20 minute read
EAGLE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO
Eagle County
Fair + Rodeo then + Now
By Mary Kelley Zelesky
WWhat began in 1939 as a hometown fair with local contestants, the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo now hosts world champion competitors. Originally held on the grounds of the Eagle School, where the county administration building is today, hundreds of people flocked to Eagle to experience what would begin the beloved tradition of 81 years. During the early years of the county fair, the organizers began teaming up with 4-H, a non-profit organization, to host exhibit competitions and exhibits by local ranchers. Jenny Leonetti, who was born and raised in Eagle County, has been a 4-H agent assisting with the fair for 15 years. Leonetti spent her childhood visiting the fair with her grandpa who was a cattle rancher in Eagle County. “It's been interesting to watch the progression, because my grandma was in 4-H, and she was born in 1920,” says Leonetti. In addition to the exhibit competitions in the early years of the fair, community members were encouraged to participate by exhibiting their canned fruits and vegetables, pastries, needlework and preserves. Before the rodeo was added to the event, additional fair entertainment included a football game between the Minturn and Eagle high school teams, concerts, movies and a free lunch. The organizers even hosted a dance to continue the entertainment into the evening. Although the fair was beginning to grow in the early 1940s, most of the young men in Eagle County were being drafted or signing up to join military service, causing a shortage of farm labor and leather and rubber production. This labor shortage made it difficult for ranchers to continue their operations. At this time, there was no mention of the county fair in the local newspapers, but the organizers of the event did not give up. By 1950, the fair was back and even more successful than before when local
businesses began participating by setting up commercial booths to display their products. After the large number of exhibits continued to grow, the fair was forced to relocate to a larger space in Gypsum where it would be held in 1952. This was the only year that the event was held outside of Eagle. The next year, the event made its way back to Eagle on a portion of the Mayer Ranch for seven years. After the ranch was sold, the county fair moved into its new home on 15-acres of land on the Eagle River. The community came together and local volunteers combined their efforts and moved the livestock barn, in sections, to the new location.
Grandstands were built, and the historical exhibits would be displayed in a new, all-steel building. After the exhibit hall gained electricity in 1964, the event space now included lighting, cooking ranges and refrigerators, offering even more experiences for its visitors. Confident in the event’s success, the county purchased a 145-acre tract of land in 1986 for future growth. At this time, the junior livestock auction was the main attraction and is still a crowd favorite in the event today.
“The generosity that has poured out in the auction is just humbling, because we have one of the best auctions in Colorado all thanks to our business owners, individuals and buyers that come out,” believes Leonetti.
By 1999, the new grandstands in the rodeo arena could seat 2,650 spectators. This exciting addition allowed even more devoted visitors to attend. In 2006, the 45,000 square foot Eagle River Center was built, where the community now hosts events, trade shows, fairs and tournaments.
“When my grandma was in 4-H, they showed their livestock at what is now the Eagle County building in the town park,” Leonetti explains. “So, seeing that progress to the very enjoyable and successful Eagle River Center, where the kids show now, is just interesting to see how the facilities have grown.”
Today’s Eagle County Fair & Rodeo offers multiple merchandise and food vendors, an auction, a junior livestock sale, concerts, a carnival, a sponsor dinner and more. Tanya Dahlseid, who manages the rodeo, has been part of the event for 20 years.
“You can come onto our grounds and go to the carnival, you can walk around to see the vendors, you can go to the rodeo and just be with your community,” Dahlseid explains. “People enjoy visiting and seeing each other, and it's just a great family event.”
While the event is loved by Eagle County residents, Dahlseid has seen the crowd grow in numbers over the years, including visitors from as far as Europe. “One year we sold out days in advance, and that was record breaking for us,” says Dahlseid. “I get goosebumps watching the crowd, because they get so involved.”
Although the fair has grown and changed over the years, the sense of community and support has remained. “There is definitely a huge community of support and a great team from the county putting this on,” explains Dahlseid. “We definitely want to give back to the community, and the goal is to have a nice event for everyone to attend from all different cultures.”
In addition to the crowd growing in numbers, the support from local businesses has been outstanding with 78 sponsors last year. “We shattered all of our records last year with our sponsorship,” adds Dahlseid. “We even had people contacting us during the event to be a sponsor for the following year.”
With all of the hard work from the fair council, the event now hosts world champion competitors. “I would have never had the opportunity to see this caliber of competitors had it not been for this rodeo and the ability to go watch them, so it's definitely a treat for us,” Leonetti says.
The Eagle County Fair & Rodeo, beloved by locals and visitors alike, returns July 27-30, 2022 for its 82nd year of bringing the community together to continue the historical tradition.
“The rodeo was really just a hometown event, and now to see how it has just exploded,” says Leonetti, “we attract names that I see on TV, and it’s just neat to see how it has progressed.” ” +
Ellen Miller
Vail Valley’s Most Accomplished Mountaineer
by lexi reich
To Ellen Miller, “to elevate” means to rise above, to strive to be better, to raise one another to a higher state.
“One purpose in my life is to elevate others,” the long-time Vail Valley local says. Every morning, Miller strives to wake up and acknowledge how blessed she is to live in such a beautiful place.
“My favorite part about living here is the mountains, snow sports, our access to wilderness and the community of amazing people,” she says. “We are very privileged to have a ‘backyard’ like this.”
Miller has lived and worked in the Vail Valley for over 30 years, and she notably emulates the mountain lifestyle. Her primary passion is mountain climbing and being at high altitude. She was the first American woman to climb both sides of Mount Everest from Nepal and Tibet.
As the founder of the Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race and The Climb for Literacy, access to the wilderness and supporting the community are fundamental values to Miller. She frequently appears in local programming, such as The Vail Symposium and the Colorado Snowsports Museum.
“I enjoy giving back to my community and to the places I value by volunteering for the Town of Vail as a summer Vail Trail Host and for the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance as a wildlife ambassador,” Miller says. In fact, she was named the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance 2021 Volunteer of the Year.
Her dedication and ambitious spirit give pulse to locals also contributing to Vail Valley’s world-renowned vibrancy. To many, she is not only a huge inspiration but a living legend.
Today, Miller works as a caregiver for an elderly patient. To her best ability, she connects with nature every day for “mental, physical and spiritual health,” as she puts it. Whether that’s hiking up Vail Mountain before work on a winter day or going climbing in the summer months, she says to never underestimate the value of an exhilarating jaunt above tree line.
“The wilderness and forest in the Vail Valley are precious; please treat it with care,” she advises. “Everyone who lives here has a responsibility to care for these precious places and to help educate our visitors about the importance of ‘Leave No Trace’ and respecting wildlife.”
This summer, Miller is leading wilderness educational hikes through Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance/USFS. She will also be volunteering at various trailheads during seasonal wildlife closures. And, it doesn’t stop there; you can also find her competing in local trail running races throughout the season, followed by ski mountaineering events in the winter.
“For the past 16 years, I have also worked as the manager of the USA Women’s Mountain Running Team, so we look forward to returning to post-pandemic competitions with these athletes,” she adds.
When Miller climbs, she says she feels insignificant amongst the grandeur of the high peaks. It helps her to see things from a higher perspective. “Elevation will always be important to me,” she shares. As one of Vail Valley’s most accomplished mountaineers, Miller’s work as an outdoor fitness coach and community ambassador is leaving a legacy that’s cherished by many. +
VAIL
DECA+BOL
Sophisticated bowling alley with lounge-style seating and a restaurant with global fare.
141 East Meadow Drive #113, Vail 970.476.5300 decabolvail.com
Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails
Globally accented new American cuisine and cocktails served in a ski lodge inspired setting.
232 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4803 falllinevail.com
Margie’s Haas
Contemporary Alpine cuisine with a fresh approach to classic recipes and ingredients.
970.476.4444 thehythevail.com/margies
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.
122 East Meadow Drive, Vail 970.476.9026 pazzospizza.com
Revel Lounge
The revelry of après is celebrated with hand-curated craft cocktails and elegant shareables.
970.476.4444 thehythevail.com/revel Rocky Mountain Raclette
A unique, social dining experience: Grilling meats, seafood, vegetables and melted Swiss Raclette cheese at your dining table or for a luxury picnic with friends.
970.343.9299 rockymountainraclette.com
Root & Flower
Modern bar offering craft cocktails and a curated selection of wines by the glass, plus a changing menu of New American bites.
288 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4189 rootandflowervail.com
Two Arrows Coffee | Bar
Craft coffee and cocktails with fresh local provisions in the heart of Vail Village.
225 Wall Street, Vail 970.763.5101 twoarrowscoffee.com
EAGLE-VAIL + AVON
Hygge Life Shop & Café
Home décor shop with a cozy craft coffee bar and a collection of Scandinavian home goods, accessories and gifts.
41149 US-6, Avon 970.331.5745 hyggelife.com
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.
82 East Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.949.9900 pazzospizza.com
EDWARDS
Craftsman
Gourmet sandwiches and snacks, plus an array of craft beers and whiskeys in a mod counter-serve setting.
56 Edwards Village Blvd. #112, Edwards 970.926.5833 craftsmanvail.com
Drunken Goat
A cheese shop, wine bar and gathering place for delicious charcuterie, bruschetta, paninis, salads and soups, along with gourmet market offerings and an amazing patio.
56 Edwards Village Blvd. #104, Edwards 970.926.1393 drunkengoatco.com
Making Gourmet Convenient
Hovey & Harrison
Local market, café and bakery offering sourdough breads, pastries, pre-made and to-go food/meals, local produce, bar and cafe.
56 Edwards Village Blvd. #120, Edwards 970.446.6830 hoveyandharrison.com
Lauren’s Kitchen Grab n' Go & Catering
Fresh-made comfort food with dietary-restrictive options available.
275 Main St. C106, Edwards 970.446.6917 laurenskitchenedwards.com
Riverwalk Theater + Edwards Supply Company
Locally owned movie theater featuring craft beer, BBQ sandwiches, coffee, pizza, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and snacks.
34253 US-6, Edwards 970.855.2182 riverwalktheater.com
The Bookworm
Locally flavored, community minded, independently owned. Local gathering spot serving up crêpes, coffee, smoothies and more.
295 Main Street, Edwards 970.926.7323 bookwormofedwards.com
Village Bagel
Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available.
34500 US-6 B7, Edwards 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co
EAGLE
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere.
50 Chambers Ave., Unit C, Eagle 970.337.9900 pazzospizza.com
The Assembly
Fresh, seasonal and globally inspired dining featuring a shared plates menu.
1143 Capitol Street #104A, Eagle 970.328.2828 theassemblyeagle.com
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JUNE
Michael Franti & Spearhead with Satsang Concert
Vail, CO • June 3 Make sure to buy tickets to this concert with a globally recognized musician at Vail’s Gerald R. Ford amphitheater.
discovervail.com
Block Party 2022 - Kick off to Summer!
Eagle, CO • June 3-5 Kick off the summer right with awesome and plentiful live music at the 2022 Block Party. Music at this all-ages event will be spread across multiple stages. Food and craft vendors will be on hand; plus, official camping is available for the first time this year.
eagleoutside.com
GoPro Mountain Games
Vail, CO • June 7-12 This activity-based weekend has events for every active mountain loving person and dog. Watch kayaking, slackline shows, K9 superwall and many other high energy events over the course of these games.
summer.mountaingames.com
Vail Craft Beer Classic
Vail, CO • June 17-18 The Vail Craft Beer Classic is in its sixth year of celebrating craft beer in Vail. Created and produced by Team Player Productions and nonprofit partners, the Classic prides itself on quality beers paired with scenic views only found in Vail.
vailcraftbeerclassic.com
Pride in the Park
Avon, CO • June 18 Celebrate Pride month with this local celebration in Avon! Pride in the Park is a day-long celebration, accompanied by a week of activities, that draws visitors from throughout the mountains of Colorado. Saturday's celebration ends the week's jam-packed schedule of activities designed to keep everyone interested and engaged. Numerous local organizations, businesses and vendors participate in the celebration. The Drag Show and Parade around Nottingham Lake are the festival's focal points.
mountainpride.org
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Vail, CO • June 23-30 Bravo! Vail welcomes wonderful musicians to the Vail community for this annual festival. Experience amazing performances by orchestras, small ensembles and more.
bravovail.org Eagle Flight Days
Eagle, CO • June 24-25 Eagle’s signature summertime event is back! This year’s theme, Sky’s the Limit, will take attendees to spectacular heights. Friday evening kicks off the weekend with silent disco and a movie shown on an LED video panel. Saturday’s color run will conclude just in time for the parade, while live music wraps up the day’s festivities.
eagleoutside.com
Alpine Bank Showdown Town Concert Series
Eagle, CO • June 30 The Alpine Bank ShowDown town concert series, presented by the Town of Eagle, will take place this summer on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Town Park. Mark your calendar for the first ShowDown on Thursday, June 30.
eagleoutside.com
JULY
Eagle 4th of July Kids’ Bike Parade
Eagle, CO • July 4 Celebrate the 4th of July with Eagle’s annual July 4th Kids’ Bike Parade! Make sure to check out the online schedule.
eagleoutside.com
Vail’s Art on the Rockies Festival
Edwards, CO • July 8-10 Enjoy a grade A art festival in Edwards. Vail’s Art on the Rockies Festival showcases beautiful work from over 110 artists, along with a jury judging of the pieces for exhibition.
festivalnet.com
Adventure Van Expo
Eagle, CO • July 17 The Adventure Van Expo is a consumer show, open to the public, based on the adventure vans, 4x4 rigs and the gear that makes it all happen. There will be activities, food, beer, fun and camping! Open house vans and demonstrations are also available. Use the campground as base to go out into the region.
allevents.in
Farm to Table Dinners
Vail, CO • July 22 Join in for a chef-crafted dinner, sourced from the fields of Colorado farmers, featuring seasonal and local ingredients. Intimate dinners are held outside in the heart of Vail Village. Check online for recurring dates.
discovervail.com Avon Art Festival
Avon, CO • July 22-24 + July 29-31 The Avon Art Festival features juried works in several mediums, including printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber and photography. Whether you're looking for that perfect painting for your new home, a collector’s piece for the entryway, a beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry design or handcrafted pottery piece, the Avon Arts Celebration has just the object for you.
avon.org
Eagle County Fair & Rodeo
Eagle, CO • July 27-30 Experience western flare and fun at the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo! Check out the fair or watch some of the rodeo events including Cowgirl's Barrel Racing, Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding and more.
rodeosusa.com
Vail Dance Festival
Vail, CO • July 29-August 9 This two-week celebration highlights exceptional artistry in the heart of Vail for the 34th year at the unique Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This year, it will celebrate the 100th world-premiere dance commission under Damian Woetzel’s visionary leadership since becoming Artistic Director in 2006.
discovervail.com
AUGUST
Outdoor Yoga at Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek, CO • August 1-30 Kick off your day with a complimentary outdoor yoga class. Bring your own mat and enjoy an hour of invigorating yoga each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. Check out more dates on their website.
beavercreek.com
Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival
Eagle, CO • August 5-7 Eagle County foragers, come one come all to this unique and informative festival! The Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival returns this year to bring notable national experts in mushroom and wild food foraging, cuisine, cultivation, preservation and adventuring to our small Western Slope town.
eaglemushroomfest.com
Beaver Creek Art Festival
Avon, CO • August 6-7 The Beaver Creek Art Festival offers the ambiance of a modern town center coupled with the imagery of an alpine village. Stroll around Beaver Creek’s mountain town and look to purchase unique pieces.
artfestival.com
Kids Adventure Games
Vail, CO • August 10-14 The 12th annual Kids Adventure Games is a multi-discipline obstacle adventure race for children ages 6 to 14. Great for spectating as a parent or for young ones to get their hands dirty, the online schedule shares more details.
discovervail.com
Vail Wine Classic
Vail, CO • August 11-13 The Wine Classic at Vail is a premier destination event where master winemakers and enthusiasts gather to enjoy wine in beautiful Vail, CO. Join this Vail Valley community event to taste from hundreds of high-end wines, spirits and beers at the festival.
vailwineclassic.com
Brew’Au Avon
Avon, CO • August 13 Say aloha to a day full of brews by Nottingham Lake in Avon. Brew’Au Avon includes unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers and ciders in your souvenir sampling glass. Experience live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids’ activities, lawn games and many more activities!
brewfestevents.com
Beaver Creek Trail Half Marathon, 10K + 5K
Beaver Creek, CO • August 13 Come run the Beaver Creek Trail half marathon, 10K & 5K race in Beaver Creek! Sign up online now.
raceentry.com
SEPTEMBER
Beaver Creek Oktoberfest
Beaver Creek, CO • September TBA Join in on this festive event! The Beaver Creek Oktoberfest is not one to miss, with great food, beverages and live music.
beavercreek.com
Gourmet on the Gore
Vail, CO • September 2-4 The Gourmet on the Gore festival is a culinary experience that food lovers from around the world visiting Vail look forward to each year. The festival features open-air tastings of incredible wines, beers and spirits paired with unforgettable offerings prepared by Vail’s most celebrated chefs. Also check out the yoga, hiking and outdoor activities offered to pair with your culinary experience.
gourmetongore.com Vail Oktoberfest
Vail, CO • September 9-11 + 16-18 Be a part of this fun-filled and bottomless-brew experience! The Vail Oktoberfest in Lionshead on September 9-11 and Vail Village the 16-18 is fun for the whole family. Make sure to try all of the authentic German bites and beers!
oktoberfestvail.com
Vail Village Car Show
Vail, CO • September 16-18 If you are a car junkie who lives in Eagle County, look no further than the Vail Village Car show! With an expected 100+ exhibitors, it is sure to rev everyone's engines.
10times.com
Dynafit Trail Running Series
Minturn, CO • September 17 The Dynafit Vail trail running race series has become a must-do for avid runners. Taking athletes up trails, over mountains, through forests and over streams in and around Vail for the past 24 years, this series offers a great opportunity to explore local towns in the Vail area. Race #7 will be a 10K and 5K on Meadow Mountain in Minturn, but check out other dates for different races!
discovervail.com
Mountain RATS Festival
Eagle, CO • September 17-18 A Colorado end-of-summer outdoor celebration! Come celebrate the beginning of fall in the mountains with a mountain bike challenge. An exciting weekend of festival fun and adventure on the trails near Eagle, Colorado with all types of ways to challenge yourself, including a heavy half, a 25K or 50K bike race and much more!
geminiadventures.com
Vail Film Festival
Vail, CO • September 22-25 Sponsored and staged by the Colorado Film Institute, the Vail Film Festival is on a mission to support and celebrate independent film. Every September, this festival features screenings, workshops, panels, educational resources and opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts to network and connect.
vailfilmfestival.com
OCTOBER
Man of the Cliff
Avon, CO • October TBA Man of the Cliff is a two-day community festival centered around rugged lumberjack-style games and a benefit concert. All funds raised support Can Do Multiple Sclerosis. Man of the Cliff welcomes more than 200 competitors and 3,000 attendees for a weekend of outdoor activities, live music, delicious food and drink, and tons of family fun.
manofthecliff.com Vail + Beaver Creek Restaurant Week
Vail + Beaver Creek, CO • October TBA The Vail & Beaver Creek Restaurant Week festival, with participating restaurants spanning across two neighboring World Class Mountain Resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek, takes dining to new heights, literally! The ten day event will feature a wide variety of prix fixe menus and specials all showcasing the incredible and diverse culinary offerings available throughout the Vail and Beaver Creek villages.
diningataltitude.com
Vail Farmers’ Market
Vail, CO • October 2 The Vail Farmers Market and Art Show is entering 21 years in Vail on Meadow Drive. The event started with a few tents and now has grown to over 148 tents for 16 Sundays of the summer. Make sure to check out previous dates!
vaildaily.com
Avon Spooktacular Polar Plunge
Avon, CO • October 29 Participate in this fun and chilling fundraiser event! Plunge into Nottingham Lake with friends and family for a great cause.
specialolympicsco.org
NOVEMBER
Sleigh Ride Dinners
Walcott, CO • November TBA Create an evening of memories for you and your loved ones with this magical sleigh ride dinner. Start your night with a horse drawn sleigh to a quaint and welcoming cabin for your authentic ranch dinner and live music entertainment.
4eagleranch.com
Eagle Winter Market & Holiday Fair
Eagle, CO • November 12 Make sure to check out this crafty and holiday cheer filled festival!
10times.com
Christmas Fun Run and Walk
Eagle, CO • November 26 With two fun run/walks, a 5K and a one mile, you’ll be sure to have a nice walk! The money that is collected at the Christmas Fun Run and Walk will be put towards a medical service trip for students planning on attending.
raceentry.com
~Emily Dickinson
