Balloons Fill the Sky During Steamboat Springs' Most Colorful Event, the 25th Annual Rainbow Weekend

Steamboat Springs' most popular festival to be complimented by concerts and activities for all ages

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-- The Yampa Valley will be filled with color July 8-10 during one of Steamboat Springs' most popular festivals, Rainbow Weekend. The weekend features the 25th Annual Bank of the West Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, the 31stAnnual Art in the Park, as well as other colorful events and activities.

The 25th Annual Bank of the West Balloon Rodeo will take off early Saturday and Sunday mornings from the field adjacent to the Meadows parking lot just down Mt. Werner road from the Steamboat Ski Area.  This crowd-pleasing event will feature forty-five hot air balloons competing in airborne events, such as Rodeo Roping and the Don Quixote Race. Concessionaires will sell breakfast items including the festival favorite, funnel cake as well as commemorative souvenirs at the launch site both Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking at the Meadows lot are free.

New this year!
Spectators of this unique event can tune in to KIDN at 95.5 or 95.9 FM for a live simulcast from the launch field.  Announcers will offer colorful commentary and information about each balloon, the pilots and more.  Also, don't miss the colorful window displays in area stores and restaurants celebrating this popular event.  The Balloon Committee will judge these colorful displays around town and announce the winner at Saturday and Sunday's Balloon Rodeo during the radio broadcast on KIDN.

The 31st Annual Art in the Park, presented by the Steamboat Springs Arts Council, July 9 & 10 will feature over 130 artisans, a variety of food vendors, and performers.  This two-day arts and crafts festival sets up in West Lincoln Park in downtown Steamboat Springs.  Art in the Park is open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with live entertainment featuring favorite local bands, dance ensembles, African drumming and An African Tale a performance by Steamboat's Summer Art Immersion Kid's Program. Admission to the fair is free. Call 879-9008 or visit www.steamboatspringsarts.comfor more information.

There is also art for music-lovers' ears during Rainbow Weekend. On July 8 The American Express Different Tempo Series at Strings in the Mountains presents the John Jorgenson Quintet at 8:00 p.m.  Founding member of the Desert Rose Band and six years in Elton John's band, Jorgenson is considered the American master of the Django Reinhardt, Gypsy-jazz style.  On July 10 chamber music will fill the Tent as Strings presents "A Romantic Evening" with music inspired by composers of the Romantic Era, featuring pieces by Liszt, Brahms, and Taneyev at 7:00 p.m. Call 970-879-5056 ext. 105 or visit www.stringsinthemountains.com for ticket information.

Between exciting Rainbow Weekend events and activities, explore Mt. Werner's colorful slopes and meadows. Ride the Gondola to the Guided Gourmet Hike on Friday. Hikers ascend a trail as they admire the views and wildflowers to their picnic spot at 9,716 feet, and feast on a colorful banquet complimented by a glass of wine. Cool off and admire the view of the Yampa Valley at the Oasis Sundeck at Thunderhead with a Caribbean cocktail or check out the NEW Hazie's Martini Bar (21 & over recommended) Saturday night.  Meals with a view keep coming, enjoy a delectable five course wine dinner with the best views in the valley at Hazie's Saturday Jazz Wine Dinner or head up to Brunch on the Mountain Sunday morning.  Hazie's is also open for lunch Friday and Saturday.  The adventurous can rent a mountain bike or Diggler at Ride Sports and enjoy a vertical descent over 3,000 feet. Try a hand at Giggle Gulch mini-golf or take off in the slingshot bungee jump at Gondola Square Adventure Zone. Call 879-6111, visit the Main Ticket Office or log on to www.steamboat.com.

An array of special summer packages may be booked through Steamboat Central Reservationsâ at 1-877-754-2269.  For the most up-to-date information on information on Steamboat Springs' events and activities log on to the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association's website at www.steamboatsummer.com. 

RAINBOW WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
July 8-10, 2005

Friday, July 8
All Day   Ski Town USA Golf Classic, Benefit for Yampa Valley Medical Center, Haymaker Golf Course, Sheraton Golf Course and Catamount Ranch & Club
10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Guided Gourmet Hike, hike at the Steamboat Ski Area to a Gourmet Picnic at 9,716'
6:30 p.m.  Ski Town USA Golf Classic, Benefit Auction, Steamboat Grand and Conference Center
7:30 p.m.  PRCA ProRodeo, Romick Arena
8:00 p.m.  John Jorgenson Quintet, Strings in the Mountains Music Festival Different Tempo Series, Strings in the Mountains Festival Park

Saturday, July 9
All day   Ski Town USA Golf Classic, Benefit for Yampa Valley Medical Center, Haymaker Golf Course, Sheraton Golf Course and Catamount Ranch & Club
31st Annual Cowpie Classic Rugby Tournament, Ski Town Fields
6:40 a.m.   Hot Air Balloon Inflation, Meadows Lot
7:15 a.m.    Bank of the West Hot Air Balloon Rodeo Launch, Meadows Lot
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  31st Annual Art in the Park, West Lincoln Park
6:30 p.m.  Hazie's Jazz Wine Dinner Begins, Top of the Gondola, Steamboat Ski Area
7:00 p.m.  Hazie's Martini Bar Open, Top of the Gondola, Steamboat Ski Area
7:30 p.m.   PRCA ProRodeo, Romick Arena
8:00 p.m.  A Romantic Evening of Music, Strings in the Mountains Chamber Concert Series
Strings in the Mountains Festival Park

Sunday, July 10
All Day   31st Annual Cowpie Classic Rugby Tournament, Ski Town Fields
6:40 a.m.   Hot Air Balloon Inflation, Meadows Lot
7:15 a.m.   Bank of the West Hot Air Balloon Rodeo Launch, Meadows Lot
8:00 a.m.   27th Annual Mountain Madness Half Marathon, 10K, 2 mile Fun Run
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  31st Annual Art in the Park, West Lincoln Park
9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Brunch on the Mountain, Steamboat Ski Area

Steamboat Springs is located in Northwest Colorado, about 160 miles west of Denver (a 2.5 to 3 hour drive) on U.S. Highway 40. It is known for its authentic Western feel, as well as its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, golf and horseback riding. Throughout the summer months, Steamboat hosts a ProRodeo series every weekend, as well as several chamber music, jazz, bluegrass and popular music concerts, and fine art and theater productions.

Back to recent releases