For the birds, and more.
The Bent on Birding & Heritage Festival will take place Friday-May 15 in Bent County. Biologist Duane Nelson will lead bird walks to view hundreds of migrating species; view petroglyphs on two private ranches; take part in the 14th annual “Spring Evening at Boggsville” for heritage programs, tours, music and a barbecue dinner; and to finish off the weekend, visit Old Las Animas City for archeology. Cost for the weekend is $45 and includes private ranch fees for three days, lunches Friday and Saturday and a continental breakfast on Sunday. If you register today and mention that you saw it in this section, cost is $30. One-day-only field trip for private ranch birding is $10 tour only, $5 optional lunch. 719-456-1296 or e-mail bentonbirding@yahoo.com
Gears and Beers.
The Gears and Beers festival will take place in Paonia from June 3 to 4. 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 more. Tickets are $20 for the Saturday events. Live music at the Paradise Theatre — featuring Spore Favore and Joe Alan — is free.
Pioneer Days in Crawford.
The 33rd annual Pioneer Days take place June 9-12 in Crawford. The theme for this year’s Western heritage celebration is “Crawford — 100 Years of Pioneer.” The highlight of the event is the Outhouse Races. There will also be an old-fashioned melodrama, cowboy cook-off and street dance, free games for the kids, a horseshoe tournament and fireworks over Crawford State Park.
Wildflower fest.
Crested Butte celebrates the 25th annual Wildflower Festival July 11-17. Highlights include more than 85 hikes and walks for all ranges of strength, fitness and wildflower know-how, or take a van or four-wheel-drive tour into the backcountry. Culinary and evening events include cooking with wild plants, luncheons in a private home overlooking Snodgrass Mountain, and storytelling and poetry readings. Several art classes for all skill levels will be offered, such as painting on ceramics and rocks, watercolors, plein air painting, field sketching and multimedia collages. or 970-349-2571
Compiled by Anya Semenoff
