May 19, 2011

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the

Sopris Carbondale’s

weekly, non-profit newspaper

Sun

Volume 3, Number 14 | May 19, 2011

A bridge reborn

Rodeo offering VIP parking By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer

W

John Bender inspects and reflects on the refurbished Satank Bridge following its dedication on May 12. “It’s a fantastic addition to the community,” Bender said. “It’s rare to be able to just stand over a river like this … and it connects the Rio Grande Trail to the (Satank) community.” The 110-year-old wood and steel bridge was near collapse until a grassroots effort to save it took root about 10 years ago. For more about the Satank Bridge, please turn to page 3. Photo by Lynn Burton

hat does it take to become a VIP at this year’s Carbondale Wild West Rodeo? Twenty bucks, a pickup (or flatbed) and the wherewithal to get your wheels to a fence-side slot at the rodeo grounds in time to stake your claim. “The fence perimeter is a front row seat to all the action, and pulling your truck up to the fence and filling it with friends and family makes for a great night at the rodeo,” said Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association Board President Dave Weimer. Weimer touched on the topic of fence parking when he and association board member Mike Kennedy briefed the Carbondale Board of Trustees on the upcoming rodeo season Tuesday night. The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo takes place at the Gus Darien arena just east of town and will run Thursday nights from June 2 to Aug. 18. The series is produced by a not-for-profit, volunteer association that says it is committed to keeping the Roaring Fork Valley’s western heritage alive by offering a family-oriented event for residents and visitors alike. “We are a small-town rodeo with big time fun for everyone,”Weimer said.“We hope to see everyone there. It’s the place to be on Thursday night.” Approximately 1,200 people attend the rodeo each week. The VIP parking (dubbed as such by The Sopris Sun) was brought on by the fact that for the past few years, early birds have been parking their vehicles along the fence as early as 6 a.m. on Thursdays and even earlier, and Weimer and Kennedy are tired of spending the day keeping them out. “There are so many people wanting to do it (park on the fence) … they’d keep their trucks there all year,” Weimer explained. The new system will operate like a commercial parking lot, with VIP parkers putting $20 into a lock box and leaving their cars as early as Wednesdays. As for this season’s events, they include cowhide races and rescue races on alternating Thursdays throughout the season.“We did the cowhide races a couple of times last year and they are a hoot,” Weimer said before Tuesday night’s trustees meeting. The 2011 Rodeo Royalty will be featured in the Grand Entry again this year, which is at 7:30 p.m. Caitlyn Kinney is this year’s Queen. Heidi Small and Emily Clinco are the Queen Attendants. “The royalty serves as a role model for young women in our town and as in past years, the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo will provide scholarship funds to the royalty,” Weimer said. He also noted the rodeo is made possible through volunteer help. To sign up, call Melanie at 379-0809. GUS DARIEN DEED page 5

Educators talk finance

Art aRound Town preview

Consignment icon returns

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