The 11 Best Small-Town Colorado Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of
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Annie
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Colorado is famous for having new and exciting things to do every weekend. From outdoor recreational opportunities to cultural events to various sports, there is never a shortage of things to do in the Centennial State! However, we would like to make a recommendation and suggest that you check out these fun and fabulous small-town Colorado festivals that you may have never heard of:
Since 1898, the Strawberry Days Festival has been serving up not only strawberry treats, but also a Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, parade, and old-fashioned carnival! (This year's Strawberry Days Festival runs June 16th through the 18th.)
Quite possibly one of the darkest and quirkiest of small-town Colorado festivals is that of Nederland's Frozen Dead Guy Days; an ode to a frozen dead guy sitting in a Tuff Shed awaiting the day when science can bring him back to life! Guests of the Frozen Dead Guy Days can enjoy live music, food trucks, and the infamous coffin races (pictured). Unfortunately, the 2017 festival has already come and gone, but keep your eyes and ears peeled for next year's festivities!
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What? You thought that Frozen Dead Guy Days was small-town Colorado's only somewhat morbid festival? Then you have yet to experience the Emma Crawford Coffin Races, which pays homage to poor Emma Crawford's coffin becoming exposed via rainfall and then sliding down a steep hill. How does one "celebrate" Ms. Crawford's misfortune? By heading to Manitou on October 28th to dress up, watch the parade and coffin race, and drink lots of beer, of course!
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This ain't your mamma's small-town heritage celebration! In fact, this FREE festival boasts historic fun for both kids and adults with tours of Limon's impressive museum, kiddie rides, homemade pie sale in an old train dining car, and other fun surprises. (This year's Limon Heritage Festival takes place on July 29th.)
For an Independence Day celebration like no other, check out Paonia's Cherry Days, which features not only an elaborate fireworks display, but 5K run, coal-shoveling and wood-splitting contents, and a cherry cook-off as well.
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For colorful family fun, head to Telluride June 2nd through the 4th for the annual Telluride Balloon Festival! In addition to the larger-than-life hot-air balloons, the Telluride Balloon Festival also offers workshops, and lots of delicious food and drinks.
Have YOU ever heard an elk bugle? You will at Estes Park's beloved Elk Fest, which takes place September 30th and October 1st, and offers a number of FREE events like an archery range, Native American dancing and storytelling, and craft beer garden.
The Mike the Headless Chicken Festival is exactly what you think it is: a festival celebrating the surprisingly long life of a beheaded chicken! Just how does one celebrate? By heading to Fruita June 2nd & 3rd for peep eating contests, local artisans, and live music.
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Sip, sip, hooray; Colorado is home to quite possibly the best microbreweries and locally-made craft spirits in the world! Make plans to sample some of this smooth fair October 20th through the 22nd at the 2017 Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival.
Since Rocky Ford is nicknamed the "Sweet Melon Capital of the World," it only makes sense that the southeastern town hosts a watermelon festival full of free watermelon, seed spitting contests, and 10K run. (This year's Watermelon Day takes place August 19th.)
Who says you have to travel to KC, Memphis, or Texas for some finger-licking good BBQ? Sample some of Colorado's most tender, fall-off-the-bone meat June 15th through the 17th in Frisco!
Still intrigued by the concept of Frozen Dead Guy Days? Click on What This One Colorado Family Keeps In Its Barn Will Send Shivers Up Your Spine for more information.
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