Steamboat Springs offers a Labor Day Weekend with affordable family oriented events and a western flare at the new Wild West Air Fest

Aircrafts of all varieties take to the skies and the Great American Wild West Show as well as a free concert with Cracker round out the last weekend of summer with this multi-faceted celebration
  
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - There's more than one way to celebrate the traditional end of summer, and Steamboat Springs has a weekend full of choices.  The new Wild West Air Fest Labor Day weekend celebration combines the thrill of flight with western entertainment and the Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series finale.

"This year's Labor Day Weekend gains altitude with the arrival of the Wild West Air Fest," said Sandy Evans Hall, executive vice president of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.  "Come for one event, and then take advantage of the rest while also squeezing in one more weekend of summer activity."

Air Events, Free Music and More
The Wild West Air Fest line up includes a number of spectator friendly aircraft events including a vintage aircraft and Warbird fly-in and static display at the Bob Adams Airport.  In celebration of their 50th Anniversary the Bob Adams Airport will host up to 25 vintage planes and Warbirds as well as other unique aircrafts from the World War II era. Vintage aircraft and helicopter rides will be available as well as demonstrations by the brand new Cirrus Design piston aircraft. This interactive exhibit will be complimented by two remote control aircraft shows each day that spectators will not want to miss.  In addition to vintage planes, the newly formed Steamboat Springs Car Club will have a variety of vintage cars on display.  Admissions is only $5 for adults and $2 for children 5-16 and children 4 and under are free.  Spectators will receive the 2005 Commemorative Wild West Air Fest button with admission.

The delight of air flight continues into the afternoon at the Steamboat Ski Area when 30 hang gliders and paragliders take to the skies as they launch from 9,080 feet on Mt. Werner and soar to the valley floor.  Catch the excitement from their launch spot at the top of the Steamboat Gondola, or enjoy the view from the Steamboat Springs Free Concert Series Finale concert, featuring Cracker.  Doors open at 2:00 p.m. with opening band, deSol, expected to start at 2:30, followed by the "country band within a rock band," Cracker.

Before or after the concert, visitors can stop by Gondola Square where the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation is pleased to host the 4th Annual Art on the Mountain. Artisans bring a variety of their work to display and sell. Art on the Mountain is an opportunity for visitors to observe the exceptional artwork available in the Yampa Valley and surrounding regions from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free

The Great American Wild West Show
This throwback to the old Buffalo Bill Wild West Show features an eclectic mix of western history and entertainment and has been a main attraction of Denver's National Western Stock Show for the last seven years. 

"The Great American Wild West Show is a perfect fit for Labor Day weekend in Steamboat Springs," said Evans Hall. "Between over 100 years western heritage and our reputation as a family friendly town, I can hardly think of a better way to cap off a great weekend."

This show for the whole family features non-stop action with performances by Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, the Lone Ranger, a cattle drive, a stagecoach holdup and a tribute to the American Indian. Other genuine western entertainment provided by trick riders and trick ropers including the trick roping of Cowboy Hall of Fame's J.W. Stoker will also thrill the audience during two shows: Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in downtown Steamboat Springs at the Romick Rodeo Arena.  Tickets are $20 in advance for adults, $22 at the gate; $10 for kids ages 4-12 and $12 for kids ages 4-12 at the gate and kid's 3 and under are free! Tickets are available at through Steamboat Central Reservations®, the Steamboat Springs Visitor's Center, Soda Creek Mercantile and F.M. Light & Sons.

The Great American Wild West Show is being brought to Steamboat Springs thanks to F.M. Light & Sons, to commemorate their 100th year in business.  A Northwest Colorado icon, F.M. Light & Sons is a "must do" during any visit to Steamboat Springs to pick up hats and boots, or to soak in the real western heritage of this Colorado town.  For more information visit www.fmlight.com.

Steamboat Springs Activities
In addition to these special events, Steamboat Springs provides adventure around every corner from hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, to the scenic walks along the Yampa River or at Fish Creek Falls.  Due to the ample amount of rains this spring and summer, the mountains surrounding Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley have remained green and trails remain in top shape.  From rounds of golf to riding around spectacular mountain bike trails, from sliding down the Howler Alpine Slide or the water slide at the downtown hot springs, there's still plenty to do outdoors during Labor Day weekend.  For more information visit www.steamboatsummer.com.

The Steamboat Springs Running Series presents one of its most scenic runs of the series, the 21st Annual 10K at 10,000 feet, Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.  This run starts at the Dumont Lake Trailhead at 9,600 feet and covers rugged singletrack and dirt road to over 10,000 feet through high mountain meadows with spectacular views of the Gore Range and the Flattops Wildeness.  For more information visit www.runningseries.com.

Special Weekend Package
A Wild West Air Fest package is available for as low as $119 per adult* and includes tickets to the Great American Wild West Show, the Commemorative Wild West Air Fest admission button, and includes one free night of lodging with the purchase of two nights and one free Gondola ride with the purchase of one adult Gondola ride. Book this package today at www.steamboatsummer.com.

* Package price is per adult based on double occupancy in a motel with General Seating tickets. Minimum 3-night stay is required. Rates do not include applicable taxes, fees, or optional travel protection insurance, are subject to availability and may change without notice. Entire reservation must be made within package dates indicated. Free night is based on lowest rate applicable during your stay in Steamboat. Offer not valid on existing reservations or with any other offer or discount including Parent/Child discounted Gondola ticket. Additional activities and nights stay may be added at applicable rates.

2005 Wild West Air Fest Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 3:
9:00 - 4:00 p.m. Vintage Aircraft and Warbird fly-in at the Bob Adams Airport
10:00 and 1:00 Radio Controlled Airplane shows
10:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Art on the Mountain at the base of the Ski Area
11:00   Great American Wild West Show stroll through downtown
11: 45 a.m. Salute to the Troops
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Hang gliders and paragliders launching off of Mt. Werner
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.   Free Summer Concert: Cracker at the base of the Ski Area
7:00 p.m.    Great American Wild West Show at Romick Arena

Sunday, September 4:
9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Vintage Aircraft and Warbird fly-in at the Bob Adams Airport
10:00 and 1:00 Radio Controlled Airplane shows
10:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Art on the Mountain at the base of the Ski Area
10:00 a.m.  10K at 10,000 feet
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Hang gliders and paragliders launching off of Mt. Werner
3:00 p.m.    Great American Wild West Show at Romick Arena

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