Calendar of Events

*Dates of some of the following events vary yearly, so check the
monthly calendar published in The Jackson County Star for exact date.

Click on a month below to get detailed information on the various events taking place.

JANUARY

Lake John-Cowdrey Lake - Ice Fishing Contest
Sponsored by the North Park Chamber of Commerce, Lake John Resort and other area businesses, this event offers cash prizes for overall and hourlywinners. And if you don't win a cash prize, you can still win merchandise or apparel at the Payroll Party after the contest. Additional information and registration forms are available through theNorth Park Chamber of Commerce at 416 Fourth Street, Walden, CO 80480, or by calling 970-723-4600, or by email at northparkcoc@cs.com.

Community Ice Rink
Walden's ice rink opens as soon as the ice freezes (and volunteers can findthe time to shovel off the snow) and is open from daylight to 10:00 p.m. when the lights are turned off. Located east of the high school building, skating is free. There are occasional pick-up hockey games. Contact: Mark Russell 723-8480.

North Park Snow Snakes Snowmobile Club Poker Run
Scheduled for January 19, this event starts and ends at the Colorado State Park garage near the Gould KOA, and runs on groomed trails in Routt National Forest and Colorado State Forest. There are door prizes, cash winnings, a live auction, and a warm meal before and after the ride. For further information email randy@npeng.com.

Friday Fun Club - Jackson County Public Library
This is held once a month in January, February and March, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It is open to all children from kindergarten through 5th grade. Come for activities, crafts and some good books! Call the library at 723-4602.

North Park Arts Council - Art Parties
These are monthly events, held on the second Sunday of the month from September through May, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Forest Service building, 100 Main Street in Walden. There is no charge for participating and all materials are provided. Past parties have featured figure drawing, pine needle weaving, knitting, pastels painting, oil painting and fly tying. Contact: Kyle Fliniau at 723-8240.

Story Hour - Jackson County Public Library
If you have young children, here's an hour entertainingly spent for them. Every Friday from September through May from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call the library at 723-4602.

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CSA Convention (Colorado Snowmobile Association)
February 5th, 6th & 7th, 2010.

Sno-X Snowmobile Races
Snowmobile races such as you see on ESPN are coming to Walden; scheduled for February 27th & 28th, 2010. In Sno-X, organizers construct a course of snow that includes tight turns, hills, jumps and high-speed straightaways. Races are run in heats. The event is sponsored by the North Park Snowsnakes club and sanctioned by Extreme Mountain Racing. Contact Randy Miller at randy@npeng.com.

Frosty Pines Almost Annual - Snow Golf Tournament
Walden's truly unique event, this is held (almost) every February (scheduled for February 2 in 2008) as soon as Walden Reservoir has enough ice. The event is an 18-hole golf tournament played on a course laid on the frozen waters of the reservoir just west of town. The course layout is based on an actual golf course, although not as long. Players use regular golf clubs and tennis balls. The "holes" are six inches in diameter and drilled into the ice. The "greens" and "fairways" are clean ice, and the "roughs" are snow. Cash prizes of several hundred dollars (based on the number of entries) can be won by the best golfers, or by entering a Calcutta and selecting the best team. The Jackson County Lions Club sponsors the event, and all proceeds above prize money and expenses go to community projects such as eye care for needy individuals in the community, scholarships, and support of Lions Park. The cost to enter is $25 per person. Call 970-723-4404 for an entry form or further information. Ask for the club pro.

Story Hour - Jackson County Public Library
If you have young children, here's an hour entertainingly spent for them. Every Friday from September through May from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call the library at 723-4602.

Friday Fun Club - Jackson County Public Library
This is held once a month in January, February and March, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It is open to all children from kindergarten through 5th grade. Come for activities, crafts and some good books! Call the library at 723-4602.

Moonlight Skiing - State Forest State Park
February 16th & March 21st from 6-9 pm. The State Forest State Park hosts two Full Moon Open Houses. They light the 6.5 mile groomed Gould Loop with glowsticks and participants will receive glow in the dark bracelets or necklaces. They provide hot dogs, cocoa, tea and coffee at this free event. SFSP also has a new recreation activity in the park called Geocaching. Geocaching is high tech treasure hunting with a GPS unit and can be done year around. If you don't have a GPS unit, don't worry. You can rent one at the Moose Visitor Center for a mere $10 a day. You can get more information on that at www.geocaching.com. The contact for Geocaching and for the moonlight skiing is Deb McLachlan at 723-8366.

Delaney Butte Lakes - Ice Fishing Contest
Sponsored by the North Park Chamber of Commerce, this event also offers cash prizes for overall and hourly winner. There are prizes for kids, a raffle for donated merchandise and other fun stuff. The tournament starts at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Additional information and registration forms are available through the North Park Chamber of Commerce at 416 Fourth Street, Walden, CO 80480, or by calling 970-723-4600, or by email at northparkcoc@cs.com

Gould Ski Scramble and Snowshoe Stomp
February 27, 2010
This cross-country ski and snowshoeing event includes a potluck supper and dance. The routes follow trails through the Colorado State Forest under the tallest mountains in North Park. The races are held the last weekend in February each year. For details and information on how to register visit www.timberlinetiming.com/Gould_Ski_Scramble.html or call 970-723-4070 .

Spring Ranch Rodeo
Sponsored by the North Park Stockgrowers, this is a gathering of ranch hands and real cowboys competing at such activities as sort by number, branding, trailer loading and more, held at the Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Includes lunch and a Calcutta. For information, contact Dusty Hackett at 723-4050.

Cribbage Tournament
The Stockman Bar on Main Street sponsors a cribbage tourney every year, in February or March. Singles and doubles pay a $5 entry fee. Call the Stockman at 723-8499.

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Sno-X Snowmobile Races
Snowmobile races such as you see on ESPN are coming to Walden; tentatively scheduled for January 12 & 13 with a second event March 1st and 2nd. In Sno-X, organizers construct a course of snow that includes tight turns, hills, jumps and high-speed straightaways. Races are run in heats. The event is sponsored by the North Park Snowsnakes club and sanctioned by Extreme Mountain Racing. Contact Randy Miller at randy@npeng.com.

Moonlight Skiing - State Forest State Park
February 16th & March 21st from 6-9 pm. The State Forest State Park hosts two Full Moon Open Houses. They light the 6.5 mile groomed Gould Loop with glowsticks and participants will receive glow in the dark bracelets or necklaces. They provide hot dogs, cocoa, tea and coffee at this free event. SFSP also has a new recreation activity in the park called Geocaching. Geocaching is high tech treasure hunting with a GPS unit and can be done year around. If you don't have a GPS unit, don't worry. You can rent one at the Moose Visitor Center for a mere $10 a day. You can get more information on that at www.geocaching.com. The contact for Geocaching and for the moonlight skiing is Deb McLachlan at 723-8366.

Calving Fever Show
By this time of the year (late March or early April), North Park residents really are suffering from calving fever - endless hours out in the cold making sure the calves survive. A nice break is offered with this event in Walden. The entertainment is what you would expect in a small Western town - good country music and funny cowboy stories and poetry, or a magician, or a
hypnotist - you never know what to expect. Refreshments are available. The program features art by local artists for sale. Watch The Jackson County Star for exact date, location and other details. Contact: Kyle Fliniau 723-8240.

Friday Fun Club - Jackson County Public Library
This is held once a month in January, February and March, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It is open to all children from kindergarten through 5th grade. Come for activities, crafts and some good books! Call the library at 723-4602.

Story Hour - Jackson County Public Library
If you have young children, here's an hour entertainingly spent for them. Every Friday from September through May from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call the library at 723-4602.

Murder Mystery Dinner
This event, loaded with laughter, is the annual fund raiser for the Jackson County Mental Health Association. It is held every March and is a hilarious evening of bad acting and good food. Tickets are available from Jackson County Mental Health at 970-723-0055. The event has sold out the last five years, so it's a good idea to buy tickets early.

Easter Egg Hunt
The North Park Community Easter Egg Hunt takes place on Easter Sunday at Hanson Park, beginning at 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Come early and have your child's picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Contact: Hayle Johnson 723-4928.

March Madness
The Stockman Bar does its part to cheer up winter-weary residents by offering free pool, golf darts, NASCAR races and Sunday night poker. Call the Stockman at 723-8499.

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APRIL

Sage Grouse Tours
April 19th & 20th/April 26th & 27th
Held every April during the last two weekends of the month, this is a chance to see the greater sage grouse males perform their mating dance in hopes of convincing the females to choose them. Birders come from as far away as England to observe the sage grouse in their mating rituals. Additional information is available through the North Park Chamber of Commerce at 416 Fourth Street, Walden, CO 80480, or by calling 970-723-4600, or by email at northparkcoc@cs.com.

Story Hour - Jackson County Public Library
If you have young children, here's an hour entertainingly spent for them. Every Friday from September through May from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call the library at 723-4602.

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North Park Fire Rescue Pancake Breakfast
The firefighters and EMTs host an annual free pancake breakfast, giving people a chance to see the firehouse and visit with the local firefighters - and they serve a fine breakfast. The firehouse is at 5th and McKinley. Contact: Jeff Benson 723-4965.

Motions Dance Academy Recital
North Park has more talent than one might imagine in a small community, and on the Saturday before the high school graduation ceremony on Sunday, the young people (and a few adults) get a chance to demonstrate their talent. The program features tap, ballet and jazz dances, and acrobatic performances. Contact: Heidi Grant at 970-819-0519.

Pioneer Museum Book Signings
The North Park Pioneer Museum opens Memorial Day weekend and closes at the end of September. During the summer months, the museum holds occasional book signings by local authors. Check with the museum at 723-3282, May-Sept. to see who is scheduled.

Story Hour - Jackson County Public Library
If you have young children, here's an hour entertainingly spent for them. Every Friday from September through May from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call the library at 723-4602.

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North Park Arts Council Membership Reception
This is Walden's truly elegant event, held in the lobby of the Antlers Inn, 460 Main Street. Open to members only, you can sign up to join the Council at the registration desk and then enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres and the music of various groups. Contact: Kyle Fliniau at 723-8240.

Never Summer Rodeo and Parade and North Park Pioneer Reunion
June 21st & 22nd
On the fourth Saturday and Sunday of June, the town fills up with rodeo fans and rodeo competitors. The rodeo is held both Saturday and Sunday at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. On Saturday evening there is a BBQ on Main Street in the park next to the bank, and live bands and dancing. Sunday kicks off with a parade through downtown. The North Park Pioneer Reunion,
a gathering of current and past North Park residents, is held Saturday. Contact: Helen Williams at 723-8639.

Oyster Fry
The North Park FFA puts on an Oyster Fry every year on rodeo Sunday. It is held on Main Street (look for the sign) and features Rocky Mountain oysters, hamburgers and trimmings. It's a good fund raiser and a good meal. Contact: Philip Anderson at 723-8303.

Rodeo Weekend
June 20th-21st

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Gould Events
The Gould Community hosts two potluck suppers in July, one of them in conjunction with their semi-annual community meeting. Contact: Jean Krause at 723-4785.

North Park Day Street Fair
July 12th
The central block of Main Street is closed off and the street is filled with booths offering a variety of products - handcrafted items, art, clothing, flea markets, food and the not-to-be-missed pie and ice cream (all homemade) booth of the North Park Woman's Club. The Jackson County Public Library holds its book sale the same day, outside the library on 4th Street. Call
the Chamber of Commerce at 723-4600 for booth rental and more information.

Barn and Outhouse Tour
July 13th
This event is the annual fund raiser for The Friends of the Library. Each year around 100 people climb on one of the school buses and get to ride around the county looking at barns, outhouses, historic buildings and, occasionally, a couple of moose playing in a pond. At the end of the tour, participants get a fine meal. All this for only $15 per person and a very good cause (new material for the library). Contact Debbi Anderson at 723-.8303.

Women's Retriever Club Field Dog Trials
July 25th-27th - Retrievers are tested annually in a non-competitive manner in areas such as terrain, bird placement, and natural conditions so as to provide a significant challenge to the abilities of a master hunting dog. This event is held each July at the Spicer Ranches near Walden. Contact: Kadi Workman at 970-482-2765.

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Rumble in Walden Car Show
The evening of Friday August 1st, the main streets of Walden, Colorado open up to the hottest rods and the meanest machines from around the entire country! Featuring: Dozen's of legendary 427 Cobra Roadsters driving in from all over the entire United States and Canada, just to be here in Walden! August 1st and 2nd. Check out www.superformance.org/walden/ for more information.

Wild West Relay - Get Your Ass over the Pass
The Wild West Relay is a 195-mile distance team running relay race adventure in Colorado designed for runners of all abilities. The fifth annual running of the Wild West Relay will be Friday - Saturday, August 7th - 8th, 2009. For more information, go to, www.wildwestrelay.com/.

Art In The Park and The Sky's The Limit@North Park Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 15th &16th
The balloons will lift off from the North Park High School grounds shortly after 6:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes there's space to take along a paying customer, so do inquire if you are interested in a ride. The artisan and food booths open at 9:00 a.m. in Hanson Park immediately adjacent to the school grounds, offering a wide
variety of art, handcrafted items, books by local authors, clothing, food and homemade ice cream. There are events to please everyone, from demonstrations to a children's story time, dance workshop, performances by various bands, and sometimes a Horseshoe Tournament. Contact: Kyle Fliniau at 723-8240.

Colorado Grand Vintage Auto Tour
This event occurs every other year (coming next in 2009), and if you admire beautifully restored old cars (and would like to see several million dollars worth of cars in one spot), here is your chance to ogle to your heart's content. Held on the Courthouse grounds, there is also a reasonably priced meal put on by the Lions Club. Contact: Rex Shaw at 723-4931.

Gould Community Turkey Fry
Gould hosts its annual turkey fry potluck supper in August, as well as another potluck supper later in the month. Contact: Jean Krause at 723-4785.

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Great Divide Triple Header Roping Event
This event started as a friendly competition between towns and is now a three-stop, three-day team-roping event that has been held on Labor Day weekend for the past several years. The stop in Jackson County takes place at the Spicer Ranches, located between mile markers 13 and 14 on Highway 14 southwest of Walden. The second event is held in Kremmling and the third in Steamboat Springs. All the events are open to the public and concessions are available at each venue. Contact: Dave at 723-4239 or Fred at 870-396-4900.

North Park Fair
September 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th
Held in early September every year, this four-day event is a North Park tradition that provides opportunities for youths and adults to exhibit their skills and talents. The display of authentic Jackson County craftsmanship, home arts, agriculture and prize-winning livestock showcase the rich culture of North Park. Projects from FFA and 4-H clubs are judged, as well as the Home Ec division with cooking, canning, art, photography, quilting and numerous other categories. Don't miss the Saturday night BBQ featuring smoked beef, pork and lamb. Dinner is followed by the popular Junior Livestock Sale where you can purchase a steer, lamb, pig or rabbit and contribute to a young person's college fund. Contact: Deb Alpe 723-4398.

Fall Ranch Rodeo

TBA
Sponsored by the North Park Stockgrowers, this is a gathering of ranch hands and cowboys competing at such activities as sort by number, branding, trailer loading and more, held at the Wattenberg Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Dusty Hackett at 723-4050.

Colorado Grand Antique Auto Tour
September 15th, 11th, 12th & 13th

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Gould Community Potluck Supper and Halloween Party
October 24th
These folks know how to put on a good meal - and a good show. Come for great home cooking, entertainment and to see some very inventive costumes. Contact: Jean Krause at 723-4785.

FFA Halloween Carnival and Cakewalk
October 31st
A fund raiser for the FFA, this event is held every year on the Saturday nearest to Halloween. Food and game booths abound. Contact: Philip Anderson at 723-8303.

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Harvest Craft Festival
Date TBA
This annual event, now sponsored by the North Park Arts Council, is held in the public school building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It brings out the best from local artists, artisans and cooks, and is a perfect time to do your Christmas shopping. Plan on having lunch there - local cooks will provide a tasty lunch for a small fee. Contact: Karen Miller at 723-4708 or Helen Williams at 723-8639.

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Gould Community Brunch and Silent Auction
December 13th

Christmas Bird Count
December 18th

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