Corey Dwan of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that 17 Belleview Drive, Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado is now under contract via Buyer representation. Listed at $429,000 this well kept single family home sits on nearly a half acre. surrounded by beautiful aspens and evergreens this home has 1599 square feet, three bedrooms and two full baths. With plenty of room to expand into the basement and attic this is truly a great buy. Specially when you see what it sells for! Stay tuned.

Call Corey Dwan for all of your Crested Butte real estate needs.

Search for Crested Butte and Gunnison Real Estate

Corey Dwan – REALTOR
Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
P.O. Box 210
433 Sixth Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
970-596-3219 Cell
970-797-1810 Fax
www.CrestedButteForSale.com

Corey Dwan of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the sale of this incredible deal in Crested Butte South via Buyer and Seller representation. This spacious town home style residence boasts an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and has a large finished basement that functions as a large third bedroom. This unit is in the newest phase of the complex and is in “like new” condition. Enjoy the views of Cement Creek and Mt. Crested Butte, a short walk to the grocery store and school bus stop. This is located in a great family complex and neighborhood.

1594 Square Feet, Three Bedroom, One and a Half Baths

Sold for an incredibly low price of only $90k

Corey combines deep local market knowledge, the most unparalleled and distinctive business practices, and an abiding love of Crested Butte to guide clients to the perfect residence and/or investment. He takes great pride in using considerable experience, resources and global connections to artfully unite extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.

Corey Dwan – REALTOR
Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
P.O. Box 210
433 Sixth Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
970-596-3219 Cell
970-797-1810 Fax
www.CrestedButteForSale.com

Corey Dwan of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the sale of yet another of his listings on Mt. Crested Butte. Via Buyer and Seller representation Corey Dwan sold this ski in/ski out condo on Mt. Crested Butte for a bargain price of $225,000.

This spacious, three bedroom, two bath, turn-key condo is located on one of the best ski in/ski out locations on the mountain. A large open floor plan graces this Mt. Crested Butte condo that sleeps eight comfortably. Take in the amazing views of the Paradise Divide while enjoying the absolute convenience of true ski in/ski out access. On-site winter shuttle service for owners and guests. Hot tub, sauna and wood burning fireplace adorn this beautiful residence. All this and it comes with an on-site rental management office that charges only 19%. Beautiful exterior renovation just completed! This complex has a very strong rental history.

Please contact Corey Dwan for all of your Crested Butte real estate needs.

Corey Dwan – REALTOR
Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
P.O. Box 210
433 Sixth Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
970-596-3219 Cell
970-797-1810 Fax
www.CrestedButteForSale.com

September, 2011 Issue
The Crested Butte Real Estate and Community Newsletter Brought to you by Corey Dwan of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty With the arrival of cool, crisp days our beautiful valley is experiencing the beginning of the fall season. Yellow, gold and orange aspen leaves are beginning to appear as more and more summer visitors leave the valley to return home making this one of the best times of the year to visit. Historically, a very dry and cool time of the year, September holds many activities and events for you to experience along with the beautiful backdrop of the blanketed fall colors.  Crested Butte Market Update Real estate sales have continued dramatically with 134 sales of condos and single family homes in the upper valley now representing a 30% increase over the same period last year. It is evident with $57,108,553 in sales and another 41 transactions of over $22,000,000 more under contract that buyers are taking advantage of the substantial decrease in median list prices this year. Yet, it is also clear the affluent buyer that knows what they want are spending their disposable income as seen with nine high end homes in the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte that have sold and/or have gone under contract in the last month with an average price per square foot of $564! Land sales are on the rise as well with 21 transactions so far this year for a total of $2,984,800 representing a 38% increase over same period last year. Another $1,515,800 worth of land is currently under contract and due to close soon.	In This Issue: Real Estate Market Update CBMR Capital Improvements USA Pro Cycling Challenge Paragon People’s Fair Mt. CB Beer and Chili Festival Superfly 2011 Vinotok Oh Be Joyful Gallery Featured Listings Global Listings 329 Maroon Avenue, Crested Butte $1,595,000 821 Fern Creek Road, Creede $4,195,000 142 Larkspur Loop, Crested Butte $118,000 474 Deep Creek Road, Creede $1,595,000 309 Third Street, Crested Butte $985,000   651 Gothic Road, Unit 504E $209,000   Mt. Crested Butte Homes Mt. Crested Butte Condos Mt. Crested Butte Land Crested Butte Homes Crested Butte Condos Crested Butte Land Rural Crested Butte Homes Rural Crested Butte Condos Rural Crested Butte Land Crested Butte South Homes Crested Butte South Condos Crested Butte South Land Gunnison Area Homes Gunnison Area Condos Gunnison Area Land Global Real Estate Mountain Bike Trail Report Mt. Crested Butte Snow Report Mt. Crested Butte Ski Trail Report Crested Butte Weather Report Sign Up for my Newsletter
Unit 503 The Buttes, Mt. Crested Butte $299,000 38 Ruby Drive, Mt. Crested Butte $229,000 116 Whiterock Ave, Crested Butte $475,000
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Capital Improvements Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) kicks off the 2011-2012 season with improvements in all areas of operations, ensuring continued focus on the guest experience. Enhancements include: a new Zipline Tour for the summer and winter seasons; renovations to the Paradise Warming House restaurant; a new fleet of high-end demo gear and a new Learn-to-Ride snowboard fleet for women and children; and a partnership with Patagonia for new employee uniforms over the next couple of seasons and products for the resort’s retail outlets. The coming season also concludes CBMR’s yearlong celebration of 50 years of skiing with an opening day tribute on November 23, 2011.  “We’ve concentrated our efforts on enhancements that will resonate with our guests,” said Ethan Mueller, vice president and general manager of CBMR. “The new Zipline Tour is a great example; it has been a huge hit this summer and we have no doubt it will offer a memorable winter adventure opportunity.” The new Crested Butte Zipline Tour opened June 28 after much anticipation and more spring snow than anticipated. The guided tour includes five zip lines and three suspended bridges that have been uniquely adapted to accommodate winter operations. The Crested Butte Zipline Tour is available during the summer, fall and winter seasons; the resort will offer the only guided zipline tour at a Colorado ski resort, and one of the only winter canopy tour operations in the state. Renovations to the Paradise Warming House, CBMR’s mid-mountain cafeteria-style on-mountain restaurant, include a food line redesign and an updated look and feel. The remodel will improve service and use of space, while preserving the casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere that Crested Butte is famous for. CBMR will update its rental fleet with new high-end demo skis and snowboards, featuring brands such as Rossignol, Salomon, RAMP, Nordica, Atomic, and 4-frnt. The resort is also purchasing new Burton Learn-to-Ride (LTR) snowboards, to enhance the women’s and children’s fleets. And, thanks to the resort’s new partnership with Patagonia, CBMR retail outlets will carry an entire line from this stand-out outdoor apparel manufacturer and staff will be outfitted in new uniforms featuring Gore-Tex® throughout the next two years. In addition to all of the capital improvements that have taken place since the Muellers joined the resort, CBMR has made great strides in becoming a “greener” resort. In 2010, CBMR joined the Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge (CIEC), as one of 13 charter members in the state. By signing on, the resort committed to reducing energy consumption by two percent each year for five consecutive years, using 2008 as the base year. In June of 2011, CBMR won the Excellence in Energy Efficiency award from Governor John Hickenlooper and the Governor’s Energy Office for reducing energy use by 18.9 percent in the first year. USA Pro Cycling Challenge a Huge Success “Crested Butte was unbelievable. It was a home run,” said Sean Petty, the chief operating officer of USA Cycling, the governing body for the sport in the United States. “To see this on a Tuesday afternoon and experience the finish was great for a first-year event. It felt like a stage in the Tour de France.” “Everyone had a smile. Everyone had a blast. Everyone was screaming at the finish line. That in itself says success,” said local organizing committee co-chair Aaron Huckstep.  His counterpart, Dave Ochs, seconded the sentiment. “Hot damn. It happened and it happened well,” he said. “The production guys say we get a 99.9, and they said they never give out accolades that high.” Click here for full story. Paragon People’s Fair – Sept. 3rd and 4th If you haven’t been to Crested Butte to experience the homespun cultural experience of People’s Fair then you haven’t seen this awesome town at it’s finest! For the past 20 years the Paragon Gallery artists have hosted the this annual event, an eclectic mix of 70 booths selling unique regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, preserved food from local gardens, music, and more in a fun, family oriented environment. Reasonably priced items make this fair affordable for everyone and a must for treasure hunters! Click here for more information. Mt. Crested Butte Fall Festival of Beers and Chili Cook-Off – Sept. 10th With 15+ breweries expected to attend and former Widespread Panic guitarist Sam Holt and his all star band on tap, the Crested Butte / Mt. Crested Butte Chamber is gearing up for another awesome Mt.Crested Butte Fall Festival of Beers and Chili Cook-off. Gates open at noon on Saturday, September 10th,  and the festivities go until 6PM. Admission is only $25 for chili sampling (from noon-2, while supplies last), an unlimited beer tasting from noon-3, and music from Better Late Than Never, The Springdale Quartet, and the Sam Holt Band! Do you have a first-rate or unusual chili recipe?  If so, participate in the chili contest, which is free to enter. All you need to do is make up 3 gallons of your best and bring it to the festival where attendees will vote on their favorite chili in the following categories: International Chili Society Red (No Beans or Fillers), Anything Goes, Professionals Only (Restaurant Owners and Chefs) Vegetarian, and Green. Winners of each category will receive great prizes, and the overall winner gets $150. Chili participants get two free and two 1/2 price entries to the Festival. Be safe and take Mountain Express or utilize the free Safe Ride service. If you are interested in participating in the Chili Cook-off, or if you would like to volunteer and receive free admittance to the event, then please stop by the Chamber or call Scott at 349-6438.   22nd Annual Superfly 2011 – Sept. 9th and 10th Join the Gunnison Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the 22nd Annual SUPERFLY 2011! September 9-10 Teams of 2 anglers each will fish private and public water to compete for the most inches of trout. A classic 2-fly contest, which includes a commemorative shirt & hat, reception Friday night, breakfast, lunch and a barbeque dinner Saturday night. Entry fee is $500 per team. If you are not fishing in Superfly but would like to attend for the barbeque 6:30 Saturday night at The Almont Resort, tickets are available for $20 each. Following the banquet will be the awards ceremony, prizes for the winners then the raffle & auction items will be awarded. Partial proceeds from Superfly will fund the Colorado Trout Unlimited Youth Conservation Camp in 2012. All the details, rules and schedule for Superfly are on our web site at GunnisonTU.org. But please don’t hesitate to contact Mark Day at 970-641-7404 with any questions you may have. Click here for more details.     Vinotok – Sept. 24th The community puts the Grump on trial with harvest maiden dances, and a play of the Harvest Mother, Dragon, Knight and Green Man. The performance is amplified and lit so the community can hear and see the tale on the temporary stage located at Elk Avenue in front of the Eldo at 7:30 p.m. For a complete list of Crested Butte and Gunnison activities please click here.
Please Visit My Favorite Gallery in Crested Butte – Oh Be Joyful Gallery  Shaun Horne – Red Buildings Shaun Horne – Aspens and Lupines Shaun Horne – Tamale View

Thanks for all your referrals!
I succeed when people like you refer me to their family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. It’s the best kind of feedback I can receive. So thanks for continuing to pass along this newsletter to all.

Corey Dwan Benson Sotheby’s International Realty 433 Sixth Street Crested Butte, CO 81224 970-596-3219 Cell 970-797-1810 Fax Corey.Dwan@SothebysRealty.com www.CrestedButteForSale.com www.SothebysGlobalRealEstate.com

Thanks for reading! If you’d like to tell me what you think about this newsletter, or if you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate, please do get in touch.

In This Issue: Real Estate Market Update CBMR Capital Improvements USA Pro Cycling Challenge Paragon People’s Fair Mt. CB Beer and Chili Festival Superfly 2011 Vinotok Oh Be Joyful Gallery Featured Listings Global Listings 329 Maroon Avenue, Crested Butte $1,595,000 821 Fern Creek Road, Creede $4,195,000 142 Larkspur Loop, Crested Butte $118,000 474 Deep Creek Road, Creede $1,595,000 309 Third Street, Crested Butte $985,000   651 Gothic Road, Unit 504E $209,000   Mt. Crested Butte Homes Mt. Crested Butte Condos Mt. Crested Butte Land Crested Butte Homes Crested Butte Condos Crested Butte Land Rural Crested Butte Homes Rural Crested Butte Condos Rural Crested Butte Land Crested Butte South Homes Crested Butte South Condos Crested Butte South Land Gunnison Area Homes Gunnison Area Condos Gunnison Area Land Global Real Estate Mountain Bike Trail Report Mt. Crested Butte Snow Report Mt. Crested Butte Ski Trail Report Crested Butte Weather Report Sign Up for my Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

Early and late spring has some of the best weather Crested Butte and Gunnison can ask for. Cool temps and sunny skies dominate the days as the two sister towns enjoy quiet, uncrowded streets. The bike paths and trails remain empty as most visitors do not begin trickling in until mid to late June making this time of year one of the best times to visit. Come on out and enjoy the fifth annual “June in the Rockies” and really get a sense of what this town can offer you.

Stop by or contact me anytime if you wish to pursue a place of your own here in Paradise.

Corey Dwan
Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
970-596-3219 Cell
Corey.Dwan@SothebysRealty.com
www.CrestedButteForSale.com

The following is borrowed from www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com:

 
A world-famous musical, readers’ and writers’ workshops, biking events, free outdoor concerts, fishing derbies, farmers’ markets, art walks, the Gunnison River Festival, and fishing and golf competitions are all part of the fun.  Also, Tour de Forks, a gourmet dining series that takes place in fabulous mountain homes and locations in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley, kicks off on June 26 with a “Lakeside Luxury” gathering overlooking Grant Lake and concludes on Sept. 11 with “A Historic Evening” at Soupcon Bistro.  For a full schedule, visit http://www.crestedbuttearts.org.the/

The month kicks off with the second annual Crested Butte Restaurant Week, providing culinary aficionados with great dining and lodging deals from June 3 – 10.  Diners and overnight guests in Crested Butte, situated at 8,885 feet above sea level, can revel and relax to their hearts’ content for the price of $88.85 for meals or lodging.  Participating restaurants will offer multi-course dinners for $88.85 for a party of four, or $22.21 per person.  Establishments that do not serve dinner will provide multi-course lunch promotions for $8.85.  Special lodging rates will be available starting at $88.85 per room, per night. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Go to http://www.crestedbutterestaurantweek.com/.

Week 1: June 1 – 5
1 – 25                  Biennial Nueva & Renata Sieck Exhibitions, Gunnison Arts Center
3                        First Friday Gallery Crawl & Music, Various Galleries & Locations, Gunnison
3                        Fridays @ 5 at the Gunnison Art Center, Free Live Music on the Courtyard
3 – 10                 Crested Butte Restaurant Week (Special Dining & Lodging Deals)
3 – 5                  “Cups” a Play Performed by Tricia Seeberg, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre, Crested Butte
4                        Fishing & Outdoor Sports Derby, Jorgesen Park, Gunnison
4                        National Trails Day – Trail Work Day with CB Mountain Bike Association, CB Area
5                        Sundays @ 7 (Free Concerts) Presented by the Gunnison Arts Center, Legion Park

Week 2: June 6 – 12
1 – 25                  Biennial Nueva & Renata Sieck Exhibitions, Gunnison Arts Center
3 – 10                  Crested Butte Restaurant Week (Special Dining & Lodging Deals)
10                       Gunnison Golf Classic Presented by Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, Dos Rios Golf Club, Gunnison
10                       Fridays @ 5 at the Gunnison Art Center, Free Live Music on the Courtyard
10 – 11                 Relay for Life Fund-Raiser for American Cancer Society, Jorgensen Park, Gunnison
11                       Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, Taylor Park Reservoir
11                       Crested Butte/Ride the Rockies Soul Center of Cycling Street Fest, Elk Avenue
11 – 12                 Ride the Rockies Bike Ride Kicks Off in Crested Butte on June 12
12                       Crested Butte Farmers’ Market, Elk Avenue & First Street
12                       Sundays @ 7 (Free Concerts) Presented by the Gunnison Arts Center, Legion Park
12                       Summer Variety Show by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret, CB

Week 3: June 13 – 19
1 – 25                 Biennial Nueva & Renata Sieck Exhibitions, Gunnison Arts Center
16                      Annual Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Bird Survey, Gothic
17                      Fridays @ 5 at the Gunnison Art Center, Free Live Music on the Courtyard
17                      Pinnacle Series Bike Race, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
17 – 18               Gunnison Valley Observatory Open for Public Viewing, Gunnison
17 – 19               Crested Butte Writers Conference, Elevation Hotel & Spa, Mt. Crested Butte
18                      Readers in the Rockies, Elevation Hotel & Spa, Mt. Crested Butte
18                      Adventure Park, Evolution Bike Park and Chairlift Open, CB Mountain Resort
19                      Crested Butte Farmers’ Market, Elk Avenue & First Street
19                      Sundays @ 7 (Free Concerts) Presented by the Gunnison Arts Center, Legion Park

Week 4: June 20 – 26
1 – 25                 Biennial Nueva & Renata Sieck Exhibitions, Gunnison Arts Center
22                      Wednesdays at Western State College: Introduction to Fly-Fishing with Gunnison River Fly Shop, Roaring Judy Fish Ponds
23 – 26               31st Annual Crested Butte Bike Week, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte
23 – 26               Gunnison River Festival, Gunnison
24                      Fridays @ 5 at the Gunnison Art Center, Free Live Music on the Courtyard
24                      Western State College – Colorado Brass Band Concert, Quigley Band Shell, Gunnison
24 – 25                Gunnison Valley Observatory Open for Public Viewing, Gunnison
24 – 25                Radio Theater (3 stories in 90 minutes), Gunnison Arts Center
24 – 26                Wildflower Rush Cross Country/Downhill Bike Races, Crested Butte Mtn. Resort
25 – 26               “Oklahoma!” Presented by CB Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre
25                      Gunnison Farmers’ Market, Virginia Avenue & Main Street
25 – 26                Bridges of the Butte (24-hour townie bike tour), Presented by the Adaptive Sports
Center, Crested Butte
26                      Crested Butte Farmers’ Market, Elk Avenue & First Street
26                      Sundays @ 7 (Free Concerts) Presented by the Gunnison Arts Center, Legion Park
26                      Lakeside Luxury – Kickoff of Tour de Forks Gourmet Dining Series, Crested Butte

Week 5: June 27 – 30
27                      Alpenglow (Free Outdoor Concert), Crested Butte Center for the Arts
28 - July 30         Heart of the West & Tierney Miller Exhibitions, Gunnison Arts Center
29                      Wednesdays at Western State College: Silver Triangle History Tour with Duane Vandenbusche- Gunnison, Almont,
Crested Butte & Taylor Park
29 – 30               “Oklahoma!” Presented by CB Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre
30                      ArtWalk Evening, Studios & Galleries in Crested Butte

June Vacation Deals
Don’t forget the lodging deals being offered during Crested Butte Restaurant Week , June 3 – 10, http://www.crestedbutterestaurantweek.com.enjoy/

Enjoy all of the benefits of Harmel’s Ranch Resort near Almont, Colorado, and stay in one of the Hitchn’ Post Lodge’s eight motel-style rooms, each with one queen bed and one double bed complete, for only $110 per night for up to four people per room.  The early- and late-season Hitchn’ Post Package is available May 22 – June 14 and Aug. 16 – Sept. 17, 2011 and includes a hearty breakfast buffet, private fishing permit, stocked rainbow trout pond, and numerous other amenities.  Offer is based on availability and does not include tax/service fee.  Book by calling (800) 235-3402, and also visit http://www.harmels.com/.  This same deal is available from June 15 – Aug. 15, 2011, for $140 per night.  Also ask about the Summer Solstice Special available from June 19 – 23, 2011, and receive more than 20 percent off various lodging options.

Save on lodging and rafting when staying two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort in Almont from May 1 – June 10 and Aug. 15 – Sept. 30.  For only $100 per person, receive two night’s lodging in a lodge room or small, one-room cabin and one Upper Taylor whitewater raft trip each.  Price is based on two-person occupancy and does not include lodging taxes.  This offer is not valid with any other offers or existing reservations and can be booked by calling (888) 761-3474.  Other lodging options and custom packages can be arranged.  Visit http://www.3riversresort.com/.

Plan a summer vacation now, get your choice of available premier lodging and save 20 percent on all Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) lodging options. The Book Early and Save package includes a single-ride chairlift ticket for each individual on the reservation. Lodging options range from condominiums perfect for the whole family to the slopeside Elevation Hotel and Spa featuring the finest amenities. This offer is valid for travel between April 5 – Nov. 21, 2011 and must be booked by May 31, 2011. The package cannot be combined with any other offers and is valid only on new reservations.  Contact Crested Butte Vacations at 800-600-2803 and visit http://www.skicb.com/.

Enjoy a convenient location across the street from two parks and Western State College of Colorado and walk only a few blocks to downtown Gunnison when staying at the Western Motel.  Book a two-night stay in a single queen standard room for $130 or a double queen standard room for $150. The cost includes free WiFi and continental breakfast. This deal is valid from May 15 – Sept. 30, 2011.  Call (888) 641-1722, ask for Edward and mention this deal from the Tourism Association’swebsite.  Visit http://www.westernmotel-co.com/.

Corey Dwan of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty successfully closed yet another Mt. Crested Butte condo today. This top floor, remodeled residence enjoys commanding views of Mt. Crested Butte, quality furniture package, two decks and lots of room to spread out. Parking is not a problem as this residence has a one car garage and is conveniently located walking distance to the slopes. Outdoor hot tub, extensive renovations throughout the complex including complete exterior deck siding, all new windows and sliding glass doors conclude this beautiful Mount Crested Butte condo. With four bedrooms, three and a half baths and almost 2100 square feet this mountain condo sold for $338,500 a reduction off of listing price of $40,500.

Call Corey Dwan for all of your Crested Butte real estate needs.

Corey Dwan
Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
970-596-3219 Cell
Corey.Dwan@SothebysRealty.com
www.CrestedButteForSale.com

From wildflowers and bikes to rivers and cowboys, there’s plenty to celebrate!

Gunnison County knows how to roll out the carpet for summer and fall fun with an amazing array of one-of-a-kind festivals that reflect the lifestyle, natural beauty and Western friendliness of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

31^st Annual Crested Butte Bike Week, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte, June 23 – 26

Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte are the proud hosts of the world’s oldest mountain bike festival, previously known as Fat Tire Bike Week. Voted Best Festival in a Bike magazine reader poll, participants can take part in the Fat Tire 40 mountain bike race, tech expo, Mountain States Cup Wildflower Rush races, the infamous Chainless World Championships, Bridges of the Butte townie tour, Rippin Chix clinics with Alison Gannett, an outdoor concert, guided rides and more.  For information, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (800) 814-8893or visit http://www.ftbw.com/.

GunnisonRiver Festival, Gunnison, Almont & Crested Butte, June 23 – 26

For a unique blend of hardcore and lighthearted outdoor recreation for all ages, don’t miss the ninth annual Gunnison River Festival.  Where else can you find a mix of USA Freestyle kayaking, a costume river parade, downriver raft race, hooligan race, kayak enduro, raft rodeo, Strider Cup bike race and foam boats for kids?  Gunnison WhitewaterPark serves as home base for the festival, and the TaylorRiver near Almont and Oh-Be-Joyful Creek near Crested Butte also play into the fun.  For information, visit http://www.gunnisonriverfestival.com/or call (970) 596-7094.

Crested Butte Music Festival, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte, July 3 – Aug. 14

The 2011 festival will showcase outstanding performers from all over the world and internationally acclaimed groups such as Boston Brass, Kingston Trio, American String Quartet and Igudesman & Joo. Celebrating its 15^th year, CBMF also has a bluegrass festival with 12 bands, the opera “Carmen,” DjangoFest (gypsy jazz), a free family concert series on Saturdays and more on its six-week schedule.  For more information and tickets, call (970) 349-0619 or visit http://www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com/.

111^th Annual Cattlemen’s Days, Gunnison, July 8 – 17

People who love the authenticity of The West should plan on attending the 111^th annual Cattlemen’s Days at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center and various venues around Gunnison.  The event features a county fair, parade, live music and dancing, a horse show, cowboy poetry, horse races, and of course rodeo events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).  Activities are spread throughout the 10 days of the Cattlemen’s Days festivities, with rodeos scheduled for the evenings of July 14 – 16.  For more information, call the Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 814-8893or visit http://www.cattlemensdays.com/.

25^th Annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Crested Butte, July 11 – 17

The historic mountain town of Crested Butte, which was designated the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the state legislature in 1990, hosts this colorful festival during the peak of wildflower season.  Nearly 200 individual events such as photography and art classes, 4 X 4 tours, hikes and flower identification walks, garden tours, cooking seminars and more focus on the magnificent sight of miles and miles of wildflower fields abloom in the area.  For more information, call (970) 349-2571 or visit http://www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com/.

Crested Butte Land Trust Wine & Food Festival, Mt. Crested Butte, July 20 – 24

The festival’s signature event, a Grand Tasting featuring hundreds of wines and a selection of light appetizers, will be held on July 23 at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area.  There also is a Celebrity Chef Tour benefiting the James Beard Foundation with two dinners staged at Uley’s Cabin, located mid-mountain at CMBR, with each dinner featuring celebrity chefs who will create a multi-course dinner paired with fine wines.  Throughout the weekend, sommeliers will host wine seminars, and Canvas & Cabernet participants will sip wine while painting their own work of art outdoors with the guidance of a professional instructor on July 22.  For more information, call (720) 375-5241 or visit http://www.crestedbuttewine.com/.

39th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte, August 5 – 7

Crested Butte Arts Festival (CBAF) is one of the biggest weekends of the summer, drawing world-class artists from all 50 states and several international exhibitors.  Open-air booths line the five-block center of Crested Butte’s National Historic District on Aug. 6 and 7, featuring 175 artists who are selected through a competitive jury process.  In addition to an Art Alley for kids ages 2 – 12, the festival features an artist demonstration tent, food court, beer and wine pavilion, live entertainment, art auction and culinary demonstrations.  Culinary programs will begin on Aug. 5 with gourmet dishes prepared by five celebrity chefs paired with wines and live entertainment.  For more information, call (970) 349-1184 or visit http://www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com.marble/

Marble Fest, Marble, August 5 – 7

Start August off right with Marble Fest, an arts and music festival that takes place in the breathtaking mountain town of Marble, located in the northwest part of Gunnison County.  Food and craft vendors complement a lineup of bands that ranges from blues to bluegrass and jam bands to jazz.  There’s also acoustic music throughout the weekend on the porch of the town’s one restaurant, Woddy’s Rollin Smoke Bar-B-Que.  On Aug. 5, the music runs from 5 – 10 p.m., with Joint Point and Fatty Jenkins among the lineup.  Join in the fun on Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight with Stonefed and Williams Brothers Band among the entertainment on the main stage.  Sunday features Oakhurst, Spring Creek and several other bands performing from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  As the festival draws closer, check http://www.marblefest.org/ for a full lineup and all the details.  Admission is free but donations are requested.

Car, Carving & Art Weekend, Gunnison, Aug. 18 – 21

This dynamic weekend for all ages includes the 24^th annual Gunnison Car Show, High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, and Carvin’ Up Colorado.  Most of the activities take place in the neighboring Jorgensen and Legion Parks, with a ‘50s-style cruise-in and free dance on Main Street on Friday evening and a breakfast cruise to Crested Butte on Sunday morning.  On Saturday, admire all the chrome during the open car show and browse the creations of 80 artisans from around the region at the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival.

From Aug. 18 – 20, approximately a dozen wood carvers from around the country will transform tree stumps into works of art that will be on permanent display in Legion Park and at other community sites.  The action-packed weekend also will include a WOW Downtown Community Party held in tandem with Western State College of Colorado’s Week of Welcome (WOW) for new students and their parents. There will be live music, inflatable games and more on Main Street and Virginia Avenue. For information, call (970) 901-6215 (carving) and (800) 814-8893(arts/crafts)and visit http://www.gunnisoncarclub.com/.

Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off, Mt. Crested Butte, September10

Get into the spirit of autumn with Mt. Crested Butte’s annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off held on Sept. 10 at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) ski area.  Heat up by sampling great chili prepared by area cook-off contestants, cool off with beers poured by several microbreweries and savor live music all afternoon.  For admission costs and times, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (800) 814-8893and visit http://www.cbchamber.com/.

Crested Butte Film Festival, Crested Butte, September 29 – October 2

Films, discussions and merriment are on tap for this new festival that takes place during one of the prime leaf-viewing weekends of fall.  Look for Academy Award nominees, films from Cannes and Sundance and many unknown gems. Most of the films will be Colorado premieres.  The festival kicks off on Sept. 29 with “Sneak Peek Gunnison” with a double feature of movies showing at the Gunnison Arts Center and the Ruby Theatre, located on the campus of Western State College of Colorado.  For information, visit http://www.crestedbuttefilmfestival.org/ or call (303) 204-9080.