Paonia
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eventy-one percent of Colorado’s cherries are grown in Delta County. At the height of the cherry season, Paonia celebrates Cherry Days July 4-8. The festivities begin with the July 4 parade and continue with a carnival, Downtown Days with art gallery tours and sidewalk sales, and entertainment in the park.
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heck out the history of Paonia at the North Fork Historic Preservation Society Museum and the Bowie Schoolhouse. Both are located off Highway 187 near the bridge over the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
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rab the kids and their fishing poles and head over to Volunteer Park June 16 for the Return of Huck Finn Days Fishing Derby. This event is sponsored by the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery.
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reat yourself to live music at the Paradise Theatre, the gazebo at Paonia Town Park (pickinproductions.com), Louie’s and the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. You’ll discover something for every musical taste.
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ip your paddle in the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Just off Highway 187, near the bridge over the river, is the Paonia River Park, a great spot to launch your raft or kayak.
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hen the fall colors are reaching their peak, Paonia celebrates with the Mountain Harvest Festival, Sept. 27-30. You’ll find music at multiple venues, a chili cook-off, farmers’ market, grape stomp and lots of great hospitality. Paonia is a destination for some of the best hunting in the west, but the community has much to offer those who love art, music, and organic fruit and vegetables, as well. The town was founded by Samuel Wade, who brought the first fruit trees into the valley on horseback. When a post office was established in 1882, the name of Wade’s favorite flower, the peony, was misspelled. The result is the town’s unique name. Original stock from Samuel’s peonies still grows in the town park, a beautiful green oasis which occupies an entire block. The valley town is surrounded on three sides by mountains which are dominated by the 11,395-foot Lamborn and Lands End to the southeast, the West Elks and Raggeds Wilderness to the east, and Grand Mesa to the north. Situated along the south banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, the town is best known for its fresh fruit and nearby coal mines. The North Fork Valley produces more than 40 percent of Colorado’s coal. Paonia is naturally air conditioned by warm air flowing up the valley at night and cool air from the mountains during the day, resulting in optimal conditions for growing cherries, apricots, grapes, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines and apples. The area is also known for award-winning wines, alternative energy and its dedication to a simpler, more sustainable way of life. The town’s population of about 1,500 is augmented by 5,000 more who live on the eight mesas near Paonia — Stewart, Bone, Garvin, Pitkin, Stucker, Wakefield, Lamborn and Sunshine. Orchards, vineyards, small farms and homes dot the mesas. Many artists, craftspeople and musicians make their home in Paonia, creating one of the most culturally diverse communities in the county. Paonia is an integral part of the state-designated Emerging Creative District which encompasses the entire North Fork Valley. Few places offer such a wonderful combination of lifestyle, climate, scenery and outdoor recreation. 26 — Delta County Independent 2012 Visitor’s Guide
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ool off at Paonia State Park, a haven for water and nature lovers 16 miles northeast of Paonia on Highway 133. Camping, fishing, boating and water skiing. There are no hiking trails at Paonia State Park, but during the summer months hikers will enjoy the trail systems in the nearby Ragged Wilderness Area.
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f you’re in town in late July, you’ll notice a multitude of BMW motorcycles. The Beemers will gather in Paonia Town Park July 12-15 for the Top O’Rockies BMW Motorcycle Rally.
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f your kids think their food comes from the supermarket, stop by an orchard or farm with a “u-pick” sign in front. It’s a great way to experience life on a farm while sampling the freshest produce you’ll ever eat!
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inema lovers will want to check out the historic Paradise Theatre, which offers spring and summer film festivals, a Cabin Fever film series, Paonia’s Got Talent during Cherry Days, and a fashion and design show during the Mountain Harvest Festival. paoniachamber.com mountainharvestfest.com townofpaonia.com www.deltacountyindependent.com