatre. Other performers include Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers, George Porter Jr. of the Meters, Anders Osborne, Tab Benoit, Henry Butler, “Big Chief” Boudreaux, Waylon Thibodeaux, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone and Herman Earnest. Tickets are $30 donation for general admission, $45 for reserved and covered seating, $250 front and center, including a special meet and greet with the musicians following the show. All proceeds will benefit the musicians of New Orleans. Tickets and information at 970-926-7770.
Oktoberfest in Telluride
Put on your lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest in style at Heritage Plaza in Telluride from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. This traditional Bavarian day will feature music, dancing, brats and beer. Admission is free. Information: 970-369-6417.
It’s a pumpkin party
Check out the plump pumpkins at the Giant Pumpkin “Weigh-Off” taking place Saturday in Old Colorado City. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the arrival of the pumpkins at the Clock Tower at 25th Street and Colorado Avenue. Beginning at 10 a.m., pumpkin decorating will be available for $5 a pumpkin. Prize winners will be announced for the scarecrows that adorn the streets for the Annual Scarecrow Days. Enjoy Coronado High School’s annual homecoming parade beginning at 9 a.m., which will run from 30th Street to 24th Street on West Colorado Avenue, wrapping up at Bancroft Park for a Pep Rally. Old Colorado City is located 2 miles south of downtown Colorado Springs. For information call Mazie at 303-520-1502.
Taos Wool Festival
Immerse yourself in more than 400 years of wool tradition as New Mexico, Colorado and Texas breeders and fiber artists celebrate the 22nd year of the Taos Wool Festival from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-
Oct. 2. Kit Carson Park is the site for two days of family fun and learning experiences. Within the circle of tents will be 68 vendors displaying a rainbow of natural and dyed yarns, woven, knitted, crocheted and felted into wearables, tapestry and rugs. Information: taoswoolfestival.org or 888-909-9665.
Abiquiu Studio tour
Discover a new world Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 8-9, at the Abiquiu Studio Tour in Abiquiu, N.M. More than 50 artists will open their studios from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on this self-guided driving tour that takes visitors and collectors through the village of Abiquiu and the surrounding Chama River Valley. Maps are available at all the studios and local businesses. On view will be a timeline of arts and traditional crafts from the signature micaceous clay artworks of the region and Native American and Hispanic-inspired pottery, retablos, santos and furniture to contemporary paintings, sculpture, narrative and Southwestern works, photographs, jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles and wearable art. Abiquiu is located on U.S. 84 about one hour’s drive from Santa Fe or Taos. Additional details at abiquiustudiotour.org or 505-685-4454.
Wine and art tour
ARAMARK Mesa Verde Co. will host a winemakers dinner and offer a special couples lodging package as part of the region’s third annual Wine Fest & Gallery Tour, Oct. 7-8. As a kickoff to the festival, which seeks to celebrate the locally produced wines and fine artists of southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde region, a winemakers dinner will be offered at the Metate Room restaurant in the Far View Lodge. For $75 per person, guests will enjoy a multicourse menu of Southwestern-New American fare. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-530-2988 or by visiting mesaverdecountry.com.
Guests who would like to indulge in the winemakers dinner as well as the weekend festivities scheduled Saturday in Cortez City Park can take advantage of a special package. For $559 plus tax, each couple can enjoy two tickets to the Friday-night winemakers dinner, two admission tickets to the Wine Fest in Cortez City Park on Saturday, a two-night stay at the Far View Lodge inside Mesa Verde, continental breakfast for two each morning, two tickets for a half-day tour of Mesa Verde National Park, two souvenir wine glasses and a bottle of Colorado wine. Reservatons: 800-449-2288 or visitmesaverde.com.
